2021 was the year for orthodontics and private dentistry, says Christie & Co in latest business outlook report

Buyer appetite remains strong
The business reported strong buyer appetite for dental businesses throughout 2021, with corporate operators being particularly active. Established corporate buyers trying to fulfil ambitious buy and build targets face stiff competition from independently-owned dental groups trying to grow to platform size to eventually become suitable for future PE backing – this buyer profile is dominating the higher end of the market at the moment.

A continued lack of supply of good quality, larger dental practices led to extremely competitive bidding and many sales agreed above asking price. Between 2017 and 2021, Christie & Co saw an 11 per cent increase in the number of offers received and 22 per cent increase on unique offers received on dental businesses, showing rising appetite from new market entrants. The average number of viewings per practice rose, also, by 7.2 per cent in 2020 compared with 2019, and a further 9.3 per cent from 2020 to 2021.