Changes to the base rate can affect borrowing costs, which could influence loans for practice purchases or refurbishments.

This is a great opportunity to review your current funding, as a change in the rate could open up new opportunities or even help you secure a better deal. That said, it is always wise to review your rates regularly, just as you would with your personal mortgage, to make sure you are getting the best terms for your practice.

Whether you are taking the exciting step of buying your first practice or planning for future growth, staying informed can help you make confident and well-timed financial decisions.

If you would like to explore how this could work in your favour, book a call with one of our finance consultants to review your options and ensure you’re ready for your next step.

The post Upcoming Base Rate Review – 19th March: What could it mean for your practice? appeared first on Henry Schein Dental Practice Sales.

For many dental practice owners and associates, the new year brings a significant Self-Assessment tax bill. With HMRC payments due in one lump sum, cashflow can quickly become stretched – particularly if you are investing in growth, purchasing equipment, or planning a practice acquisition.

An Income Tax Loan can provide a practical solution by spreading the cost of your tax liability into manageable monthly payments.

We work closely with a trusted specialist finance provider who offers income tax funding designed to support business cashflow and reduce the risk of late payment penalties.

Enquire with our finance team today to explore suitable funding options.

Why Consider an Income Tax Loan?
In January 2025, combined receipts from Self-Assessed Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax reached an estimated £36.2 billion – the highest January total since records began in 1999. The majority of this relates to Self-Assessment income tax, which is particularly relevant to dental professionals.

Rather than using working capital or overdraft facilities to pay HMRC, income tax funding allows you to:

• Spread payments over fixed monthly instalments
• Protect practice cashflow
• Avoid late penalties and interest
• Maintain liquidity for growth and investment

For principals, partners, and high-earning associates, forward planning around tax commitments can help safeguard both business stability and future opportunities.

Fast and Straightforward Funding
Through our specialist finance partner, applications are completed online with quick decisions and funds typically available within 48 hours.

As part of our wider support across dental practice sales, valuations, and finance, we can introduce you to the right provider and help ensure the facility aligns with your broader financial plans.

If you have an upcoming Self-Assessment bill and want to protect your cashflow:

Enquire with our finance team today for a confidential discussion.

Early planning can turn a tax pressure into a structured cashflow solution.

The post Income Tax Loans for Dental Professionals: A smart way to manage self-assessment bills appeared first on Henry Schein Dental Practice Sales.

We’ve partnered with UNW, a leading national advisory team acting for over 500 dentists across the UK to host a Q&A for dentists. The live session provided an overview of the Autumn Budget in relation to dental practice owners or anyone looking to purchase or sell a dental practice followed by answers to their most frequently asked questions including:

• Impact of Tax Changes on Dentists
• National Minimum Wage Increases
• Dental Practice Sales and Valuations
• Tax Efficiency Strategies for Investments
• Future Planning and Budgeting and more…

Watch the 2025 Autumn Budget Q&A for dentists

The live session hosted by Henry Schein Dental Practice Sales and delivered by Mike Blenkharn was recorded on 2 December 2025 for dentists to watch on demand here

Download your guide

UNW has compiled an Autumn Budget summary which includes changes announced during the Budget, and measures previously announced. The guide provides a summary of changes relating to personal tax, employment, business, capital taxes, inheritance tax and other matters. Download your copy today

Questions?

If you’re considering selling or buying a dental practice, or need to refinance, chat to one of our experts by contacting us here.

For expert specialist advice and bespoke tax planning, contact the UNW Tax partners

The post Autumn Budget 2025: What does it mean for buying or selling a dental practice? [Free Guide] appeared first on Henry Schein Dental Practice Sales.

Our Financial Consultant Zoe Forde explains the potential benefits of 100% funding if you’re an Associate considering buying your first dental practice…

100% funding enables you to protect your personal assets

100% lending provides the freedom to invest in the practice which perhaps would not have been achievable.  Some buyers may have strong cash reserves yet prefer 100% lending to preserve their liquidity and maintain financial flexibility. The great news is that 100% finance options are often available and, in many cases, do not require security against personal property.

