Where are you on your startup journey?
Start with the Bootcamp – a one day workshop event with people who’ve done it. Open to anyone.
Work out your total startup cost, your 30% contribution, your projections and how the finance package will be structured before you commit.
Premises identified, need to move
Book a call with Uros. We’ll start looking at the finance required and connect you with relevant suppliers and specialists.
Start your squat practice
Thinking about starting a dental practice? We can help
Starting a dental practice from scratch takes more than just a vision. It takes expert advice and know-how from people who have done it before. Not only have we started 4 of our own, through our bootcamp training, former start up programmes, finance brokerage, buying group network and accounts set-ups, we’ve helped over 750 dentists across the UK do it themselves.
Dental practice start-up loans
How we help you raise the finance you need to start your squat
We work with a panel of over 50 lenders throughout the UK. Our in-house finance brokers at Samera Finance can help with every step from preparing your application, approaching lenders on your behalf and negotiating the rates, all the way through to the deal closing.
Start-up and fit-out finance
The main start-up loan can be used to fund the core costs of getting your squat practice open, including the premises, refurbishment, IT, marketing and other eligible start-up costs. We help structure the borrowing around your total project cost, your own contribution and the level of monthly repayments the new practice can realistically support.
Asset finance
Separate asset finance loans can be used alongside the main start-up loan for eligible equipment such as dental chairs, X-ray units, autoclaves and CBCT scanners. It can often fund up to 100% of the equipment cost, usually over 3, 5 or 7 years. Because the term is shorter, we model the repayments carefully alongside the main loan.
Premises and property loans
Whether you’re leasing the property or buying the freehold, we can help arrange the property finance you need as part of the overall startup funding package.
Comparing the lender offers
Through our wide panel of UK lenders, we search the market for the most competitive rates, repayment structures, guarantee requirements and flexibility to find the deal that works best for you.
Structuring the full finance package
We work out how the start-up and asset finance should be combined. Asset finance can increase the amount available for eligible equipment, but because it is repaid over a shorter term, we also need to make sure the resulting monthly repayments remain affordable.
Preparing your application for lenders
From business plan templates and financial projections to making sure your application is ready for submission. Using a commercial finance broker gives you the best chance of making sure your application is successful.
How we structure the cost of a start-up
How we structure your borrowing will depend on factors such as how much you need to borrow, how much you can afford in monthly repayments and what you’re planning to purchase.
For squat practices, the main start-up loan is typically capped at around £500,000. This loan can cover eligible start-up costs such as premises, refurbishment, IT, marketing and equipment. If the amount you need to borrow exceeds £500,000, the remainder will generally need to come from your own funds or by covering the equipment with an asset finance loan.
Lenders will usually fund around 70% and expect you to contribute 30% towards the total cost of the start-up.
In our experience a single surgery fit-out tends to cost around £250,000 to £400,000, but this can vary depending on the equipment you purchase, the premises and the level of specification.
If it makes financial sense to do so, equipment and assets (like chairs, x-rays, autoclaves, CBCTs etc.) can be funded separately to the start-up loan limit using an asset finance loan. These are usually offered at 100% LTV over a shorter term – 3,5, or 7 years. This means that you are able to borrow more money but the repayments will usually be higher.
This is why we always recommend starting out with only fitting out one surgery. You can have other surgeries prepped and ready to kit out later with chairs etc. as your practice grows and you get the patients to fill them. If you fit out more surgeries than you can fill with patients, the value of the unused equipment will just depreciate in value.
Plan your squat practice
Business plans and financial projections
Every squat is different. Your location, premises, treatment mix, pricing, staffing, equipment and funding structure will all affect whether the numbers work.
Our free business plan template gives you the structure to build your plan. If you want us to prepare the financial projections, we build them around the assumptions and costs of your own practice, rather than applying a standard set of figures.
The projections help you understand how much funding you need, expected cash flow, when the practice may become profitable and whether the plan is financially viable before you commit.
Start-up cost modelling
We estimate the full cost of your squat practice. From the initial fit-out and property finance to the ongoing costs like staffing, marketing and bills. You get a clear picture of what you’ll need.
