A new survey of over 300 UK dental professionals, commissioned by Snowbird Finance, has found that 50% are still working out how best to finance their practice. This may be partially explained by the fact that 57% said they were unfamiliar with the role of finance brokers.
The findings suggest that many clinicians are missing out on valuable support that could help them expand, upgrade or futureproof their business, especially at a time of rising costs, growing demand for private treatment and increasing pressure to invest. Despite this, just 24% of respondents said they were very familiar with broker services, and only 10% reported using a broker regularly.
Many continue to rely on personal networks or internal reserves, with 22% planning to use existing cash for investments in the year ahead. While this may feel straightforward, it can create hidden risks. It puts pressure on cash flow, limits flexibility, and reduces the ability to respond to unexpected challenges or growth opportunities. Without expert guidance, practices may be making short-term decisions that undermine long-term success.
Simon Freeman, Managing Director of Snowbird Finance, said: ‘There’s still a misconception that brokers simply act as a go-between for clients and lenders. That hasn’t been true for a long time. A good broker is a strategic partner. We help dentists understand the bigger picture, structure their finances to support growth, and avoid unnecessary financial pressure.
‘Whether you are buying new equipment, planning a refurbishment, or exploring patient finance, it’s not just about borrowing money. It’s about making informed decisions that set you up for long-term success. Many clinicians simply don’t know where to start, and that’s where the right support makes all the difference.’
Additional findings from the survey include:
- Only 21% of dental professionals viewed brokers as a strategic support
- 34% relied on word-of-mouth when choosing a finance partner
- 58% prioritised interest rates as their top consideration, followed by fee transparency (36%), flexible options (29%) and ease of process (23%)
- Just 9% said they were prioritising staff training or recruitment in the next 12 months.
Other responses revealed common concerns, with some dentists unsure about the value brokers provide, while others were hesitant to discuss financial matters externally.
Taken together, the data points to a profession still navigating financial decisions on instinct rather than strategy. With low engagement in broker services and a narrow focus on rates over long-term value, some practices may be missing out on tailored solutions that could unlock growth and strengthen team development.
Commenting on this, Freeman added: ‘Using internal cash, for instance, might seem straightforward, but it can reduce flexibility and increase financial risk. Structured funding protects your working capital and gives you the freedom to invest in your people, your marketing or your patient services. It’s about enabling long-term growth, not just covering short-term costs.’
Snowbird Finance is also the only broker that brings together a range of patient finance options in one place, offering an additional route to help practices boost treatment uptake and increase revenue.
Freeman believes this remains an underused opportunity for many, concluding: ‘Patient finance is one of the most effective ways to grow private treatment, but it is often overlooked. For practices looking to scale, especially in the private sector, it is a major opportunity.’
If you are not making the most of your financial potential, whether as an individual or a practice, it could be time to rethink your approach.
