Dental Practice Finance
Dental lending is shaped by income mix, clinical capacity, NHS contract performance, and operational continuity. A practice with strong UDA delivery and stable associate cover is a very different underwriting story from one with rota gaps and below-target delivery – even at the same turnover figure. PLC presents both accurately.
Who This Is For
This page is relevant if you are:
- A dentist joining or exiting a practice
- A dental practice owner acquiring another practice
- A dentist managing tax or cashflow
- A practice investing in growth or restructuring
What We Arrange
- Practice acquisition support — often alongside bank lending
- Partner buy-in and buy-out funding
- Surgery refurbishment and fit-out — typically 2–5 years, structured as a practice loan
- Equipment finance — CBCT, imaging systems, chairs, handpieces, IT
- VAT facilities — 3 months, aligned to the quarter
- Corporation tax — up to 12 months
- Working capital during expansion or integration
Common Uses Of Finance
Dentists commonly use practice finance for:
- Practice acquisition
- Partner buy-in or buy-out
- Tax or VAT liabilities
- Working capital
- Investment in premises or equipment
How the Process Works
Our process is designed to be clear, compliant and efficient.
01.
Initial discussion
We discuss your objectives, practice structure and income mix. This does not affect your credit score.
02.
Review of information
We review accounts, NHS and private income, goodwill and existing commitments.
03.
Lender matching
We approach lenders experienced in dental practice finance.
04.
Completion
Once terms are agreed, funding is documented and completed.
Typical Amounts And Terms
- £10,000 to £500,000+
- Terms from 12 months to 7 years
- Often unsecured or semi-secured
- Personal guarantees may be required
What Lenders Look For
- Stability of NHS and/or private income
- Accounts and goodwill valuation
- Practice and ownership structure
- Existing borrowing commitments
Documents Typically Required
- Latest full accounts
- Recent management figures (if available)
- Management figures (if available)
- Purpose of funding
Risks And considerations
- Personal guarantees may be required
- Early repayment charges may apply
- Interest rates vary by structure and risk
- Some lending is unregulated
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about our practice finance solutions, application process, and tailored funding options for professional practices.
How important is NHS UDA delivery to lenders?
Very. Consistent delivery at or above target across two to three years is what lenders want to see. Below-target delivery or a clawback history needs clear context — it doesn’t automatically prevent funding, but it must be addressed.
Can first-time buyers be considered?
Yes — subject to experience, affordability and the practice profile. Clinical continuity is the key concern for lenders looking at a first acquisition.
Can acquisitions be funded without property security?
Often yes, subject to the transaction profile and lender assessment.
Is CBCT suitable for asset finance?
Yes, where the asset documentation and supplier details support it.
How is refurbishment funding structured?
Refurbishment is generally arranged as a practice loan over 2–5 years. Equipment with clear resale value — chairs, imaging systems — can be separately financed via asset finance and layered alongside.
Can VAT be funded quarterly?
Yes — 3 months, aligned to the VAT quarter.
Can acquisition and equipment be funded together?
Yes — layered structures are common. Acquisition, equipment and a VAT facility can all run concurrently where affordability supports it.
Do you charge upfront fees?
No.
What documents are typically needed?
Practice accounts for 2–3 years, bank statements, NHS contract information and details of the requirement. We advise exactly what is needed for each case.
What if the practice has some UDA underperformance?
Context matters. If it is historic and has been addressed — or relates to a specific period like Covid recovery — lenders can take a view. We help frame the narrative before anything goes to a lender.
Is approval guaranteed?
No. All facilities are subject to lender assessment and eligibility.
Is this regulated advice?
No — process explanation only.
Grow Your Practice with Confidence
Speak to a broker who understands dental practice finance.
