Starting or growing a portfolio, gaining more independence, and shaping the future of your career around your own business. Buying a dental practice is a huge step.
Of course, there’s lots to consider. A dental practice acquisition isn’t like any other business transaction. It comes with clinical, commercial and regulatory responsibilities, so the right questions matter.
We’ve spent decades helping our healthcare clients ask those right questions. So, we’ve pulled together this helpful list, to get you started. Whether you have found a dental practice for sale that fits your plans or are still working out how to buy a dental practice, these are the questions we would want answered first.
Here are some questions to ask before you make that purchase.
1. What exactly are you buying?
Every practice has its own shape. Before you buy, get clear on what’s included and what you’re taking on.
Look closely at:
Is the property leasehold or freehold?
What types of dentistry are currently offered?
Does the patient profile suit your plans?
Will the existing staff stay after completion?
Is the team the right fit for the future of the business?
The detail here matters. It can reveal where the risks sit, where the opportunities are, and whether the practice is the right fit for your plans.
2. Where is the growth potential?
A good practice may already be profitable. But you should still ask whether it has room to grow.
Think about:
Could the practice offer additional services?
Is there scope to improve systems or staffing structures?
Does patient demand support future growth?
Are there obvious areas where profitability could be improved?
Growth potential in a dental practice should be demonstrable, not speculative. The strongest plans are based on what the practice is doing now, and what it could sensibly become with the right ownership.
"Before you commit, review the practice’s regulatory position carefully. If there are gaps, it might be ok – but you should be aware of what needs fixing."
3. Are you clear on the regulatory responsibilities?
This is where buying a dental practice differs from buying many other businesses. Compliance sits at the centre of the deal, and it needs proper due diligence.
Before you commit, review the practice’s regulatory position carefully. That means looking beyond the basic transfer process and testing whether the practice is operating safely, lawfully and in line with requirements.
If there are gaps, it might be ok – but you should be aware of what needs fixing.
Check the detail on:
CQC compliance: Is the practice correctly registered with the Care Quality Commission? Check inspection reports, ratings, any enforcement action, and whether there are outstanding compliance concerns.
NHS contracts: If the practice provides NHS services, review the NHS contract carefully. Look at UDA performance, possible clawback risk, contractual obligations and any current or historic disputes.
Associate and staff compliance: Are dentists, hygienists and other clinical staff properly registered with the General Dental Council? Do they have appropriate indemnity cover and right-to-work documentation?
Clinical governance: Review the policies and systems covering patient safety, safeguarding, infection prevention and control, radiography, consent, complaints handling and record keeping.
Health and safety: Check risk assessments, radiation protection arrangements, fire safety procedures, waste disposal and any other health and safety obligations that apply to the premises and the services provided.
Data protection: Confirm that patient records are being managed in line with UK GDPR and data protection requirements, including cybersecurity measures and access controls.
Premises and equipment: Review whether the premises, equipment and decontamination facilities meet current regulatory standards, and whether any upgrades may be needed after completion.
The aim is not to find perfection. It’s to understand what you are inheriting, what needs to be fixed, and whether the deal terms properly reflect the regulatory risk.
4. Can you afford it - properly?
This is the big one, of course. The headline price matters, but it is only part of the story.
Is the price within your budget?
Will you need a loan?
How much can you borrow?
What security will the bank need?
What income do you need the practice to generate for you?
Do not rely on the sales particulars alone. Look at turnover, scripts, staffing costs and profitability. Ask for business accounts and VAT returns covering at least the previous three years. They will give you a clearer view of what the practice is really worth, and what pressure it may place on you from day one. An independent dental practice valuation is worth commissioning at this stage, so the price you agree reflects what the practice genuinely earns rather than the asking figure.
5. Does the move work for your life, on a personal level?
This seems obvious, but it’s important to stand back and make sure this is the right time and place for you to take on a new practice. It’s a business decision, but it’s a lifestyle decision too.
Be honest about:
Is the location practical for you?
Would you need to relocate or take on a new commute?
Are you ready for longer hours and more responsibility?
Are you comfortable taking on a significant financial commitment?
Does working more independently appeal to you?
If you’re unsure, pause. A good acquisition should work for the business and for the way you want to live.
The bottom line
Buying a dental practice can be a strong and positive move. But it should be undertaken with full financial and legal understanding of the acquisition.
The right questions now can give you a better chance of building a practice that works for your patients, your team and you.
Our team of expert lawyers have helped clients buy, sell and grow dental practices for decades. Just get in touch, we’ll be happy to discuss your plans.
