For many dental professionals in 2025, a critical question looms: Is it time to transition from NHS reliance to a fully private model? The answer is increasingly evident. Faced with spiralling operational costs, persistent NHS contract uncertainties, and an ever-growing administrative burden, many NHS and mixed practices are reaching a definitive tipping point. They strategically transition to private dentistry, seeking enhanced long-term stability, clinical independence, and sustainable profitability.
At Patient Plan Direct, we’ve witnessed a remarkable 150% increase in NHS to private conversion enquiries over the past two years alone. This surge is a powerful signal: more dental professionals than ever are ready to make this pivotal shift, and they are actively seeking trusted, experienced support to ensure a smooth, successful process.
The Unyielding Pressure on NHS Dentistry
Despite recent political dialogue and renewed pledges, substantive reform to the NHS dental contract remains conspicuously absent. Practices continue to grapple with fixed fees that fail to reflect the actual cost of delivering high-quality care, particularly as they contend with escalating overheads, rising staffing costs, and stringent regulatory demands.
Recent increases in the minimum wage and employer’s National Insurance contributions have further exacerbated these financial pressures. Furthermore, practices predominantly reliant on NHS income remain unfairly excluded from crucial financial reliefs, such as the recent 50%+ increase in employment allowance. Unlike their private counterparts, NHS-dependent practices cannot adjust fees to offset these rising costs, leaving them financially constrained and often operating on precariously tight or negative margins.
The justification for retaining a minor NHS contract is rapidly diminishing for many mixed dental practices. What might once have felt like a responsible obligation is now, for many, delivering a mere fraction of income while generating a disproportionate amount of administrative stress. Holding on due to habit, uncertainty, or apprehension about patient response is no longer a viable long-term strategy. When executed strategically and with expert support, transitioning to private dentistry unlocks the potential for delivering superior care, achieving a healthier work-life balance, and building a resilient and profitable business.
Real-Life Transformation: 3,000 Patients in Just One Month
Hear it directly from a practice successfully navigating this journey: Dr. Deborah Goodwin, Principal Dentist at Goodwin Dental Practice. After three decades in the same practice—14 years as an associate and 16 as owner—Deborah made the decisive and bold move to go entirely private.
With the dedicated, expert support of Patient Plan Direct, Deborah executed a comprehensive transition of her entire practice from NHS to private in record time, successfully securing an impressive 3,000 plan patients in just one month.
Deborah meticulously followed our proven 5-step roadmap for success, which included in-depth financial forecasting, comprehensive team training, and expertly crafted patient communication strategies. Reflecting on her experience, Deborah describes the move as “game-changing,” unequivocally freeing her from NHS constraints and empowering her to deliver the elevated standard of care consistently in which she passionately believes.
Accessing our on-demand webinar can give you deeper insights into Deborah’s journey. She candidly shares her motivations, the precise process she followed, and how the proper strategic support made all the difference in achieving her remarkable outcome.
The Indispensable Role of a Structured Dental Plan in a Successful Transition
Going private doesn’t mean facing the journey alone. A meticulously structured dental plan provides a stable foundation of recurring income, effectively replacing NHS revenue and offering patients invaluable clarity and peace of mind regarding their ongoing dental care.
At Patient Plan Direct, our highly specialized conversion service is built upon a proven five-step process that systematically guides practices from initial viability assessment to successful private operation: “Is this viable?” to “We’ve made it.” Our hands-on approach involves:
- In-depth Financial Assessment: A comprehensive analysis of your practice’s financial health to build a robust private model.
- Team Engagement & Training: Empowering your entire team with the knowledge and confidence to embrace the transition.
- Tailored Patient Communication Strategies: Crafting clear, empathetic, and persuasive messages to ensure smooth patient migration.
- Expert In-Practice Support: Direct, on-site guidance and problem-solving precisely when needed.
- Post-Transition Optimisation: Ensuring sustained success and continuous growth in your private model.
Crucially, we deliver this comprehensive support while keeping costs transparent and significantly lower than other major providers in the market. Our focused, value-led approach ensures you only pay for the essential support directly related to your plan offering. We are committed to a transparent pricing model, avoiding inflated fees from optional or unrelated services. We proudly offer hands-on, demonstrably proven, and value-driven support for your transition.
Make the Move on Your Terms
Every practice’s transition is unique. Some choose to hand back their NHS contract entirely in one strategic move; others prefer a clinician-led phased approach, or a staggered process. However, you envision your path forward, we will meticulously match our pace and priorities to yours, ensuring a comfortable and controlled transition.
If retaining specific patient groups, such as children or exempt patients, is a concern, we possess the expertise to support you in designing flexible plan options. This allows you to uphold your practice’s ethos and commitment to patient care without compromising the long-term viability of your new private business model.
Ready to Explore Your Private Dentistry Future?
Whether you are actively mapping out your exit from the NHS or simply weighing the fundamental pros and cons, we are here to empower you with an informed decision. Our commitment is to provide insights and guidance with zero pressure and no obligation.
Discover the vast possibilities with Patient Plan Direct, the low-cost, high-support provider that prioritises your practice’s future success.
Learn more about our comprehensive NHS to private service or connect directly with one of our highly experienced conversion experts today. Call us at 0344 848 6888 or email us.