“Lloyds has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting clients in a competitive market with ongoing reviews of its credit policies. Following valuable feedback from the broker network, the NACFB Patron’s business development team has introduced key enhancements to Lloyds’ dental lending policy. The updates include an extended goodwill lending term of up to 20 years, improving affordability and flexibility for borrowers. LTV ratios have also been increased to 100% for single practices, up to 90% for two to four practices, and case-dependent terms for five or more practices, subject to overall proposition strength.” Lloyds, Press Release  

Lower deposit requirements enable you to step into ownership sooner

Many clinicians struggle to accumulate large savings due to years of investment in education and training. Traditional deposit requirements have long been a barrier to ownership, so full lending removes this obstacle, enabling you to step into ownership earlier.

Acting quickly in a fast-moving market as a first-time buyer

With practice prices rising and competition intensifying, agility is everything. 100% funding allows you to act decisively when the right practice becomes available particularly in competitive sales where speed and certainty are crucial.

With a major lender now offering 100% lending and lower loan-to-value ratios, it’s a clear sign the dental sector remains a stable and low-risk sector, with predictable income streams and strong historical repayment performance. The banks are currently competing with one another on policy as they are all keen to lend in the healthcare sector – specifically dental. This means it’s a great time to buy.

Key reasons to consider buying now:

• 100% lending for first time purchasers
• Longer terms of up to 20 years on Goodwill
• Zero-fee lending options are available through select banks
• Rates as low as 1.45% above Bank of England base rate
• Health care lenders more competitive than ever

Ready to see what you can borrow?

For more information about funding your practice purchase, or to refinance your existing loan, chat to our practice finance team on 01332 609 318 or book a confidential online consultation by clicking the below.

The post 100% funding now available to buy a dental practice appeared first on Henry Schein Dental Practice Sales.

As a dentist who’s been running a practice for a few years, you’re likely familiar with the constant balancing act of managing patients, staff, and the overwhelming administrative responsibilities that come with owning a business. The passion that drove you into dentistry initially may feel increasingly overshadowed by the day-to-day challenges of running a practice. 

The good news? You’re not alone.

A growing number of dental practice owners in their 30s and 40s are realising that the demands of practice ownership can take away from the parts of dentistry they truly love. If you’re considering selling your practice, it’s a step toward reducing responsibilities and returning solely to what originally inspired your career: providing care to your patients. 

Read our interview with Stuart Garton, previous practice owner of The Dental House Liverpool, who sold his practice seven years into his ownership in order to reduce responsibilities. The practice completed within nine months and he was able to work within the practice on a part-time basis, enabling him to get back to clinical work.  

“Those selling should consider reaching out early, even if you’re only contemplating the idea for the future. Seeking feedback on accounts, evaluating areas for improvement, and preparing the practice for sale well in advance can significantly enhance the selling process. Personally, I wish I had engaged in this process earlier; it likely would have made the transition smoother.”

Questions?

If you’re considering selling or buying a dental practice, or need to refinance, chat to one of our experts by contacting us here.

The post Selling your Dental Practice: Not just for retirement. appeared first on Henry Schein Dental Practice Sales.

Here are some things to consider when it comes to buying a practice with an NHS element: 

Banks are very keen to lend on NHS practices
Part of this is due to the stability of the income. As an owner of an NHS dental practice, you know what’s coming into the practice every month and you know how much money you have available to pay your associates and work with. Essentially the NHS contract can cover your overheads, allowing you to offer complementary private dental treatments to drive profitability.   

UDA rates can vary in profitability
Since the NHS contract reform, there is a vast disparity in UDA rates paid to practices; for practices with a minimum UDA value, it is becoming more challenging to maintain profitability whereas practices with higher UDA rates generally remain profitable; careful selection when purchasing a practice is therefore key!

With a higher UDA rate, practice owners can respond to the higher UDA values being commanded by associate dentists, aiding associate retention. It is worth considering that with less providers willing to deliver NHS dentistry, some practices have successfully negotiated increased contract values. 

Staff retention
More associates are looking to work on a part-time basis so delivering a contract with a substantial number of UDAs can be difficult. Associates generally prefer to work with private patients rather than NHS which is driving a competitive market for NHS dentists. This means practices are having to pay substantially more per UDA to associates than even 12-18 months ago. 

Practices in urban areas can be more profitable
A dental practice in an urban area is often less affected by UDA rates than their rural or costal counterparts largely due to a greater availability of associate dentists willing to undertake UDAs. The availability offers an allocation of fewer UDAs across a broader clinical team, allowing Associates to provide a mix of treatments and increase job satisfaction 

Annual uplifts
The annual uplift in NHS contracts can help practices off-set rising costs such as the annual increase in National Minimum Wage for support staff; particularly in the last couple of years where practices have been awarded higher annual uplifts due to the high inflationary pressures. NHS dentistry also provides partial protection against the economic climate.  

