The Dental Business Guide

Buying a dental practice shouldn't feel like guesswork. With banks actively competing for strong borrowers, dentists can now access high loan-to-value offers, longer terms, and smarter structures—if they know how to navigate lenders, leases, and the fine print. We unpack what's actually available in late 2025, why goodwill and freehold can reach up to 100% LTV for the right profile, and how to avoid early repayment traps that turn a “cheap” headline rate into an expensive mistake.We walk through the real numbers: typical terms for goodwill versus freehold, how leases under the Landlord and Tenant Act affect approvals, and why a 4% base with 1.5–2.5% margin often nets a workable all-in rate. Thinking of a startup? Appetite has improved, with around 70% LTV and higher pricing early on, but a clear route to refinance once turnover and profit stabilise. We also break down the costs buyers forget—arrangement fees, valuations, solicitors—and share a simple way to assess whether your deposit is enough for that £1m goodwill deal.Not every move is an acquisition. If you're levelling up with a microscope or CBCT, asset finance can match the debt term to the useful life of your kit without tying up your main facility. Most importantly, we explain why a buyer-only advisory model matters: no conflicts, direct access to healthcare banking teams, and integrated accounting, tax, and due diligence support. From negotiating price and packaging the deal to securing the right lender and preparing for ownership, this is a practical guide to getting funded on your terms.If you're exploring an acquisition, startup, refinance, or equipment purchase, tune in, take notes, and then reach out. Subscribe, share with a colleague who's shopping for a practice, and leave a review with your biggest finance question—we'll answer it on a future show. If you require any help, don't hesitate to reach out to the Samera team at www.samera.co.uk. We are all here to help you! Thank you, The Samera Team

We share a practical finance playbook for dental clinics, from moving to cloud accounting to adopting accruals, daily bookkeeping, and metrics that drive better decisions. We also preview an AI-driven dashboard that unites PMS, accounting, and marketing data.• choosing Xero as the bookkeeping core and retiring spreadsheets• using HubDoc or similar for receipt capture and digital invoice flow• configuring bank feeds and batch payments to save hours• selecting a cloud PMS and reducing data silos• adopting accruals instead of cash accounting for clarity• tracking hourly rate, new patients, cancellations and NHS run rates• forecasting tax and cash flow each month• setting roles for manager, bookkeeper, accountant and fractional CFO• keeping separate Xero files per practice for group operators• migrating data cleanly and establishing approvals at scaleIf anyone's interested, just please fill in this form, and then one of the team or myself will reach out to you in coming weeks and days to discuss. Drop me an email: urin at samera.co.uk

Ever wonder why so many dental roll‑ups look impressive on paper but wobble behind the scenes? We open the black box of group dentistry and share what actually sustains multi‑site performance when valuations cool and the market gets tougher. From private equity's consolidator logic to the operational realities of head office costs, we trace how groups grow, where they break, and the financial habits that separate durable businesses from fragile collections of clinics.We talk through the reset in sentiment—fewer buyers, halted listings, super clinics replacing smaller sites—and the knock‑on effect of squeezed margins. Then we get practical. Manpower first: why central overheads so often crush site profits and how offshore capability centres (bookkeeping, AP, marketing ops, data) deliver quality and resilience at scale. Structure next: set a clean HoldCo, build a tax group, and plan funding before you hit the debt ceiling. If equity comes in, pick partners whose timelines and governance fit the realities of dentistry, not just a spreadsheet.Data is the engine. We break silos across practice management systems, accounting platforms, and analytics to power real decisions: associate pay without disputes, case acceptance tracking, and cash flow you can actually forecast. Add monthly bookkeeping discipline and a fractional CFO mindset to stay ahead of seasonality and lab cost surges. The final test is owner dependency—if the principal stops drilling, do margins hold? Build a system‑driven business with trained teams, tight processes, and reliable reporting, and your group becomes sale‑ready every day, not just in the teaser deck.If you're serious about scaling without stumbling, this conversation gives you a clear blueprint: financial clarity, clean data, robust structure, and a scalable team that works wherever talent lives. Enjoyed the episode? Follow, share with a colleague, and leave a quick review to tell us what you want covered next.

