FAQs

Our business model differs from that of most dental corporates in that we are looking to recruit equity holding partners to work in our practices in a Joint Venture. We would normally expect to buy 60% of the business, with the partner purchasing, or already holding, the remaining 40%. 

That will depend on the size of the practice being acquired. For example, with a £1,000,000 purchase, Dentilife would contribute £600,000 and the partner £400,000. Typically, 80% of this will be financed by borrowing and 20%, or £80,000, contributed as a deposit by the partner. 

New partners have the reassurance of having an experienced team available to them throughout the acquisition process then helping and advising them from the day they take over their business.
Decision making can be achieved quickly and efficiently at practice level because the partner has day to day control of the practice work environment. Clinical freedom is assured, as long as current practice standards are met. Partners will be encouraged to develop their practices, with help from the experienced Dentilife team, along lines suited to the local environment. Partners will then share in the success and growth of their businesses.
Much of the routine management, such as compliance, payroll, HR issues and support with recruitment will be done behind the scenes by Dentilife.

To the extent you would like to invest in the practice to drive growth e.g. a new surgery or new equipments, Dentilife would partial fund the capital expenditure in proportion to its ownership (normally 60%).

Partners will usually have two sources of income. Firstly, they will be paid monthly as an associate on our sliding scale which is intended to reward hard work by paying a higher percentage of earnings to partners/clinicians who contribute the most to the practice. Secondly, at the end of the year, they will receive their share of profit of the practice after all costs in proportion to their ownership.

We are looking for conscientious, ambitious dentists, therapists or hygienists who would love to own their practices, but for one reason or another are unable to take what is, all things considered, a big personal and professional step. We are also happy to work with existing practice owners who are looking to plan their retirement and would like to take 60% of their practice value out now with a view to selling the remaining 40% at future market value to an incoming partner who we would help to choose.
 

The practice will be jointly owned by the partner and Dentilife Partners

When the time comes for a partner to retire or move on, they will be able to sell their shares and we will help and advise them on finding a new partner. Dentilife will simply need to ensure that they meet our criteria.

We will work with partners to ensure that their marketing is suitable and appropriate for the communities that they live and work in. We are keen as you are to see your practice growing!

If/when Dentilife Partners chooses to exit the business, a structured transition plan would be implemented to ensure continuity for our existing partners. The goal would be to maintain the practice's stability, protect its value, and ensure minimal disruption to operations, staff, and patient care during the transition.
Moreover, we only intend to sell the management services company, not the actual practices. This will mean that partners cannot find their practices being sold against their wishes.

Dentilife Partners stands out by offering a more personalized, partnership-driven approach compared to large corporate buyers. While large corporations often impose standardized operations and management style, Dentilife emphasizes maintaining the dentist's clinical autonomy and freedom and the unique identity of the practice. We focus on tailored solutions that respect the individual character of each practice, ensuring that you remain an integral part of the decision-making process. Additionally, our partnership model is designed to align closely with your long-term goals, providing the support you need without compromising your practice’s values or patient care standards.

If profit targets aren't met, Dentilife Partners doesn’t immediately resort to closing your clinic. Instead, we work collaboratively to identify the underlying issues and implement corrective measures to improve performance.

Our approach is to support you through challenges rather than abandon the partnership. Clinic closure would be an absolute last resort and only considered if all other recovery strategies fail. Our goal is to ensure the long-term success of your practice, not to shut it down.

No, Dentilife Partners does not dictate which materials or laboratories your clinic must use. We respect your clinical autonomy and the relationships you've built with suppliers and labs. While we might suggest options that could optimize costs or quality, the final decision remains with you. Our approach is collaborative, providing guidance and support while ensuring you maintain control over the clinical aspects of your practice.

The decision regarding further training for your team is made collaboratively between you and Dentilife Partners. We’ll work together to identify the training needs that align with your practice's goals and areas for growth. As for funding, Dentilife typically shares the costs (e.g. training programs, new equipments) that are part of our strategic plan to enhance the practice’s performance and patient care. The aim is to ensure that your team receives the necessary skills and knowledge to excel.

No, your clinic will not be rebranded to Dentilife. One of the core aspects of our partnership model is preserving the unique identity and brand that you’ve built. Dentilife Partners aims to support and enhance your practice's existing brand rather than replace it. We believe in the importance of maintaining the trust and recognition you’ve established with your patients. Our focus is on helping your clinic grow and succeed while keeping its original name and identity intact whilst being part of Dentilife Partners.

The decision to purchase new equipment is typically made collaboratively between you and Dentilife Partners. We work together to assess the needs of the clinic and determine which equipment will best support your practice's growth and patient care. The investment is shared between the practice and Dentilife Partners in proportion to ownership, with support for budgeting and procurement, ensuring that you have the necessary tools without financial strain.

This collaborative approach ensures that equipment choices meet clinical standards while being financially manageable.

At the clinic, the administrative responsibilities are handled by the practice's own staff, including practice managers and administrative assistants. The practice will need to provide regular updates and information to Dentilife Partners as part of the partnership. Dentilife Partners supports the clinic by offering tools and systems to streamline administration and ensure that information is managed effectively and efficiently.

Clinical, operational, financial and performance related feedbacks will be monitored and shared with all our partners to ensure our common goals are met.

