Against this backdrop, Paul highlights the opportunities underpinning the sector’s resilience, examining what defines a successful modern practice and how owners are adapting to maximise performance and value.
WHY TECHNOLOGY HAS BECOME A NECESSITY
Technology has become a key source of growth and value creation across the dental sector, with many practices investing in digital workflows, advanced diagnostics, patient communication systems, and operational management tools to improve efficiency, enhance patient experience, and support long-term profitability. Findings from our June 2026 Dental Sentiment Survey found that technology adoption shows little sign of slowing, with 61% of dental operators planning to invest in new equipment and technology over the next 12 to 24 months.
We have also found technology investment to be one of the factors supporting stronger goodwill values across the sector. Buyers increasingly view modern, well-invested practices as more scalable, efficient, and sustainable businesses. Against a backdrop of improving lending conditions, increased corporate activity, and strong buyer demand, high-quality practices continue to attract significant interest. This is highlighted by 57% of accepted offers in H1 2026 completing at or above asking price.
For practice owners considering growth, succession planning or a future exit, investment in technology is becoming an increasingly crucial tool to increase performance and position their business for long-term success.
THE WORKFORCE IS EVOLVING TO MEET FUTURE DEMANDS
While the outlook for the sector is increasingly positive, workforce challenges continue to shape decision-making for operators across the UK.
There is growing optimism around the future workforce, with 82% of respondents from our Dental Sentiment Survey 2026 citing ORE reforms and expanded training opportunities as key drivers of improved access to dentistry and stronger service provision. In today’s market, people are one of a practice’s most valuable assets. Good teams, strong leadership, and low staff turnover are the key difference between an excellent practice and a functioning one, particularly when it comes to attracting investment or ensuring a premium sale price.
As technology becomes more embedded in day-to-day operations, its value extends beyond improving efficiency alone. It is helping practices create workplaces that support their teams, improve productivity and position themselves for long-term growth in an increasingly competitive market.
PRIVATE INCOME CONTINUES TO SHAPE GROWTH STRATEGIES
The continued expansion of private dentistry remains one of the most significant catalysts of growth across the sector. The UK dental market is forecast to reach approximately £15 billion by 2027/28, supported by increasing demand for private-pay services. As a result, many operators are focusing on optimising their income mix and identifying opportunities to expand private treatment offerings while maintaining high standards of patient care.
This does not necessarily signal a move away from NHS provision. Rather, many practices are exploring balanced operating models that combine the stability of NHS income with the growth potential associated with private services. This approach is creating opportunities for both established operators and first-time buyers seeking sustainable long-term success.
WHAT DO BUYERS WANT TODAY?
The dental market remains highly competitive, with buyer and investor appetite strengthening throughout 2026. Corporate operators, larger dental groups, and private equity-backed businesses have all become progressively active, contributing to greater competition for high-quality opportunities.
However, the acquisition landscape has evolved. Buyers are becoming more selective, focusing less on scale alone and more on overall quality.
The most sought-after practices typically demonstrate:
Strong operational performance
Stable clinical and support teams
Low staff turnover
Investment in technology and infrastructure
Positive patient engagement and experience
Clear long-term sustainability
These attributes are increasingly influencing valuations and helping support goodwill values across the market.
THE SECTOR IN THE YEAR AHEAD
The modern dental practice is evolving beyond its traditional clinical role. Technology, workforce stability and strategic revenue diversification are becoming increasingly important drivers of business performance and market value.
As confidence returns and buyer demand strengthens, the practices that are best positioned for future success are likely to be those that can juggle excellent patient care while retaining staff and streamlining operations.
To find out more about the future of the dental market, read the full Dental Market Review 2026 here.