While the past few years have tested dental professionals and principals – with recruitment challenges and patient related pressures – the latest data from Dental Elite’s Interim Goodwill Report indicates resilience within the dental market. Appetite varies between independent and group buyers, with aspects such as location and type of practice playing a vital role in the acquisition landscape.
Dental Elite’s activity data from April to the End of September 2025 has proven that not only is the market steady, but it is strengthening gradually too. For principals looking ahead, this analysis offers invaluable insight into pricing, buyer behaviour, competition, and long-term plans.
What’s behind the goodwill growth?
Anecdotally, market strength is indicated by the constant increase in average deal value. As recorded in the End-of-Year Goodwill Report (March 2025), for all practice types, the average price achieved was £1,276,078, which has since shown a notable increase to £1,458,050. This signifies an increasingly competitive market for high-quality practices, augmented buyer confidence, and of course, a growing field of active purchasers.
Private and mixed practices continue to lead the way regarding average price achieved – sitting at £1.55 million and £1.5 million respectively. Both independent buyers and groups seek these models since they offer income stability and potential to scale in the future. NHS practices still hold a strong foundation of the market, averaging £1.15 million, as these are viewed as lower-risk investments with greater predictability of revenue streams.
Buyer priorities
However, there are differences in what independent buyers and groups look for. As mentioned, independent buyers prioritise stability and predictability – specifically financially. Their preferred order being mixed, NHS, then private aligns their search for reassurance in having a steady, income-diverse model as the balance between patient security and growth potential – particularly for first-time buyers.
On the other hand, in the main, groups demonstrate a continuously strong appetite for private and private-leaning mixed practices. Seeking to scale, they strategically consider recruitment feasibility – with NHS practices facing much greater recruitment and retention challenges than predominantly private practices.[i]
All buyer sectors, particularly groups, are willing to pay extra money for “big stock” assets. These include strong financial performance, robust private income, and well-established management – knowing where your assets fit into desirability is useful when selling.
The evolving buyer demographics
Consolidation is another factor that is shifting the structure of the dental market. The Interim Goodwill Report evidences that 62% of acquisitions were made by first- or second-time buyers, which has reduced from almost 70% the previous year. This suggests an increasing number of active players and the ongoing expansion of smaller group operators. There are approximately 4,500 practices owned by multi-site operators, and more than 600 individuals or organisations who own more than 2 practices.
When principals plan to sell, understanding potential buyers, and their strengths and priorities helps identify which is most appropriate and how the practice aligns with their criteria. This variety reduces reliance on any single buyer type, expanding the quantity of potential interested parties.
Dental principals’ next steps
Informed guidance, such as Dental Elite’s Interim Goodwill Report, makes the entire selling process much easier – maximising your outcome. The team analyse live market data, track buyer movements, and offer unwavering support every step of the way. A client recently left a 5-star review after selling with Dental Elite, explaining that their “experience with Dental Elite has been amazing, with the team being wonderful throughout the process. They made this process smooth, easy, and comfortable – always there throughout.”
For principals assessing their next steps, the current market offers a positive landscape with rising goodwill values, buyer divergence, and growing demand. Whether planning to sell now or in the future, understanding the dental market – including buyer behaviour – can offer great assistance in what to personally expect throughout the process.
For more information contact Dental Elite. Visit www.dentalelite.co.uk, email info@dentalelite.co.uk or call 01788 545 900
Learn more from the latest Interim Goodwill Report delivered to you by Dental Elite at https://dentalelite.co.uk/goodwill-report
Author: Luke Moore, Founders and Directors of Dental Elite
[i] Evans, D., Mills, I., Burns, L. et al. The dental workforce recruitment and retention crisis in the UK. Br Dent J 234, 573–577 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-023-5737-5
