You Made It Through the UDA Year… What Comes Next?
Reaching the end of the UDA year is no small achievement. For many practice owners, it has been another demanding cycle of targets, pressures, staffing challenges, and constant decision-making. Simply getting to this point is something worth recognising.
But as one-year closes, the next question naturally follows… what now?
For some, this is the moment to reset, refocus, and go again. For others, it is the first real opportunity to pause and consider longer-term plans. After another intense year, it is only natural to start thinking about what the future might look like and whether continuing on the same path is the right choice.
A Natural Point to Reflect
The end of the UDA year provides a clear line in the sand. It is one of the few moments in the calendar where you can step back and assess not just performance, but direction.
Are you where you expected to be this time last year?
Is the practice working for you, or are you working for the practice?
And importantly, do you still have the same appetite for the years ahead?
These are not easy questions, but they are important ones.
Market Conditions Are Evolving
The dental practice sales market continues to move, and buyer behaviour is becoming more considered and selective. Well-prepared practices are still achieving strong results, but expectations around performance, profitability, and structure are clearer than ever.
This makes preparation and timing increasingly important. Understanding how your practice is positioned in today’s market is no longer a ‘nice to know’, it is essential if you are even remotely considering your options.
You Do Not Have to Decide Today
Thinking about selling does not mean committing to it. In fact, the most successful outcomes often come from those who start exploring their options early, well before any final decision is made.
Clarity creates control.
And control creates better outcomes.
Whether your timeline is immediate or a few years away, having a clear understanding of your practice’s current value and how it may be perceived by buyers puts you in a far stronger position.
What Is Your Practice Really Worth Today?
Valuations are not static. They shift with market conditions, buyer demand, funding availability, and how your practice is structured and performing.
An up-to-date valuation gives you more than just a number. It provides insight. Where your strengths lie. Where value can be improved. And how your practice compares in the current market.
Take the Next Step: Join Us in Birmingham
For those who are starting to think more seriously about their future, attending a dedicated event can provide clarity, structure, and confidence. Our next Ultimate Exit Strategy Seminar will be taking place on Thursday 10th September in Birmingham and is designed specifically for practice owners considering next steps.
This is an ideal opportunity to step away from the day to day, ask questions, and gain practical insight into what a successful exit really looks like in today’s market.
Looking Ahead with Confidence
If the past year has prompted you to think differently about the future, you are not alone. Many practice owners are using this moment as a turning point, not just to recover, but to plan. Whether that means growth, restructuring, or considering an exit, the key is to move forward with clarity rather than uncertainty.
Start the Conversation
If you are beginning to think about your future options, now is the right time to explore them. We can provide a clear, confidential valuation of your practice in today’s market, along with practical guidance on what your next steps could look like. There is no pressure, just a conversation.
Practice - Greater London
Practice location: This practice is situated in a charming and affluent area 14 miles from central London, benefiting from excellent road and rail links, strong community feel, and ongoing residential development supporting future growth.
Practice type: This is a four-surgery fully private. The premises are leasehold, owned within a Limited Company structure, and have been under current ownership for approximately 12 years. The principal is willing to remain for a transitional period.
Practice financials: The gross fee income is in the region of £975,000 per annum with a reconstituted net profit of £252,000. The income is 93% private and 7% plan income. The income is generated by the principal working four days per week, supported by two associates, an implantologist, an oral surgeon, and a hygienist. The wider team includes a practice manager, dental nurses, and reception staff.
Price achieved: £1,265,000
Agent's comments: This was a highly attractive opportunity due to its affluent location and strong private income base. The absence of NHS commitments and scope to further grow plan income made it particularly appealing to buyers looking for a scalable private model.
Number of people looking in the area: 3,265
Practice - North West London
Practice location: This practice is located in an affluent residential area of North West London, surrounded by attractive period properties and benefiting from excellent transport links via multiple nearby tube stations. Its position on a busy thoroughfare ensures strong visibility and consistent footfall.
Practice type: This is a well-established two-surgery mixed practice operating on a leasehold basis, with a new 15-year lease. The practice has been established since the 1960s and is being sold to facilitate the retirement of the current principal.
Practice financials: The gross fee income is in the region of £440,000 per annum with a reconstituted net profit of £189,000. The income is split approximately 82% private and 18% NHS, with an NHS contract delivering over 1,500 UDAs. The income is generated by the principal working three days per week, supported by an associate working three days, a therapist working one day, and a team including a manager/receptionist, nurses, and marketing support.
Price achieved: £1,000,000
Agent's comments: This practice attracted strong interest due to its prime London location, excellent UDA rate, and well-balanced income mix. With a long-standing reputation and scope to introduce more specialist treatments, buyers recognised both its stability and clear growth potential.
Number of people looking in the area: 2,546
Practice - South London
Practice location: This practice is located in a large and vibrant suburban town with a population exceeding 90,000. Positioned on the main high street, it benefits from excellent visibility, strong footfall, and superb transport links including nearby underground services and major road connections.
Practice type: This is a five-surgery mixed practice operating from a well-presented, fully equipped leasehold premises. The practice has been owned since 2003 and is being sold to facilitate retirement.
Practice financials: The gross fee income is in the region of £1,500,000 per annum with a reconstituted net profit of £505,000. The income is split approximately 62% private and 38% NHS, supported by an NHS contract delivering over 16,000 UDAs. The income is generated by co-principals and a large clinical team including associates, specialists, and hygienists, supported by a full team of nurses, receptionists, and a practice manager.
Price achieved: £3,100,000
Agent's comments: This was a standout opportunity due to its scale, strong financial performance, and prime high street location. The combination of consistent growth, a well-balanced income mix, and a long lease made it highly attractive to buyers seeking a turnkey, high-performing practice with further scope for development.
Number of people looking in the area: 2,468
Practice - Surrey
Practice location: This practice is situated in a popular Surrey town offering a strong suburban feel, with excellent access to local amenities, schools, and transport links including a nearby railway station with direct routes to London Waterloo and proximity to the M25. The high street location provides strong visibility and footfall.
Practice type: This is a three-surgery mixed practice operating from a well-presented retail-style premises. The practice is held on a long leasehold/virtual freehold basis and is structured as a Limited Company/partnership, having been established since 2000.
Practice financials: The gross fee income is in the region of £514,000 per annum with a reconstituted net profit of £215,000. The income is split approximately 53% private and 47% NHS, with an NHS contract delivering over 7,000 UDAs at £33 per UDA. The income is generated by two principals working four days each, supported by an implant dentist, oral surgeon, foundation dentist, therapist, hygienists, and a full team of nurses and reception staff.
Price achieved: £1,402,000
Agent's comments: This practice generated strong interest due to its desirable Surrey location, balanced income mix, and the added security of a virtual freehold opportunity. The recent refurbishment and scope to expand private treatments, particularly implants and cosmetic dentistry, made it an appealing proposition for both principal-led and partnership buyers.
Number of people looking in the area: 2,109
