Acuity Law — Legal Guidance for Dental Practice Owners Facing Change

Operating a dental practice today involves navigating more than clinical and business demands, it requires a clear legal strategy too. Acuity Law’s Corporate Healthcare team works closely with dental practices to help them manage risk, optimize structure, and secure growth. Below are key legal areas dentists should watch and act on now.

1. Regulatory change and contract reform in dentistry

Recent shifts in how dental contracts are regulated, especially within devolved administrations, are reshaping practice strategies. For practices in Wales, for example, contract reform is creating new opportunities but also added scrutiny. (acuitylaw.com)

What practice owners should do:

• Review all NHS and private contract terms, including obligations and termination clauses.

• Conduct a legal audit of existing agreements to make sure your terms align with current and expected regulatory changes.

• Engage proactively with legal advisers to update or share contracts before reforms take effect.

2. Structuring your practice for scale and risk

As practices grow, governance and ownership models become more important. Whether you are looking to expand, take on associates, or bring in external investment, the right legal structure protects your interests.

Key considerations:

• Choose the right ownership vehicle, limited company, partnership, or hybrid, based on your goals and liability profile.

• Put in place clear shareholder or partner agreements covering profit sharing, decision making, exit terms, and dispute resolution.

• Ensure your governance setup supports growth, either through acquisition, merger, or succession planning.

A well-structured practice is not just legally sound, it is also more attractive to investors, associates, and future buyers.

3. Real estate and premises risk

Property issues are central to any dental business. Leases, property acquisitions, and premises expansions all carry legal and financial risk. Acuity’s real estate and commercial team helps with these challenges.

What to keep in mind:

• Negotiate lease terms that provide flexibility, including renewals, subletting, and break options, without exposing you to unexpected costs.

• When acquiring property, ensure due diligence covers regulatory compliance, such as CQC and local planning, and potential future liabilities.

• Factor property risk into your long-term strategic plan, especially if you are considering multiple locations.

  
  

4. Managing governance, associates, and succession

Growth and stability depend on having a strong leadership structure. The legal framework for your practice should enable smooth transitions, clarity in ownership, and protection for your legacy.

Steps to follow:

• Draft or update a shareholders’ agreement that clarifies rights and obligations for all owners.

• Develop a succession plan. If you plan to bring in or exit a partner, ensure the legal terms support a clear and strategic handover.

• Regularly revisit contractual arrangements with associates, hygienists, and other team members, especially as roles evolve.

5. Preparing for exit or sale

Even if you are not planning on selling now, preparing early makes a big difference. A business that is legally tidy, well-governed, and scalable typically commands a stronger valuation.

How Acuity can help:

• We work with you to build detailed structuring and governance advice so that a future exit or succession is as seamless as possible.

• We assist in deal preparation, from transaction negotiation to regulatory compliance and shareholder arrangements.

• We support due diligence and post-deal negotiations, ensuring your interests remain protected.

Conclusion

Running a dental practice means juggling patient care, staff, finances, and legal risk. With Acuity Law’s Corporate Healthcare expertise, you can turn legal challenges into strategic advantages. Whether you are expanding, restructuring, or planning for the future, our team is ready to partner with you. If you would like to talk through legal planning for your practice, from governance to contracts to exit, speak to Acuity Law’s specialist healthcare team. If your next step is to grow, restructure, or future-proof your practice, now is the ideal time to get legal guidance in place.

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