As we step into 2026, we’re taking time to reflect on an extraordinary year of growth, transformation, and success. At Patient Plan Direct, the past 12 months have seen record numbers of practices successfully launch new dental plans for the first time. Alongside this, driven by existing practices adding significantly more patients to their plans than the year before, we have achieved a 30% year-on-year increase in plan patients across our client portfolio.
The reason is clear: the landscape of UK dentistry is changing fast.
- NHS pressures continue to intensify.
- There is an increase in squat practice openings.
- With private plans becoming far more common and still very affordable, patients are increasingly choosing to join a dental plan to secure regular access to their preferred clinician.
- More practice owners are exploring sustainable private dental plans to create steady, predictable monthly income.
- The decades of experience offered by established plan providers are sought by practices looking to implement successful plans with partners who can support and nurture long-term growth.
Proof of a Sustainable, Thriving Private Model
An inspiring success story of 2025 is Brynteg Dental Practice Tenby, which completed its NHS conversion with support from Patient Plan Direct.
The impact has been transformative. The practice is now planning to add a new surgery and recruit an additional dentist to meet growing demand, which is clear evidence that private dentistry, when implemented with expert guidance, can strengthen a busy practice.
Dr. John Griffiths shared how the conversion has revitalised his career. Free from the relentless pressures of NHS dentistry, he can now focus on delivering the treatments he truly enjoys, including facial aesthetics. For the first time in years, he said, “I have the time and flexibility as a result of the conversion to offer different treatments, rather than when working under the NHS, I was working every second just to stay afloat.”
Avenue Dental: New Practices Thriving from Day One
2025 also saw impressive growth from newly established practices.
When Dr. Bobby Bhandal launched his squat practice, Avenue Dental, he knew he needed a plan provider that could help him achieve his growth vision and deliver long-term recurring revenue. Drawing on his experience with multiple providers as an Associate, he chose Patient Plan Direct for our cost-effective fees, hands-on support, and proven track record.
Not only is his practice thriving, but he also runs a company that helps other dentists start their own practices.
Is Your Practice Paying Too Much to Your Current Plan Provider?
A major trend last year has been practices switching to us because they were overpaying on admin fees without realising it. Many practice owners with an established dental plan are shocked to learn how their plan administration fees compare with those of practices with a similar number of plan patients.
One case study to share is from Dr Jeevan Boyal, the Principal at Casa Dental, who switched all his plan patients from Denplan to Patient Plan Direct due to the difference in admin fees. He lost just two patients during the switch, but with our support, he gained more afterwards. The decision to switch providers came after he realised he was being overcharged by Denplan for the level of service received. When Denplan was informed that Casa Dental would be moving to Patient Plan Direct, he was offered what he describes as a “nonsense” financial handshake to stay. By making the switch to Patient Plan Direct, he saved £8,000 in the first year of ownership – a significant and meaningful saving for any newly acquired practice.
The year ahead looks bright!
As Patient Plan Direct moves into 2026, the future has never looked brighter. Recently joining the Agilio Software group marks an exciting new chapter, unlocking fresh opportunities to accelerate growth, innovate further, and support even more practices in building sustainable, recurring income. With Agilio’s market-leading dental compliance, workforce, and marketing solutions, Patient Plan Direct is perfectly positioned to scale its impact, deepen client partnerships, and continue setting the standard for dental membership plans. After a record-breaking 2025, this next phase is not just about momentum; it’s about reaching new heights together.
Planning Your 2026 Strategy? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’re:
- Launching a dental plan for the first time
- Planning an NHS-to-private conversion
- Looking for a more cost-effective plan provider
Our specialist team is here to help.
Get in touch with Patient Plan Direct today — you may be surprised by what’s possible with our enhanced dental plan solution.