Most practices don't overpay tax because the rules are mysterious—they overpay because the structure is wrong, the records are messy, and big decisions happen too late. We walk through a practical blueprint for dental practice owners to protect assets, cut risk, and keep more of what they earn without gambling on schemes.We start with the foundation: picking the right vehicle—sole trader, partnership, or limited company—and why more owners choose companies for flexibility, asset protection, and clearer exits. If growth is on the cards, we unpack holding companies and subsidiary structures: ring‑fencing risk site by site, upstreaming cash with tax‑efficient dividends, using group relief to offset losses, and setting up clean, saleable companies that attract buyers. Then we get into cash extraction that actually works: the balance of low salary and dividends, company‑paid pension contributions into a SIPP or SSAS, short‑term director's loans done correctly, and when benefits in kind make sense.From there, we focus on the everyday decisions that quietly save thousands. Capital allowances and full expensing on chairs, X‑ray units, and IT can reduce corporation tax fast—if you time purchases before year end and keep immaculate records. Operational expenses—from lab bills and materials to software, training, and compliant travel—need a simple, digital capture process so nothing slips through the cracks. With accurate monthly numbers, you can forecast tax, pace dividends, and plan pension top‑ups before deadlines bite. We also map out exit readiness: Business Asset Disposal Relief basics, the substantial shareholding exemption at holding company level, and why clean ownership and early planning turn a sale from stressful to smooth.Compliance is changing too. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax lands from April 2026 for many sole traders, moving to quarterly submissions and a final declaration. That shift can be a headache—or an advantage—if you use it to get real‑time visibility and avoid January surprises. Above all, we call time on “too good to be true” tax schemes. The safer path—structure, records, timing, and long‑term wealth via pensions and ISAs—wins over the years.If you're serious about stronger cash flow and a cleaner exit, listen now. Then subscribe, share with a fellow practice owner, and leave a review with your top question—we may feature it next week.

We share a clear, practical way to read your numbers, protect cash, and grow practice value without working longer hours. From the three statements to EBITDA, monthly systems, and quick wins, the focus stays on simple steps owners can take now.• why profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow each matter• how cash flow forecasting prevents last‑minute borrowing• what EBITDA means and how buyers value practices• owner‑operated versus associate‑led multiples and trade‑offs• pricing, receivables, and cost ratios that move margin• a monthly workflow using Xero, HubDoc, and management packs• core KPIs including chair hour revenue and profit per clinician• pitfalls to avoid such as lifestyle creep and weak systems• actions to take today to build financial literacy and controlJoin our next webinar on tax‑efficient strategies next week; book early as places are limited. Check the ICAEW one‑day event for practice owners on 6 February. Email arun@samera.co.uk or book a call with Natasha. This recording will be on our website and YouTube soon.

The tax landscape for dental professionals is undergoing a revolutionary transformation with Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment (MTD for ITSA) set to begin in April 2026. This comprehensive webinar unpacks what this means for dentists and how to prepare for this significant shift in financial reporting.For self-employed dental associates and practice owners earning over £50,000 in gross fee income, quarterly digital tax reporting will soon replace the traditional annual self-assessment. Rather than the familiar January rush, you'll need to submit updates every three months plus an annual finalisation. While this represents an additional administrative requirement, it also creates opportunities for more responsive financial management and tax planning.The heart of MTD compliance lies in digital record-keeping. Paper receipts and manual systems won't suffice – you'll need HMRC-approved software that can track all business transactions and submit information directly to the tax authority. Separating business finances becomes crucial; dedicated bank accounts and credit cards for your dental work will simplify compliance significantly. The phased implementation means those earning between £30,000-£50,000 will join in 2027, followed by those earning £20,000-£30,000 in 2028.We explore practical considerations including software selection, registration through accountants, and how the pilot program offers a penalty-free opportunity to test the system before mandatory implementation. While MTD admittedly increases the administrative burden for dental professionals, it also provides greater visibility of your financial position throughout the year, allowing for more strategic tax planning and potentially improved business decisions.Ready to prepare your dental practice for the digital tax era? Book a consultation with our specialist dental accountants to assess your MTD readiness, explore software options tailored to your practice, and develop a compliance strategy that minimizes disruption while maximizing potential benefits.

Struggling with the burden of high-interest loans in today's volatile economic climate? This episode promises to arm you with strategies to manage those financial pressures, especially if you're part of the dental industry. We'll dissect the recent surge in interest rates and what it means for your monthly payments and cash flow. Learn how to navigate this shift from a seller's to a buyer's market, ensuring your practice is presented in the best possible light for potential buyers.Do you know how refinancing could transform your business's financial health? We shed light on the strategic advantages of refinancing business loans, from lowering monthly repayments to consolidating short-term, high-interest loans into a single manageable one. Discover how you can free up capital for investment or savings and even remove extra security like a second charge on your property, simplifying your financial management. Our real-world examples will illustrate how even small interest rate reductions can lead to substantial savings over time.Maximize your practice's financial deals by comparing offers from multiple banks, and learn the benefits of joining a buying group to slash costs on essentials like consumables and utilities. We'll also explore how these cost controls can impact your practice's valuation if a sale is on the horizon. Plus, we address a listener's query about securing finance for a startup, stressing the importance of refinancing options and leveraging resources for stability. Don't miss our wrap-up where we address your final questions and provide further guidance. Tune in for comprehensive insights and actionable advice to navigate the current financial landscape.