Cash flow forecasts
Our financial projections and cash flow forecasting will help you understand the financial realities of the first few years of your new practice, identify the gaps, plan for the problems and see when you can expect to be cash flow positive.
Profit and loss projections
We can forecast your expected revenue, the costs you’ll face and project how your business is expected to perform in the first few years after opening day.
Business plans
We will provide business plan templates that have been built over years of experience in what the lender wants to see, what is realistic and what actually works.
Accounts and tax
Setting up the accounts function and tax planning
If you want Samera to handle your accountancy after launch, our Kick-start accounts package is designed specifically for newly established dental practices. It is completely optional and separate from our finance service.
We can set up your accounts from scratch and support you with bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning, annual accounts and management reporting, so you can see how the practice is performing from day one.
Annual accounts and tax
Through our Kick-start accounts package, we handle accounts, corporation tax, annual reports and management reporting so you know how your practice is performing.
Bookkeeping systems
We can set up reliable bookkeeping software and systems in your new practice so your finances are organised right from the start.
Payroll and pensions
Team payroll, PAYE, pension contributions and payment recording. We help you handle the reporting as your team grows.
Associate pay
We calculate and automate your associate pay, including individual payment rules as well as deductions and lab bills for your entire team.
Accounts payable
Our systems handle supplier invoices and bill payment processes to help you stay on top of what your practice owes and when bills are due so you never miss a payment.
Ongoing tax planning
We provide proactive tax planning advice for practices around profit extraction, pensions, capital allowances and more as the practice grows.
Dental buying group
Industry suppliers and support for the rest of your start-up needs
We are not a project manager for dental start-ups and you are free to use your own advisors, suppliers and partners.
However, through years of starting our own practices and helping others do the same, we have built a network of industry suppliers who can provide many of the other services and support you need to get your squat practice up and running.
Through the Samera dental buying group, we can introduce you to experts and suppliers for start-ups. It is free to join, no obligation and you’ll gain access to exclusive deals only available to group members.
Suppliers and support the buying group gives you access to includes:
- Dental equipment and technology
- Practice fit-out
- Legal services
- CQC and compliance
- HR and recruitment
- Dental consumables
- Insurance and other practice services
Not ready to talk finance yet?
Join the Setting Up in Practice Bootcamp to get started
If you’re earlier in the journey – still deciding whether to start a practice at all, or weighing up squat vs buying – the Bootcamp is the place to start. It’s our live one-day event for dentists who are thinking about becoming a practice owner.
You’ll spend a day learning from people who’ve been through it themselves. A lead dentist who owns her own practice, a specialist dental accountant, a commercial finance broker and a dental marketing expert. You can ask real questions and get honest answers.
It covers areas including:
- Starting versus buying a practice
- Understanding the costs involved
- Dental practice finance and lender expectations
- Business planning and financial projections
- What to look for in a potential practice
- The commercial realities of practice ownership
Over 300 of the UK’s dentists have attended. The best starting point if you’re serious about starting your own practice but not yet ready to commit to specific suppliers.
Thinking about buying instead?
If you’re thinking about buying an existing practice instead of starting one from scratch, we can help with that too.
Who you’ll work with
Speak to the dental practice startup team
Book a free, no-obligation call directly with the team member whose work matches what you need. Squat startups typically involve all three of us at different stages.
Commercial Finance Broker
- Squat practice finance
- Asset and equipment finance
- Lease and deposit negotiation
- Property finance
- Business plans
- Financial projections
- Join the dental buying group
CEO and Founder
- Practice ownership strategy
- Squat practice strategy and commercial viability
- Dental practice growth
- Systems automation with Clever Practice
Director of Operations – Accountancy and Tax
- Dental accountancy for new practice owners
- Tax planning and profit extraction
- Cash flow modelling
- Day-one accounts setup
Other ways to reach us
Prefer not to book a call? You can also get in touch directly or send a message and we’ll get back to you.
