Competition for quality dental practices intensifies

The dental sector is entering a new phase of confidence, with corporates, private equity investors and larger group operators returning to the acquisition trail and competition intensifying for the highest-quality practices and groups, according to business property advisor Christie & Co’s Dental Market Review 2026.

Drawing on Christie & Co's transactional data, valuation activity, consultancy projects and a survey of more than 27,000 dental professionals, the report highlights growing patient demand, strengthening goodwill values, renewed investor confidence, and a clear ‘flight to quality’ among buyers.

The report shows that demand continues to outstrip supply for the most desirable opportunities, with 57% of accepted offers in the first six months of 2026 completing at or above asking price. Improved lending conditions, stronger profitability, and growing confidence among acquirers have contributed to a resurgence in market activity, particularly from corporate and larger group operators.

Competition intensifies for high-quality practices

The report highlights a significant resurgence in market activity. Independent buyers remained the dominant force throughout 2025, accounting for 77% of offers received. However, corporate and larger group operators have returned more confidently in 2026, so far accounting for 50% of offers.

Demand continues to exceed supply for the most desirable opportunities, with 57% of accepted offers in the first six months of 2026 completing at or above asking price. Goodwill values are also strengthening, supported by investment in technology, infrastructure, patient experience, workforce retention, and operational resilience. Practices and groups demonstrating strong financial performance, stable clinical teams, and clear growth opportunities are attracting the strongest buyer interest.

While private dentistry remains a key growth driver, the report also identifies a renewed demand for NHS and NHS-led mixed practices following recent contract reforms. Corporate operators and larger dental groups are increasingly attracted to businesses offering stable contracted income alongside opportunities to expand private services over time. This revival has broadened the pool of active buyers and supported the boost in pricing across the transactional market.

Practice owners remain confident and invest for growth

Despite ongoing workforce and cost challenges, sentiment across the profession remains broadly positive, according to a survey of more than 27,000 dental professionals.

Almost four in 10 respondents (39%) said they feel positive about the sector, compared with 30% who feel negative and 31% who remain neutral.

Confidence is also being reflected in investment plans, with 61% of professionals intending to invest in new technology and equipment over the next 12 to 24 months, while 32% plan to recruit additional staff.

Demand rises for both NHS and private dentistry

One of the report's most significant findings is continued growth in patient demand across the profession. The survey reveals that almost two-thirds (65%) of dental professionals reported increased demand for NHS dentistry over the past 12 months, while 45% also reported growing demand for high-value elective dental treatments.

The findings demonstrate the continued importance of NHS provision while highlighting the strength of the private dental market – reinforcing the sentiment that one cannot coexist without the other. At the same time, the overall UK dental market value is forecast to reach approximately £15 billion by 2027/28, with much of that growth expected to come from private-pay services.

Workforce challenges persist, but reasons for optimism emerge

Recruitment and retention remain the biggest operational challenge facing the sector. However, the report identifies several developments that could improve workforce supply in the years ahead.

For the first time, internationally qualified dentists accounted for the majority of new registrations last year, representing 53% of all new entrants to the profession. Changes to the Overseas Registration Examination, reforms to the Licence in Dental Surgery pathway and expanded training capacity are expected to increase further the number of dentists entering the workforce.

Reflecting this optimism, more than four in five survey respondents (82%) believe recent changes to training and examination pathways will help increase the delivery of NHS and/or private dentistry in the future.

CMA review creates questions, but investor confidence remains intact

The report also examines sector views on the Competition and Markets Authority's review of private dentistry. While 39% of respondents said they were concerned about the investigation, the majority (56%) described themselves as neutral or unsure, suggesting uncertainty rather than widespread alarm. Christie & Co believes that greater pricing transparency and consumer communication requirements are more likely outcomes than any structural intervention in what remains a highly fragmented market.

Paul Graham, managing director, medical at Christie & Co, said: “The dental market has entered a new phase. After a period where independent buyers led much of the activity, we are now seeing larger dental groups, corporates and private equity-backed investors return with greater conviction and compete aggressively for the highest-quality opportunities.

“What is particularly notable is that this increased demand is not being driven by speculation or financial engineering. Buyers are being attracted by strong underlying fundamentals, growing patient demand, improving profitability, and the long-term resilience of the sector. As a result, quality practices and groups continue to attract significant interest, often generating competitive bidding and achieving premium values.

“We are also seeing a broader range of buyers targeting NHS and mixed practices than at any point in recent years. Recent contract reforms, combined with the opportunity to develop private income streams over time, have strengthened the appeal of these businesses and expanded the active buyer pool considerably.

“Whilst challenges remain around workforce, cost pressures and access to care, the overwhelming message from this year's review is one of confidence. Demand remains strong, capital is available, and well-run practices continue to be highly sought after. For owners considering their options over the next few years, market conditions remain exceptionally favourable for quality businesses.”

To read the full Dental Market Review 2026 report click here