Do the Summer Holidays Fill You With Dread?
While most people look forward to the summer holidays with anticipation, for many dental practice owners, the thought of taking a break can bring more anxiety than excitement. If youāre a principal who feels chained to your practice, even a few days away can feel like an uphill battle – juggling patient care, staff queries, and the inevitable ājust one thingā that always seems to crop up.
Youāre not alone.
Running a dental practice is all-consuming. The responsibility sits heavily – staffing, compliance, patient retention, financial pressures, CQC inspections, marketing, equipment maintenance… the list is endless. And when summer arrives, the idea of stepping away can feel more like a logistical nightmare than a well-earned rest.
But it doesnāt have to be this way.
Start Building for Freedom, Not Just Survival
Taking real time off starts with changing how your practice is structured. Here are some of the longer-term strategies that can help shift the burden off your shoulders:
- Build an Associate-Led Model
If you’re currently the main income-generator in the practice, the thought of being away for a week might be terrifying. But with the right associates in place, trained to uphold your standards and supported with clear systems, your practice can continue to thrive even when you’re not there. - Strengthen Your Management Team
A great practice manager can be worth their weight in gold. Invest in someone who can handle day-to-day issues, manage the team, and make key decisions in your absence. Delegation isnāt a weakness – itās a skill. - Systemise Everything
From treatment plans to staff rotas, systemise your operations. The more repeatable and consistent your workflows are, the less reliant your business is on you personally. This doesnāt just improve your ability to take time off – it also adds value to the practice. - Think Like an Owner, Not Just a Clinician
Itās easy to get stuck in the surgery. But if you want freedom, you need to wear your ābusiness ownerā hat more often. Step back. Review your numbers. Assess your team. Plan your future. Thatās the work that leads to a business that doesnāt need you 24/7. - Set Boundaries & Practice Leadership
Itās okay to be unavailable. Set expectations with your team about when and how you can be contacted. Empower them to problem-solve. Your absence shouldnāt feel like a crisis – it should feel like a normal part of how your business operates.
Orā¦ Is It Time to Take a Different Path?
Despite the best strategies, not every principal wants to keep running at full tilt. If the thought of spending another summer shackled to your practice fills you with dread, maybe itās time to explore something different.
Selling your dental practice doesnāt have to be an end – it can be a beginning. For many principals we work with, the decision to sell is about reclaiming balance, time, and control. Whether youāre looking to retire, reduce your clinical hours, or simply enjoy a life outside of dentistry, selling your practice could be the key to finally switching off – physically and mentally.
At Frank Taylor & Associates, weāve supported thousands of practice owners through that transition. Weāll help you understand your options, evaluate the market, and plan the next steps – on your terms.
Because the summer holidays should feel like a break, not a burden.
Thinking about your exit?
Letās have a confidential conversation about how you can take back control.
Practice - Greater London
Practice location: This practice is located in a residential area of west London which benefits from excellent transport links, being close to major roads connecting to the M4, M40, and M25. The practice is in a predominantly residential area with some commercial outlets close by.
Practice type: This is a single-surgery practice being sold with the freehold. The practice is situated on the ground floor of a commercial property with air conditioning, digital x-rays, a scanner, and modern facilities. There is on-site parking for one car and ample street parking. The principal is selling to facilitate retirement.
Practice financials: The gross fee income for the past 12 months is in the region of Ā£250,000 and is composed of approximately 80% NHS and 20% private income. The income is generated by the principal working five days a week, supported by a hygienist one day a week, one nurse, and two trainee nurses.
Price achieved: A price of Ā£813,000 was achieved.
Agent's comments: This well-presented practice offered an excellent opportunity for a first-time buyer, with strong profitability and potential to increase income through evening and weekend appointments and further development of private services. The locationās demand for private dentistry remains high, and the inclusion of the freehold adds long-term security.
Number of people looking in the area: 3,312
Practice - Staffordshire
Practice location: Located in a picturesque commuter town in the heart of Staffordshire, this practice benefits from a blend of historic charm and modern development. The town, with a population exceeding 24,000, is seeing further expansion through a major housing development of over 2,500 new homes. With strong transport links via the M6, M6 Toll, and M54 motorways, it provides excellent connectivity to Birmingham, Manchester, and London.
Practice type: This is a five-surgery predominantly NHS practice, presented as a share sale of a limited company. The practice occupies a large, three-storey detached building and includes multiple clinical and staff facilities across several floors, along with staff parking and additional outbuildings. It has been established for over 135 years and the property is offered freehold.
Practice financials: The gross fee income for the past 12 months is in the region of Ā£1,210,000, comprising 84% NHS, 16% private income. The income is generated by five associates working a mix of three to five days a week, supported by aa practice manager, five qualified and five trainee dental nurses, and a full-time receptionist.
Price achieved: A price of Ā£2,093,000 was achieved.
Agent's comments: This well-established and highly systemised practice represents a turnkey opportunity with a strong NHS base and scope to expand both the number of surgeries and private income. With no evening or weekend appointments currently offered, there is clear potential for growth. It has consistently met or exceeded NHS targets and was presented to over 600 potential buyers, underlining its popularity.
Number of people looking in the area: 825
Practice - Surrey
Practice location: This modern, fully private practice is situated in a prime location making it highly convenient for both commuters and local residents. The town has a population of over 100,000 and continues to grow, supported by its strong transport links and appeal as a commercial hub.
Practice type: This is a three-surgery private practice operating from a detached building. There are two additional surgeries plumbed and wired. The property is leasehold with a new 15-year lease to be granted, and the premises include ample parking space.
Practice financials: The annualised gross income based on recent performance is approximately Ā£504,000, derived entirely from private and plan income. The income is generated by the principal working full-time, two associates, and three hygienists, supported by two nurses and two receptionists. Staff costs for the five-month period were Ā£40,000.
Price achieved: A price of Ā£850,000 was achieved.
Agent's comments: This practice has already demonstrated strong income growth and patient demand. With further surgery space available and an experienced team in place, it represents a rare turnkey opportunity in an outstanding location.
Number of people looking in the area: 2,333
Practice - South London
Practice location: Located along a prominent high street in a well-connected London borough, this practice enjoys high visibility and strong footfall. The surrounding area features a mix of residential, commercial, and green spaces, and is undergoing extensive regeneration aimed at improving local infrastructure and amenities.
Practice type: This is a two-surgery mixed practice which occupies the ground floor of a shop-fronted commercial property. The property is virtual freehold, and the sale is structured as an asset purchase by a sole trader. The practice is well-presented with full computerisation and includes a decontamination room, staff areas, and ample record storage.
Practice financials: The gross income for the past 12 months is approximately Ā£300,000, of which 88% is NHS and 12% private. The income is generated by an associate working 24 hours per week, a therapist for 8 hours, and supported by a full-time nurse.
Price achieved: A price of Ā£700,000 was achieved.
Agent's comments: This lifestyle practice offers excellent scope for growth with only 40% of the available surgery time currently utilised. Its strong NHS base, underused private potential, and high street location make it an ideal acquisition for a full-time owner-operator seeking to develop the private side of the business. The practice is turnkey and requires no additional investment.
Number of people looking in the area: 2,707