Value of NHS Practices
Despite the turbulence associated with NHS dentistry over the last few years, there is a continued premium for NHS dental goodwill, with both independent and corporate buyers still valuing the security an NHS contract brings. 

Register as a buyer  

Whether it’s your first or twentieth practice, our expert consultants are here to guide you through every step of the way of buying a dental practice. 

We offer three buying tiers with a range of benefits: 

1. General Market Buyers – benefit from no membership fees, alerts to new practices to market, buyer-seller viewings arranged and access to Henry Schein Financial Services for practice funding 
2. Priority Tier Buyers – enjoy all the benefits of a general market buyer plus early access to practice particulars, priority viewing slots and opportunity to secure purchase opportunities before they reach the open market 
3. Premier Tier Buyers – enjoy all the benefits of a Priority Tier Buyer plus closed-market buying pool, opportunity to secure larger practices suited to corporate ownership, fast-tracked practice marketing documents, opportunity to purchase practice groups and an account manager offering a network of Henry Schein Services 

Register as a buyer or update your buyer requirements here 

The post Should I consider buying an NHS dental practice?  appeared first on Henry Schein Dental Practice Sales.

Our new insights report provides an in-depth look at the perspectives of dental practice owners, providing valuable insights into their goals, challenges, and aspirations for the year ahead. Through a comprehensive set of survey questions, we’ve gathered essential feedback to better understand the priorities of owners.

This report also highlights input from dental professionals across the industry, uncovering emerging trends, challenges, and new opportunities that will influence the future of dental practices. Don’t miss out on these crucial insights to help you plan for the year ahead.

Download your copy

The report covers key areas including inside the dental practice, the day job, the dental industry and future priorities. Download your copy today

Questions?

If you’re considering selling or buying a dental practice, or need to refinance, chat to one of our experts by contacting us here.

The post Inside The Industry: Practice Owners’ Goals & Challenges in 2025 and beyond [Free Download] appeared first on Henry Schein Dental Practice Sales.

• Are practices reducing the associate split to counter the increase in costs?
• How do you calculate the nurse hour v clinician hour ratio?
• What formula do you use for hygienist recharge with Associates?
• Does it make sense to increase pension contributions to the max £60K as a ltd company?
• If it is possible to know new percentages for NASDAL / expected costs on average, what most practices are doing in increasing fees or restructuring?
• Any process automation ideas that are financially proven to help reduce costs rather than distract and add complexity
• Can an NHS Dental contract be sold independently and how?

And more!

Watch the How to Mitigate Rising Costs webinar here

The live session was delivered by Mike Blenkharn Partner and Head of Dental at UNW LLP and Alison Bates, an expert in dental practice valuations at Henry Schein Dental Practice Sales, was recorded on 27 February 2025 for dental practice owners to watch on demand here

Download your guide

UNW has compiled an Autumn Budget summary which includes changes announced during the Autumn Budget, and measures previously announced, but only coming into effect from April 2025 or later. The guide provides a summary of changes relating to personal tax, employment, business, capital taxes, inheritance tax and other matters. Download your copy today

Get expert help to mitigate rising costs and protect your profit

By acting now, you can protect the profitability of your practice which is the most important measure when it comes to valuing your practice when you come to sell. Book a valuation here or request a call back from one of our experts to see how we can help.

For expert specialist advice and bespoke tax planning, contact the UNW Tax partners

The post On-Demand Webinar: How to Mitigate the Rising Costs of Owning a Dental Practice in 2025 appeared first on Henry Schein Dental Practice Sales.

Leases are often a factor that can slow the sale process down, and we want to help you prevent this. Our Business Manager Kimberley Parker explores the key lease terms to consider when purchasing a leasehold practice.

Term remaining on the lease

One key factor to consider is how many years are remaining on the lease. Ideally, the lease should be renewable with a minimum term 15 years. This satisfies the lender requirements, whilst also providing you with security. Typically, the lease will not have the full term remaining and would therefore need to be negotiated, this is something that both we, and the solicitors will support you with.

This could also be an opportunity to review and negotiate clauses to ensure they align with your future plans. However, keep in mind that involving a third party, like the landlord, might slow down the sale process.

