Dental Market Review 2025

"This year’s report draws on our extensive transaction data, buyer and seller sentiment analysis, and the thousands of valuation and consultancy projects we conduct across the UK. It is designed to inform, guide, and empower all those invested in the business of dentistry.

"2024 was a pivotal chapter for the UK dental market, defined not by dramatic surges or declines but by a strategic recalibration across all tiers of the sector. Against a backdrop of persistent economic headwinds and rising operational costs, the market proved both resilient and adaptive. 2024 marked a transition toward a more sustainable, quality-driven, and independently-led landscape, with more than 80% of Christie & Co deals agreed with independent owners. This marked a significant shift from pre-pandemic years, when corporate consolidators and private equity-backed groups dominated the narrative.

"However, in the first half of 2025, we saw the re-entry of corporate and group buyers into the market, buoyed by stabilising interest rates and a renewed focus on quality over scale. Many larger groups spent much of 2023 and 2024 refining their portfolios and operating models and are now expected to return to acquisitive strategies, but in a more targeted, strategic fashion. For practice owners considering an exit, this rebalancing between independent and corporate appetite presents a compelling opportunity to explore their options.

"Whether you are a practice owner planning for the future, a first-time buyer, or a seasoned investor navigating this ever-evolving sector, we remain committed to providing honest, data-led insight to help you make confident decisions in an increasingly complex market. We hope this report serves as a valuable resource for the year ahead."