My time as a dental practice owner: City Smiles

Image: The refreshed, rebranded dental practice

Established in 2014, Park Dental is a three-surgery NHS dental practice located on Main Street in the Glasgow district of Bridgeton, just two miles from the city centre.

In January 2024, the practice was sold to husband-and-wife Dentists, Stephan Rai and Anuja Waval, who had big plans for the business, including a rebrand to ‘City Smiles Dental & Implant Clinic.’

Joel Mannix, Head of Dental at Christie & Co, spoke with Stephan to find out how he and his team are getting on…

Why did you want to own your own dental practice?

We wanted to own our own dental practice because it allowed me to provide care the way I believe it should be delivered - patient-focused, consistent, and with the highest standards.

Running my own practice means I can shape the culture, invest in the right team, and ensure that every patient receives not just quality treatment but a positive experience. It also allows me the freedom to innovate, adopt new technologies, and offer services that go beyond what's expected.

Ultimately, it’s about building something meaningful, where patients feel confident and valued, and where I can grow both professionally and personally.

What attracted you to buy this practice?

My wife, Anuja, and I loved the practice and the fact that it offered a great balance of potential and stability. Its close proximity to the city centre meant strong footfall and easy accessibility for patients, which is ideal for both NHS and private growth. The existing patient base had a tidy, well-managed mix of NHS and private work, which aligned perfectly with my vision of offering accessible care while expanding high-quality private services. The practice itself was well-presented, with a solid team and a positive local reputation, which made me confident it was a great foundation to build on and improve.

What potential did you see in Park Dental?

Practice had great potential from the start. The fact that it is so close to the city centre makes it ideal for attracting both NHS and private patients. I saw a strong opportunity to expand the private side of the practice while continuing to serve the local community through NHS care. The surrounding area is growing, with a diverse population that values accessible and high-quality dental services. With some modernisation, investment in digital dentistry, and a focus on patient experience, I knew Park Dental could become a go-to practice for both long-standing and new patients.

What changes have you made to the practice so far? 

Since taking over the practice, we've added over 500 new patients, which has been a clear sign that the community trusts what we're building here. I've focused on creating a positive, forward-thinking environment by bringing together a great team who are genuinely eager to learn, grow, and deliver excellent care.

We've invested in a brand-new dental chair and upgraded our scanner to improve both efficiency and patient comfort. We've also refreshed the interior to give the practice a more modern, welcoming feel - small changes that have made a big impact on the overall patient experience

What plans do you have for the practice going forward?

Looking ahead, I plan to continue growing both the NHS and private sides of the practice by expanding our services and improving accessibility. I want to introduce more advanced treatments, including cosmetic options and digital dentistry, to meet the evolving needs of our patients. Investing in staff development is also a key priority - I believe a well-supported, skilled team is essential for long-term success. I’m also exploring ways to further modernise the space and enhance the patient journey, from first contact to aftercare. Ultimately, my goal is to make City Smiles known for high-quality, compassionate care in a modern, patient-focused setting

What advice would you give anyone thinking of buying their first dental practice?

Do your homework - really understand the numbers, the patient base, and the local demographics.

It’s not just about buying a practice; it’s about buying into a long-term vision. Make sure it aligns with your goals, whether that’s NHS, private, or a blend of both.

Don’t underestimate the importance of the team either. Staff can make or break the transition, so invest in building a culture where people feel supported and valued.

Lastly, be prepared to roll up your sleeves. The first year will test you, but if you stay focused, flexible, and patient-centred, it’s one of the most rewarding steps you can take in your career

If you’re considering buying a dental practice and would like to discuss your options, contact Joel Mannix: joel.mannix@christie.com / 07764 241 691