Clauses

You may view this as an opportunity to review and negotiate clauses to better align with your future plans. Since timing is a critical factor that can influence the sale of a practice, we encourage you to manage it strategically. While we focus on ensuring a streamlined process, we also prioritise thoroughness to safeguard every important detail. We’re here to support you every step of the way to help make the process both efficient and comprehensive.

Variance based on location

Lease requirements can vary by location—for example, leases in London might have specific considerations, such as a shorter term which the lenders are used to, and this is something that we can guide you through.

Register as a buyer 

Whether it’s your first or twentieth practice, our expert consultants are here to guide you through every step of the way of buying a dental practice.

We offer three buying tiers with a range of benefits:

1. General Market Buyers – benefit from no membership fees, alerts to new practices to market, buyer-seller viewings arranged and access to Henry Schein Financial Services for practice funding
2. Priority Tier Buyers – enjoy all the benefits of a general market buyer plus early access to practice particular, priority viewing slots and opportunity to secure purchase opportunities before they reach the open market
3. Premier Tier Buyers – enjoy all the benefits of a Priority Tier Buyer plus closed-market buying pool, opportunity to secure larger practices suited to corporate ownership, fast-tracked practice marketing documents, opportunity to purchase practice groups and an account manager offering a network of Henry Schein Services

Register as a buyer or update your buyer requirements here

The post Key Considerations When Buying a Leasehold Dental Practice appeared first on Henry Schein Dental Practice Sales.

Here’s six reasons why now is an ideal time to take the leap into dental practice ownership…

1. Positive movement in the Bank of England base rate

The Bank of England has recently reduced its base rate from 4.25% to 4% (correct as of 7 August 2025). This downward trend in interest rates is a promising sign for borrowers. A lower base rate directly impacts borrowing costs, making loans for buying dental practices more affordable. With potential further reductions on the horizon, now is an excellent time to lock in favourable financing terms.

2. Dental practices remain profitable

Despite changes in the broader economy, dental practices continue to demonstrate robust profitability. Recent budget adjustments have further reinforced the stability of this sector, ensuring that practice owners can maintain strong cash flow. This profitability supports loan affordability, giving lenders confidence in financing dental practice acquisitions.

3. Banks are eager to lend to dentists

The dental sector is recognised as a low-risk, high-reward investment by financial institutions. Banks’ appetite for lending in this space remains very positive, where our panel of banks offer tailored loan products designed specifically for dental professionals including 100% finance for first time buyers. This eagerness to lend is a testament to the sector’s resilience and potential for long-term growth.

4. Historical, and continued low lending margins

In addition to the reduced base rate, banks are offering competitive lending margins, with some as low as 1.8% above the base rate. These low margins translate to more affordable monthly payments and overall borrowing costs, enabling buyers to secure financing on highly favourable terms.

5. A stable and growing industry

The dental industry is a cornerstone of healthcare, with steady demand for services ranging from routine cleanings to advanced procedures. This demand ensures a consistent patient base and reliable revenue stream for practice owners. Moreover, the growing awareness of oral health impact on overall wellness continues to drive new patient engagement – key for buying a dental practice.

6. Build equity and secure your future

Buying a dental practice not only provides immediate financial rewards but also allows you to build equity in a valuable asset. As you repay your loan, you’re investing in a business that can grow in value and serve as a foundation of your long-term financial security.

Expert guidance at every step…

Transitioning to ownership can feel complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. We’re dedicated to helping you find the perfect dental practice and as independent advisors, we can help you explore all the lending solutions that banks and building societies offer to fit your unique needs.

Henry Schein Financial Services offers specialised support to simplify the process – you can also benefit from access to preferential rates and terms. Our team connects you with lenders who understand the unique needs of dental professionals, ensuring you’re equipped for success.

Seize the opportunity… 

With interest rates trending downward, strong profitability, and unmatched support from banks, there has never been a better time to invest in a dental practice. Owning your practice is more than a career milestone—it’s a step toward financial independence and professional fulfilment.

Ready to begin your ownership journey, or to grow your current portfolio?

Contact Henry Schein Financial Services experts today to learn how we can help you secure the future you deserve. If you’re keen to know what dental practices are for sale in a certain location or at a certain price, register as a buyer and we’ll send you details of dental practices that meet your requirements.

The post 6 Reasons Why Now is a Great Time to Buy a Dental Practice appeared first on Henry Schein Dental Practice Sales.