Advice on the business of UK dentistry

In this section

Business management

Whether NHS, mixed or private, dental business management requires knowledge of legal and regulatory tasks required of owners and managers.

Data and privacy

If you hold personal information, you must be able to explain what information you have, why you have it, what you do with it and who you share it with.

HR

Regardless of its size, every practice requires an effective HR function to manage its workforce, policies and compliance with employment law.

National standards and regulation

Get information on registration, requirements and inspections to comply with national quality standards

NHS contracts and tendering

The way NHS contracts are won and administered is different across the UK's nations. Find out how it works where you are.

Private practice

Offering patients private treatments, either exclusively or alongside NHS work, can offer professional and financial rewards.

Setting and collecting fees

Ensuring the prompt collection of fees is crucial to maintaining cash flow and keeping your business operational, and patients need clarity about the fees they need to pay and when.

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Planning permission

If you are building new dental practice premises, or altering or extending existing premise, you are likely to need planning permission.

New practice start up

This introductory guide provides some ideas to help you establish an entirely new practice and is structured according to the stages that you will go through.

GDPR

This advice summarises the changes and additional requirements introduced by the General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR).

Protecting personal information

Advice on the personal data protection requirements in the dental practice, and how to comply with The General Data Protection Regulation 2018 (GDPR).

Managing performance and appraisals

A motivated and enthusiastic team will benefit the practice. Performance management involves making sure team members contribute to the overall performance of the practice. It incorporates the continuous development of individuals and teams and managing behaviour to ensure that people behave in a way that fosters better working relationships.

Dentists legal rights as commercial purchasers

This guide provides advice on contracts dental practices make with other businesses, suppliers and tradespeople, including advice on contract law and rights as a commercial buyer.

Business continuity

Advice on business continuity planning involving a contingency plan for situations that could seriously affect the long-term survival of a dental practice.

Companies and LLPs

This advice provides an overview of the implications of running your practice as a limited company or an LLP.

Incorporation concerns in Northern Ireland and Scotland

This advice applies to dentists who have incorporated and work in Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Partnerships

This advice provides an overview of working in a partnership.

Names and branding

This advice summarises the importance of a business name, including protecting it, the value and registration process of trademarks.

Selling a practice

This advice will help you prepare your dental practice before putting it on the market and guide you through the sales process itself.

Personalised advice

Our team of experienced advisors are available via phone or email to help save you time and money with personalised advice on the issues you face. 

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The business of dentistry