Selling a dental practice is one of the biggest professional milestones you’ll face and one of the most complex. At Frank Taylor & Associates, we always recommend instructing a solicitor who specialises in dental transactions, rather than relying on a general high-street legal firm.
A solicitor with genuine dental sector expertise can save you both time and money. They understand the unique aspects of practice sales that a non-specialist might overlook. Their familiarity with industry-specific documents, from warranties and guarantees to contractual fine print, ensures your legal position is properly protected.
Think about it: do you really want your solicitor figuring things out as they go along? A practice sale is too important to be treated as a training exercise. You need someone who already knows the process, the pitfalls, and the regulations from the very start.
It’s not just about what goes into a contract – it’s often about what gets left out. An experienced dental solicitor will know what clauses must be included to safeguard you, and just as importantly, what red flags to spot if they’re missing. Without that knowledge, you could be left exposed to risks long after completion.
Consider this example. A dentist sold his practice and, a year later, the buyer made a claim against him. Because the right conditions hadn’t been written into the agreement, the buyer was legally entitled to claw back £50,000 of the purchase price. That costly mistake could have been avoided had the seller used a specialist solicitor from the outset.
On top of this, dental practice sales bring additional regulatory challenges. A specialist solicitor will be familiar with NHS contract transfers, CQC registration, and the legalities of patient plan scheme transitions. These are critical areas that, if mishandled, can stall or even derail a sale. The right solicitor will know the right questions to ask and make sure everything is fully compliant.
Equally important is attitude. Dental sales can take several months to complete, and having a solicitor who is proactive and determined to see the deal through makes a huge difference. A “can-do” mindset helps maintain momentum and reduces delays.
At Frank Taylor & Associates, we only recommend solicitors who specialise in dentistry and who have a proven track record in handling practice sales. Their sector knowledge gives our clients the confidence that their deal will be completed smoothly and securely.
When we handle a sale, we take care of everything – from valuation, confidentiality, and marketing through to connecting with buyers. But when it comes to finalising the deal, your solicitor is the one making sure your interests are properly protected.
Key takeaways:
- Experience counts – your solicitor should already know the dental sector, not be learning on the job.
- It’s what’s missing that matters – the right clauses protect you from hidden risks.
- Mistakes can be costly – as shown in the £50,000 refund case.
- Specialist knowledge keeps the process compliant, smooth, and secure.
Selecting the right solicitor isn’t just a formality. It’s about safeguarding your future. With an experienced dental specialist by your side, you can approach your practice sale with complete confidence.
