The Scottish Dental Market: An Analytical Review

Image of Kilchurn Castle, Scotland, by Connor Mollison for Unsplash

We recently launched our Dental Market Review 2025 report, which provides an in-depth overview of the UK dental market over the last 18 months. Here are some of the report’s key takeaways.

OWNERSHIP & COMPOSITION

There are currently 1,019 dental practices in Scotland:

• 61% are owned by independent or dual-site operators (1 to 2 sites)
• 20% are owned by mid-sized and small groups (3 to 29 sites)
• 19% are owned by corporates and large groups (30 sites and over)

We’re seeing a shift in market sentiment from caution to renewed enthusiasm, supported by a broader and better-capitalised buyer pool. As corporates re-enter the marketplace alongside resilient independents, competition for quality practices is expected to intensify in late 2025, driving heightened activity and reinforcing the appeal of cultural and clinical fit in transactions.

DEMAND & SUPPLY

Between H1 2023 and H1 2025, corporate buyers increasingly targeted private practices, reflecting a strategic shift toward higher-margin, consumer-driven models amid ongoing NHS funding challenges. Small and medium-sized groups also leaned toward private and mixed-model acquisitions. Meanwhile, independent and first-time buyers broadened their focus, supported by improved access to funding and growing confidence in the sector’s overall stability.

SENTIMENT IN THE SECTOR

In June, we reached out to over 38,000 dental professionals to get their views on the sector. Our key findings include:

• More feel positive or neutral about the sector than feel negative
• The greatest area of growth is likely to come through general dentistry (28% to 30%), with specialist services just marginally behind (24% to 26%)
• 86% feel that digital dentistry is at the forefront of future growth
• 49% of respondents are likely to invest in new technology and equipment in the coming years. 29% of respondents say that recruiting additional staff is their next most likely investment

To find out more about the Scottish market, contact Joel Mannix: joel.mannix@christie.com or +44 7764 241 691