Hi {{firstname|there}},
One of the most common questions I hear from dentists is: “Is this practice actually worth the asking price?” It’s a smart question because the figure on the brochure rarely tells the full story.
In reality, dental practices are usually valued using a mix of financial and operational indicators. This often includes EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation), income stability, patient demand, location strength, and future growth potential. But here’s the important part: valuation is not just about past performance - it’s about future sustainability.
Why asking price and real value often differ
Two practices might show similar annual turnover, yet their true value can be miles apart. For example:
One may have stable NHS contracts, strong private income, and excellent patient retention
Another may rely heavily on one associate, outdated equipment, or declining new patient numbers
On paper they look similar. In practice, they carry very different risks.
That’s why a proper valuation should go deeper than headline profit figures and explore areas such as:
Patient base stability: Are recalls consistent? Is new patient flow growing or shrinking?
Income mix: How balanced is NHS versus private revenue? Are UDA targets realistic and sustainable?
Staff structure: Are associate agreements, hygienist usage, and payroll costs efficient?
Premises and lease terms: Is the rent fair? Are there restrictive clauses that affect long-term value?
Equipment and compliance: Will major upgrades be needed soon to meet CQC or technology standards?
Missing even one of these factors can mean overpaying or inheriting problems you didn’t budget for.
This is exactly why many buyers choose to get independent guidance before making an offer. At Samera, we help dentists assess whether a practice genuinely stacks up financially and operationally not just whether it “looks good” on paper. If you're exploring ownership, our Buy a Dental Practice advisory service is designed to support buyers at every stage, from valuation review to negotiation and completion:
👉 https://samera.co.uk/service/buy-a-dental-practice/
Remember the right practice isn’t the cheapest one, it’s the one that delivers sustainable returns with manageable risk.
Speak soon,
Arun