Why More Practices Are Expanding into Dental Groups

Hi everyone, 

The dental industry is shifting. What used to be a landscape dominated by sole practitioners is now seeing a surge in dental groups, where independent practices join forces or acquire and operate under one roof.  

For practice owners, this trend is about seizing new efficiencies, reaching more patients, and staying competitive in a healthcare market that demands more flexibility than ever. 

Here’s the question:  

What’s the appeal of building a dental group? 

For many dental practice owners, the move from a single practice to a group model is both an exciting and challenging step.  

When practices unify, they share costs, streamline operations, and expand their reach, creating a model that’s often more resilient than solo practice.  

When done right, this group structure can translate to a more efficient patient experience, better branding, and enhanced quality of care. 

Let’s talk scale. 

In a dental group, everything from supplies to marketing becomes more affordable on a per-clinic basis. Bulk purchasing of materials alone can reduce operational costs significantly, allowing dental groups to better navigate price increases or supply shortages.  

A centralised team for administrative tasks also means consistency and reduced overhead.  

And for patients, there’s an added bonus.  

A unified group often means consistent service and experience across locations. With more patients valuing convenience and reliability in their healthcare, having multiple practices under one brand makes a difference—patients know what to expect, no matter which clinic they visit.  

This consistency also builds trust, a valuable asset when patient retention and loyalty are at stake. 

Challenges: More Than Just Scaling Up 

Transforming a solo practice into a dental group isn’t simply a matter of adding more chairs and expecting profits to double. It requires a clear vision and strategic planning.  

Financially, securing the initial funding to expand can be challenging, as well as developing a clear business model that suits multi-location practices.  

Recruiting talented professionals who align with your vision is key, especially as the complexity of running a larger organisation demands specialised skill sets and high standards. 

Then comes operational alignment.  

For a dental group to truly succeed, it’s not enough to just acquire or open new locations. Integrating each practice with standardised operations, consistent patient protocols, and streamlined technology is critical.  

Without these, a group can quickly run into issues with patient satisfaction, regulatory compliance, or costly inefficiencies. 

A Unique Advantage for Specialists and Niche Services 

Whether it’s orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, or paediatric services, a group model allows you to cater to diverse patient needs.  

This creates diversified revenue streams that can help insulate the business from market fluctuations. It’s an appealing prospect for those who want to offer a one-stop shop for a variety of dental services, providing patients with everything they need under one umbrella. 

Is It the Right Move for Your Practice? 

Building a dental group isn’t for everyone.  

For some, the responsibilities of managing multiple practices may feel overwhelming, especially without a clear roadmap for success. Yet, for those ready to make the leap, this path offers an exciting opportunity to scale impact, increase revenue, and build a lasting legacy. 

Are you excited to discover what it takes to succeed and why are so many dentists making this transition? 

Our Comprehensive Guide How to Build a Dental Group dives into each step with actionable insights. Read the full guide to see how you can grow from a single practice to a thriving dental group and make a larger impact in the industry. 

Book a call with us to explore how this approach can work for your expansion plans. 

Until next time,  

Arun