Hi {{firstname|there}},
You’ve negotiated the deal, secured the funding, and completed due diligence, congratulations. That’s a major milestone. But in reality, ownership doesn’t begin on completion day. It begins the very next morning when the doors open and the team looks to you for leadership.
The first 12 months are critical. They shape culture, cash flow, and patient loyalty. From working with hundreds of practice owners, I’ve seen three focus areas consistently make the biggest difference- people, processes, and patients.
People: Build trust before you push change
Your team is the engine of your practice. Early wins come from listening, not restructuring. Staff want reassurance, clarity, and stability after a change of ownership.
Strong first-year actions include:
Holding regular team check-ins
Clarifying roles and expectations
Supporting training and development
Creating open communication channels
Practices that invest in team culture early tend to see lower turnover and stronger patient satisfaction.
Processes: Small improvements create big impact
Most practices inherit systems that “work” but aren’t optimised. Your first year is the perfect time to review:
Appointment scheduling efficiency
Recall and reactivation systems
Stock management and supplier contracts
Monthly financial reporting and KPIs
Compliance and CQC documentation
Even small operational improvements can significantly improve profitability and reduce daily stress.
Patients: Protect loyalty during transition
Ownership changes can make patients nervous, especially long-term NHS or family patients. Clear communication, consistent care quality, and a smooth handover from the previous owner help preserve trust.
Successful owners often focus on:
Introducing themselves personally where possible
Improving patient communication systems
Monitoring reviews and feedback
Enhancing patient experience without overwhelming change
Remember, patient retention is often cheaper and more powerful than patient acquisition.
Ownership is freedom - with structure
Owning a practice offers flexibility, financial upside, and clinical independence but it also requires structure, planning, and discipline. The strongest owners treat the first year as a foundation-building phase, not just a revenue target.
At Samera, we support buyers beyond the purchase itself, helping them transition smoothly into ownership, strengthen financial performance, and plan sustainable growth. If you’re considering ownership or preparing to take the leap, our Buy a Dental Practice advisory service covers the full journey from acquisition to long-term strategy:
👉 https://samera.co.uk/service/buy-a-dental-practice/
Speak soon,
Arun