Are you prepared to master the complexities of dental group finance and growth strategy? In this episode, we promise you'll uncover the secrets of organizing accounting and finance functions to maximize the value of your dental practice or DSO. With over 20 years of experience, our host Aaron shares his expert advice on structuring acquisitions, managing finances, and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you manage a single practice or are expanding into a dental group, learn how to implement best practices for long-term planning and operational efficiency.Discover the transformative power of optimizing your accounting and technology processes. Aaron discusses the advantages of a holding company structure for managing multiple business entities, emphasizing tax efficiency and transaction simplification. Learn about the best technologies and software, such as Xero, Sage, Approval Max, and Telluride, that can revolutionize your financial management. Understand the importance of standardized charts of accounts, centralized purchasing, and hierarchical approval mechanisms to enhance your practice's efficiency and accuracy.Finally, gain insights on the necessity of regular financial and accounting health checks to maintain a robust financial framework. Aaron provides real-world examples illustrating the consequences of poor bookkeeping and offers essential tips for accurate financial management. Learn to adopt a systems-based mindset and leverage external expertise to make informed, data-driven decisions. Discover the critical need for clarity in financial numbers when scaling up operations, managing larger borrowing, and navigating increased risks, ensuring your dental group's financial health and future success.

Is your dental practice ready for sale? Many dentists find themselves unprepared for the complex process of selling their practice, especially in today's volatile market. Aaron and Dan are here to guide you through every critical step. Starting with an analysis of current market trends, we unpack the growing preference for private squat practices amid high-interest rates and a slowdown in corporate acquisitions. Discover why it's crucial to adapt your business model now and how to navigate the economic uncertainties that might otherwise delay your plans.Planning to sell your practice involves more than just a decision—it's a strategic, multi-year endeavor. With Aaron and Dan's expertise, you'll learn why planning at least two years ahead is essential for maximizing your practice's value. We discuss whether to sell outright or retain elements like the freehold, and the implications of staying on post-sale. Plus, uncover the importance of accurate financial data, specialist advisory teams, and a strong network to attract serious buyers. Don't miss this episode loaded with valuable insights for any dentist contemplating the sale of their practice.

In this episode, Chris and the finance team talk about the Samera Dental Buying Group, what it is and how it can help dentists get exclusive deals on their products, consumables and services absolutely free!

In this recording Arun and Dan discuss the tactics to manage interest rates and control the impact of inflation in your dental practice.

In this episode, Chris talks to Dan and Nigel about financing a new dental practice, whether you're starting from scratch or buying an existing practice. 

In this episode, Chris, Dan and Nigel discuss the how, when and why about buying the freehold of your leasehold property. •            Are freeholds available?•            Is it worth asking if they are for sale?•            What are advantages of buying over leasing?•            Do banks lend over a longer term?•            What loan percentage is available?•            How do I structure the purchase – ltd company?•            Are banks still lending?•            What rate can I expect on the loan?•            What would I need to take forward an application?•            Why use a broker?

In this episode, Chris and Dan discuss how dentists can use asset finance to fund the growth of their business. Why would a dentist need to use asset finance?What types of equipment can they finance?What is the maximum repayment term that they could expect?What rates could they expect on asset finance?Will they be charged for arranging the finance?What information will they need to provide to arrange asset finance?How quickly can asset finance be arranged?

Arun and George discuss the rise in cyber threats for your business. Cyber attacks are becoming more and more prevalent. Small and Medium size businesses are at great risk for the main reason that there's no infrastructure to protect them. Listen along to discover ways you can stay #CyberSafe

Arun discusses the dental market and the factors impacting the demand for dental practices

Arun invites Samera's latest team member, Gurpreet Kunner to talk about dental consumables and how Gurpreet can help dental practice owners spend less on consumables! 

Arun Mehra and Dan Fearon discuss raising finance for acquiring a pharmacy

Extracted from a webinar hosted by Arun Mehra, the CEO of Samera Business advisors; Arun talks and guides you through the ways how Google is updating and changing and how it will affect the ways you can market your dental website. 

Arun Mehra, the CEO of Samera Business Advisors has been helping dentists achieve their dreams with running and starting their dental business for over 20 years. The next 12 months are going to be tricky to predict, especially while we are still in the middle of a global pandemic. These are his viewpoints. 

