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Your guide to buying or selling a dental practice
Buying or selling a dental practice marks a major professional milestone, often influenced by a combination of career ambitions and personal circumstances. Drawing on their experience in the sector, business valuation and brokerage specialist, Christie & Co, outlines key factors to consider during practice transitions.
Read time: 5 mins Added: 18/08/25
Selling a dental practice: more than a transaction
Selling your practice isn’t just about numbers, it’s about legacy. It’s about ensuring you care for your patients, respect your team, and that the final outcome reflects your years of hard work.
Here’s a guide to help you navigate this pivotal transition:
Start with a trusted conversation
Every sale should begin with a confidential, no-pressure discussion. Whether your motivation is retirement, relocation, or a new venture, these need to be aligned to current market dynamics. One key tip: be wary of agents who charge buyers instead of sellers as it can lead to misaligned priorities.
Get market-ready
Preparing your practice for sale is like preparing a patient for surgery. Thoroughness matters. Gather financials, compliance records, and operational insights to present your practice in the best possible light.
Craft a compelling story
A well-prepared Information Memorandum is more than a brochure; it’s your practice’s story. With professional photography, virtual tours, and floor plans, buyers can see the full picture before they even step through the door.
Navigate offers with confidence
When multiple offers come in (and they often do), there should be a structured bidding process in place. It’s not always about the highest price, it’s about the right fit for your patients, your team, and your future.
Negotiate with clarity
Once an offer is accepted, the Heads of Terms should be drafted. A crucial document that sets the tone for solicitors and accountants to formalise the deal.
Complete with care
Due diligence can feel daunting, but with the right support, valuations, legal checks and regulatory checks are manageable.
Buying a dental practice: a strategic career move
Owning a practice is a dream for many dentists, and for good reason. It offers autonomy, financial growth, and the chance to shape your own clinical environment. But buying a practice is also a serious commitment, and preparation is everything.
Here’s what to consider:
Start saving early
Most lenders need a 20% to 30% deposit. Having this ready gives you a competitive edge when the right opportunity arises.
Build your advisory team
A dental-specialist solicitor and accountant aren’t optional they’re essential. They’ll help you navigate contracts, compliance, and funding with confidence.
Know what you want
In 2025, mixed-income practices (NHS/private) are in high demand. Be clear on your preferred model and long-term vision, it’ll help you filter opportunities more effectively.
Stay resilient
It’s common to miss out on your first few bids. Don’t be discouraged. Each experience sharpens your instincts and brings you closer to the right fit.
Think beyond the purchase
Ownership doesn’t end at acquisition. Staffing, marketing, compliance, and patient retention all need planning. A strong transition plan sets the foundation for long-term success.
Market insights for 2025
- Demand remains strong: the UK dental market continues to see robust demand, particularly from independent buyers and first-time owner-operators. In 2024, viewings increased by 19%, offers rose by 17%, and agreed deals surged by 26% compared with the previous year. We expect this momentum to carry into 2025. People continue to have an appetite for all practice types.1
- Premium valuations: practices with digital systems, stable income, and growth potential are commanding strong valuations. Christie & Co reports that practices achieved an average of 108% of their asking price in 2024, and valuation multiples have now stabilised after a period of recalibration, indicating renewed optimism in the market.1
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1 Christie & Co - Dental Business Outlook 2025