As a partner with Dentilife, there is shared accountability in the eyes of the regulators between the operating partner and Dentilife (including directors named on NHS contracts). On a day to day basis, the dental practice retains primary responsibility and accountability to regulatory bodies such as the CQC (Care Quality Commission), GDC (General Dental Council), and NHS. While Dentilife Partners provides advisory support and oversees operational aspects to help ensure compliance, the ultimate responsibility for meeting regulatory requirements and maintaining quality standards rests with the dental practice. This includes managing necessary documentation, adhering to regulations, and addressing any compliance or quality issues.

In a partnership with Dentilife Partners, existing contracts for clinicians and staff may undergo review, but any changes would be carefully considered and communicated. The goal would be to ensure that contracts align with the new partnership's objectives while respecting the existing terms and conditions as much as possible. Any modifications would aim to improve clarity, align with regulatory requirements, and support the long-term success of the practice. The process would be collaborative, ensuring that staff and clinicians are fully informed and comfortable with any changes.

The responsibility for paying for nurses' GDC registrations and indemnity typically remains with the dental practice. However, Dentilife Partners can provide financial guidance and support to help manage these costs effectively. We collaborate with you to ensure that all regulatory and indemnity requirements are met and that your practice operates smoothly within the partnership framework.

If your current website is functioning effectively and meeting your clinic’s needs, there may be no immediate requirement to create a new one. Dentilife Partners would assess the effectiveness and functionality of your existing site with our branding and operational standards, and any decision to update or replace it would be made collaboratively. The goal is to ensure that your online presence supports your clinic’s growth and aligns with modern standards, but changes would only be made if they provide clear benefits.

The Dentilife Partners model benefits your patients in several ways:
1.     Enhanced Service Quality: With Dentilife Partners managing business operations, you can focus more on delivering exceptional patient care without being bogged down by administrative tasks.
2.     Access to Advanced Technology: Financial support and resources provided by Dentilife Partners may lead to the acquisition of the latest dental technology and equipment, improving the quality of treatments and patient outcomes.
3.     Streamlined Operations: Improved operational efficiency, including better scheduling and patient communication, enhances the overall patient experience and satisfaction.
4.     Comprehensive Support: With Dentilife Partners handling compliance and marketing, your practice can offer a well-organized and patient-focused environment, ensuring that your practice remains competitive and responsive to patient needs.
Overall, this model aims to create a better, more efficient practice environment that ultimately benefits your patients by providing high-quality, personalized care.

The Management Services fees are determined based on the size and scope of your practice, the specific services required, and the overall complexity of operations. The range of services provided is assessed including Strategic advice and access to clinical expertise, operational support, marketing, financial management and compliance support.

o   Strategic advice and clinical expertise: A focused and goal oriented business plan for strategic growth and economies of scale with easy access to our wealth of clinical experience spanning over 70 years.
o   Operational Support: Comprehensive management of day-to-day operations, including administrative tasks and process improvements.
o   Marketing Services: Strategies and execution plans to enhance your practice’s visibility and attract new patients.
o   Financial Management: Assistance with budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to support practice growth.
o   Compliance and Legal Support: Ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements and handling legal matters to mitigate risks.
o   Technology and Resources: Access to advanced tools and systems to streamline operations and improve practice efficiency.

Overall, the Management Services fees cover a broad range of support designed to enhance your practice’s performance and allow you to focus on providing excellent patient care.

No, with Dentilife Partners, you will not have individuals interfering in the running of your clinic without relevant expertise. Our model ensures that:
1.     Expertise in Management: While Dentilife Partners handles business operations, we have access to a wealth of experience in clinical healthcare, management and dental practice operations to ensure that our support is relevant and effective.
2.     Collaboration with Clinical Staff: We work closely with your clinical team to understand the specific needs and challenges of your practice. This collaboration helps us provide tailored support that complements your clinical expertise.
3.     Respect for Clinical Autonomy: You retain full control over clinical decisions and patient care. Our role is to support the operational side without impacting your clinical autonomy.
Our goal is to enhance the efficiency and growth of your practice while respecting and understanding the unique demands of dental care.

Uniform requirements are generally assessed based on the needs of the practice and the branding guidelines of Dentilife Partners. If a change in uniforms is deemed necessary to align with new branding or operational standards, we will discuss this with you in advance. However, if your current uniforms meet professional standards and are in good condition, a change may not be required. Any updates or changes will be implemented with consideration for cost, practicality, and your practice's preferences.

Dentilife Partners is committed to expanding and supporting dental practices across the UK. However, there may be some locations where partnerships are less feasible due to factors such as:
1.     Market Saturation: Areas with a high density of dental practices may be less ideal if the market is already saturated, potentially making it challenging to establish a new partnership.
2.     Regulatory or Compliance Issues: Locations with specific regulatory challenges or higher compliance complexities may require additional considerations before forming a partnership.
3.     Strategic Fit: While we aim to work broadly across the UK, partnerships are evaluated based on strategic alignment with our business model and goals. Areas that do not align with our strategic objectives may be less prioritized.
Ultimately, Dentilife Partners seeks to work in locations where we can effectively support and enhance dental practices while ensuring successful and sustainable partnerships.

You can call or email us to arrange a phonecall or videocall with you after your clinical hours. We only hope we can add value to the conversation.