Arun speaks with Dr Smita Mehra Clinical director of the The Neem Tree Dental Practice and discusses how emergency patients can build your private dental practice 

George, Nikita and Chris talk about ways in which you can grow your dental practice / office for free! The phrase "Nothing is free in this world" is not 100% true, because we are talking about 5 free with no strings attached, ways in which you can grow you practice!

Arun Mehra talks about the recent budget announcement from Rishi Sunak and its implications for dentists. 

After today's budget announcement from Rishi Sunak, Arun discusses initial options for dentists.

Chris and Arun discuss 5 key traits of failed dental start up's, so make sure you avoid these when starting up a dental practice 

George, Nikita and Chris discuss the ways you can market your dental practice to millennials

The Dental Business Guide is here to help you learn the ins and outs of starting your dental practice. Whether you're looking for advice on money, marketing or even management, this podcast will help you run a better dental businessHosted by the team at Samera, this is over 30 years of knowledge of the dental market condensed into one podcast

Arun is joined by Chris O'Shea, our resident SEO specialist. Chris shares his tips on SEO for your Dental Practice

Arun is joined by Kate Ford from Rudlings Wakelam Solicitors to discuss some of the key legal pitfalls to avoid when buying a dental practice.

 Arun discusses why leadership is so important with Simon Gambold of "Engage the Team". If you are running a dental practice or thinking about running one leadership skills are essential to grow a successful practice.

George an Nikita talk about the use of video to help market your dental practice. Video is a tool that is often over looked, but we think is essential to standing out. Video can make your practice seem more personal; you get to know the dentists on a personal level. 

George, Arun and Nikita have a discussion about different ways you can market your dental practice online. Nikita is Samera's Social Media Manager / Expert; working primarily with Instagram, she has grown various pages from no engagement, to starting to have our presence known in the online space. Listen in to learn more

Arun and Nigel talk about the current private dental practice market in 2021. Nigel Crossman is the head of commercial finance at Samera Finance. He specialises helping dentists secure the finance to open their practice. What's the private dental practice market like in early 2021? Obviously in early 2021, the UK is in lockdown 3.0. How has this affected the dental market? Find out in todays episode of "The Dental Business Guide"

Arun and Nigel talk about secondary sources of finance

Nigel Crossman and Arun Mehra talk about raising finance for your Squat Practice. 

Smita talks about different ways in which you can market your new dental pratice online. Using Facebook, Instagram, Google AdsDr Smita Mehra is the Principle dentist at the Neem Tree Dental Group. Smita has set up and started 4 dental practices. With over 20 years' experience working as a dental practice owner, Smita knows the "ins and outs" of dental business. Follow along as she shares her tips and tricks.

Dr Smita Mehra talks about different ways you can market your new dental practice "offline". The use of flyers, joining networking groups, letting the word out in local communities etc.Dr Smita Mehra is the Principle dentist at the Neem Tree Dental Group. Smita has set up and started 4 dental practices. With over 20 years' experience working as a dental practice owner, Smita knows the "ins and outs" of dental business. Follow along as she shares her tips and tricks.

Dr Smita Mehra discusses concern meetingsDr Smita Mehra is the Principle dentist at the Neem Tree Dental Group. Smita has set up and started 4 dental practices. With over 20 years' experience working as a dental practice owner, Smita knows the "ins and outs" of dental business. Follow along as she shares her tips and tricks.

Smita talks about staff in todays episode of the Dental Business Guide. Staff are one of the most important and essential assets you will need with your dental practice. Don't make mistakes like Smita has in the past. Learn from her mistakesDr Smita Mehra is the Principle dentist at the Neem Tree Dental Group. Smita has set up and started 4 dental practices. With over 20 years' experience working as a dental practice owner, Smita knows the "ins and outs" of dental business. Follow along as she shares her tips and tricks.

Smita talks about recruitment. What staff do you need? How many Nurses do you need? All answered in todays episode of the Dental Business GuideDr Smita Mehra is the Principle dentist at the Neem Tree Dental Group. Smita has set up and started 4 dental practices. With over 20 years' experience working as a dental practice owner, Smita knows the "ins and outs" of dental business. Follow along as she shares her tips and tricks.

In todays episode Smita talks about location. Location, location, location, its almost just as important as dentistry itself!Dr Smita Mehra is the Principle dentist at the Neem Tree Dental Group. Smita has set up and started 4 dental practices. With over 20 years' experience working as a dental practice owner, Smita knows the "ins and outs" of dental business. Follow along as she shares her tips and tricks.

Arun shares his 20 years of experience in the dental market, and these are his 11 financial tips for young aspiring dentists