David Murnaghan, the visionary behind Boyne Dental & Implant Clinic, embodies a unique blend of medical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and heartfelt dedication to improving lives through dentistry
His journey, rooted in family, resilience, and innovation, offers a compelling narrative of leadership and humility. All of this will be tested with his new position as the UK and Ireland ambassador for the Digital Dentistry Society. Think Bono, Nelson Mandela, and as you will soon see, Johnny Weissmuller
FOUNDATIONS: A MEDICAL HERITAGEAND ENTREPRENEURIAL SPARK
Born into a family steeped in medicine, David’s path to dentistry was almost predestined. As is apparent throughout his career, the hand of fate and the mentorship of unique individuals enabled him to marry his scientific curiosity with hands-on patient care. Graduating from Queen’s University Belfast, he forged lifelong bonds with peers, laying the groundwork for a collaborative approach that would define his career. In 2006, amid Ireland’s economic boom, David began his dental sojourn. The 2008 crash tested his resolve, but his mantra—“Say yes, and figure it out”—propelled him forward. Boyne Dental began in 2012 and has grown from a one-day-a-week operation to three thriving clinics with 85 team members, including specialists and generalists. His wife, Carol, became the administrative backbone, balancing family life (they have four children under 13) with business growth.
REDEFINING PATIENT CARE: INNOVATION AND EMPATHY
David’s clinics are a far cry from the sterile dental offices of the past. Recognizing patient anxiety, he transformed the experience with spa-like touches: Netflix, aromatherapy, and noise-canceling Bose speakers. There is a dedicated call centre that coordinates all the scheduling for the three clinics. As such, receptionists take no calls in the facility, prioritizing an environment of calm and tranquility. This philosophy stems from his belief that “90s and 00s dentistry was a point of terror”—a mindset he actively dismantles. His expertise in implants and aesthetic dentistry has restored confidence to countless patients. For instance, a quick Google search finds the story of Michael Sheridan, who having lost all 27 teeth to decay, regained his smile and life through David’s cutting-edge 3D-implant techniques—a testament to David’s technical mastery and compassion.
MENTORSHIP AND LEADERSHIP: BUILDING A LEGACY
David’s leadership thrives on trust and organic growth. He avoids micromanagement, empowering a core team—like longtime employee Agnes—to uphold the clinic’s values. His mentorship philosophy emphasizes learning from mistakes: “Demystify implants; simplify the approach.” Collaborating with mentors like Dr. Raj Patel, he emphasizes practical, real-world training, exemplified by Boyne Dental’s year-long implant courses supported by Dentsply Sirona.
As the Digital Dentistry Society (DDS) Ambassador for the UK and Ireland, David champions technological integration—AI for patient notes, facial scans—while ensuring tools enhance, rather than complicate, care. His goal? To make digital dentistry accessible and patient centric.
BALANCING ACT: FAMILY, FITNESS, AND COMMUNITY
David’s life extends beyond the clinic. A devoted father, he coaches his children’s water polo teams, viewing teamwork as a mirror for clinic dynamics. His own athletic feats, like swimming the North Channel from Ireland to Scotland in 11°C waters, reflect his tenacity. “It’s about staying healthy in body and mind,” he says, a principle he extends to patients through holistic health discussions. Even in emergencies—like delivering his child roadside—David’s calm resolve shines. This humility underpins his legacy: “It’s not about me. It’s about DDS becoming bigger, helping clinicians globally”.
LOOKING AHEAD: THE DIGITAL FRONTIER AND GLOBAL IMPACT
David’s vision continues to evolve. He explores AI for consent processes and facial scanning, aiming to blend technology with personalized care. His clinics, strategically located outside Dublin, serve underserved regions, proving quality care needn’t be urban-centric.Through it all, David remains grounded. “Geniuses steal,” he quips, embracing ideas that elevate patient outcomes. Whether mentoring the next generation or advocating for digital dentistry, his legacy is one of adaptive leadership, humility, and an unwavering commitment to “improving quality of life, one smile at a time”.