“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.”
Henry Ford, founder, Ford Motor Company
Like most new ventures worth doing, starting a dental practice in the UK is an exciting – yet complex – journey, full of opportunities and challenges. With an overburdened NHS and growing demand for high-quality private dental care, now is a great time to establish your own clinic. However, the process requires meticulous planning, financial investment, and strategic decision-making.
Here are some facts and figures to mull over:
- The UK dental industry is valued at well over £6 billion, and continues to grow year on year.
- Up to 96% of NHS dental practices are unable to take on new adult patients due to high demand.
- Private dental practices generate an average revenue of £400,000 to £600,000 per year.
- The cost of setting up a new dental practice ranges can be as low as £100,000, but has the potential to be much higher.
- Patient satisfaction and retention are critical, with 75% of patients preferring to stay with a trusted dentist.
If you’re considering launching a new practice, ask yourself: Are you ready to navigate the legal, financial, and operational aspects of running a dental clinic? Do you have a solid business plan and a strategy for attracting and retaining patients?
Today, we’re putting the launch of a new UK dental practice in focus; unpacking what it takes, and how to get it right. Let’s get into it.
1. Starting a dental practice: the good, the bad, and the ugly
Before diving into the step-by-step guide, let’s explore three hypothetical scenarios that illustrate different outcomes when starting a dental practice in the UK. (Emphasis on “hypothetical!” The following aren’t real use cases – just illustrative examples.)
The good...
Take Bright Smile Dental, a new private dental practice in Manchester.
Founded by an experienced principal dentist with thorough market research and a detailed business plan, the clinic started with a clear vision. They invested in high-quality dental equipment, hired skilled dental hygienists, and focused on patient satisfaction.
And, by leveraging smart marketing and offering flexible payment plans, the practice quickly became highly profitable, attracting a loyal patient base. Today, Bright Smile Dental is a thriving, respected name in the local community.
The bad...
Now let’s consider Greenleaf Dental, a new dental practice in Birmingham. The owner had good intentions, but underestimated the importance of thorough market research and budgeting. The practice opened without a clear business plan and struggled with inconsistent patient flow.
Staffing issues, compliance challenges with health and safety standards, and difficulty balancing NHS and private services led to operational inefficiencies. Although still open – just about – Greenleaf Dental operates at the margins, with financial strain, low patient retention, and an unhappy team.
...And the (very) ugly
Ready? OK – lastly, let’s look at Apex Dental Care in London, which opened with grand ambitions but closed its doors with a resounding ‘thud’ inside two years.
Unfortunately, the owner overlooked key regulations from the General Dental Council, purchased outdated dental equipment, and neglected proper financial planning.
Without experienced professionals to guide operations, the practice suffered from compliance violations and legal issues. Patient complaints surged, staff turnover was high, and eventually, Apex Dental Care shut down for good, leaving behind little more than a cautionary tale.
→ Thankfully, practices that partner with InDesk avoid falling victim to a similar fate.
Want to read some real-life case studies and success stories? Check out our clients now.
2. How to start a dental practice in the UK: 7 Steps
Safe to say: starting a dental clinic requires careful preparation. According to our experts, one of the single biggest predictors of success is a strong foundation. Here are the key steps to get started.
1. Conduct thorough market research
Understanding your target market is crucial. Research existing practices in your chosen location, identify gaps in services, and assess demand for private vs NHS dental care. A successful dental business aligns its offerings with the needs of the local community.
2. Develop a detailed business plan
A comprehensive business plan should cover financial projections, funding sources, staffing needs, and growth strategies. Investors and banks will require a solid plan before approving loans or investments.
3. Secure funding and financial planning
Of course, opening a dental practice is a significant financial investment. Explore financing options, including bank loans, private investors, or NHS funding. Budgeting for equipment, staff salaries, and operational expenses is critical.
4. Choose the right location
Your clinic’s location impacts patient accessibility and visibility. Opt for a high-traffic area with easy access to transport links and parking. The right location enhances patient acquisition and retention.
5. Invest in high-quality equipment and staff
A well-equipped clinic with modern technology enhances patient care and efficiency, and allows you to provide the most popular dental treatments. Hire skilled dental professionals, including dental hygienists and administrative staff, to create a seamless patient experience.
6. Ensure compliance with regulations
Register with the General Dental Council and adhere to health and safety standards. Meeting regulatory requirements is essential for running a legitimate and reputable practice.
7. Build a strong patient acquisition and retention strategy
Marketing, referrals, and online presence are vital for attracting patients. Implement digital marketing strategies, offer competitive pricing, and prioritise patient satisfaction to encourage loyalty.
3. Here’s the secret to making your new dental practice a success
Ultimately, success in dentistry isn’t only about clinical skills – it’s about running a well-organised business. We can’t emphasise that enough.
And that’s where InDesk for dental clinics comes in.
By outsourcing administrative tasks, appointment scheduling, and patient management to InDesk, you can focus on providing top-tier dental services while ensuring smooth operations. Because, as we know; freeing yourself from the administrative burden leads to higher patient satisfaction, a happier work culture, and a more profitable practice.
And what’s not to love about that? Find out more today. Reach out now →
4. Where should you be looking for patients?
To build a thriving practice, consider:
- Local SEO and digital marketing
- Community outreach and networking
- Partnering with local businesses and health providers
- Social media engagement and referral programs
- Offering flexible payment plans
More importantly, how should you be treating them?
In a word: exceptionally.
Patient experience is everything. A positive, welcoming environment, clear communication, and personalised care foster loyalty and encourage word-of-mouth referrals.
Trust us. It really does make all the difference.
5. Start your new practice with confidence
Starting a dental practice in the UK, then, is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. It won’t be easy – but nothing worth doing is, right? With careful planning, financial diligence, and the right support, you can create a highly profitable business that serves the local community effectively.
As dentistry in the UK continues to evolve, private practices that prioritise patient satisfaction and efficiency are the ones set to thrive.
Here at InDesk, we utilise remote receptionists, and specialise in helping dental professionals reduce their administrative workload, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: patient care.
Get in touch with us today and take the first step toward building a successful dental practice.