- Email: info@samera.co.uk
- Phone: (+44) 20 7100 8788
- WhatsApp: Message us on WhatsApp
Why Samera
Why start your dental practice with Samera
★★★★★ 4.8/5 Google reviews · Read reviews
300+ Bootcamp graduates building their own practices · About the Bootcamp
£250m+ finance arranged · FCA FRN 757431 · NACFB member
We’ve started 4 practices ourselves
Since 2004, we have started 4 of our own squat practices under the Neem Tree dental group. All of the advice we give and services we provide was formed through years of hands-on, direct experience.
750+ dental practice start-ups supported
From our bootcamp events, our former start-up programmes and our wider financial services, we have helped over 750 dentists throughout the UK start their own practices.
Dental specialists since 2002
Since 2002, we have focused on working with dentists and dental practices across the UK. Our team specialise in the industry and work with dentists every day.
If we don’t do it, we know someone who does
We may not be project managers, but with our in-house financial services and the buying group network, we can connect you with the suppliers you need for most of the other support you need.
Samera Finance Ltd is FCA authorised (FRN 757431) and a member of the National Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (NACFB).
Reviews
What other dentists say about working with us
Been with Samera since 2008 when we bought our first dental practice, their knowledge and expertise is second to none not least because they also own their own dental practices, putting them in a unique position in terms of their knowledge and advice for the Dental Industry. Whether you’re setting up from scratch or acquiring an existing practice, Samera have been there to offer advice on raising finance, staff and team issues, tax knowledge, leadership and having a strong vision, marketing, getting into purchasing groups and also purchasing equipment …
Saijel Kachhala – 5 Stars
After attending the Samera Bootcamp last November, I set about starting up my own practice … very helpful in setting up finance and giving good all round advice about the process, actually well beyond the scope of a financial advisor – wouldn’t hesitate to recommend!
Mat Lowis – 5 Stars
I am a dentist setting up my own private dental practice and Samera have been a great help as my accountants, giving lots of advice, especially in regards to all the complicated financial matters and tax … I have also attended the Samera ‘setting up a dental practice’ course and would definitely recommend this.
Imran Kassam – 5 Stars
Arun … helped us tremendously over recent years in setting up our dental practice. From attending the bootcamp, discussing finances to support with marketing, the team have been brilliant. Very approachable and always go over and beyond. Highly recommended!!
GG Smiles – 5 Stars
I attended the Samera Setting Up Bootcamp last Friday and I’m so glad I did. I’ve been considering acquiring my own dental practice for a couple of years, and attending this bootcamp was definitely the best decision. The experience felt almost like a one to one session thanks to the small group setting and the incredibly knowledgeable team … The day gave me a much clearer understanding of the steps involved in buying and setting up a practice, as well as the common pitfalls to avoid! I would highly recommend this bootcamp to any dentist who is thinking about owning their own practice.
Hazel de la Rosa del Toro – 5 Stars
Recently attended Setting up in Practice Bootcamp. Very practical, comprehensive volume of information was given, high concentration of professionals in one place who rather generously shared their knowledge (finance, law, cqc compliance, surgery design, equipment, online and offline marketing).
Natallia Charnetskaya – 5 Stars
A must attend boot camp from Samera for those who are looking to open a practice, things were very confusing for me didn’t know where to start from, what are steps involved when do we need to speak to bank, landlord, local council etc. They covered every aspect including marketing …
Bilal Chudhary – 5 Stars
Attended a setting up in practice boot camp, just over a year ago … Samera are always extremely professional and proficient. Their advice and ongoing support has been invaluable and I will highly recommend them, for any dentist setting up a squat practice or hoping to buy an existing practice.
Jamal Johnston – 5 Stars
Real deals
Read some of our case studies
Three real squat practice startups we’ve worked on. Names withheld for confidentiality, numbers and structures accurate.
£333k funding package for a new two-surgery dental practice
A Thames Valley dentist needed to fund both the premises and clinical equipment for a new private practice. We structured £235,000 of commercial finance alongside £98,000 of asset finance, securing £333,000 in total and completing within three months.
£400k secured after a dental practice fit-out ran over budget
When property conversion and fit-out costs exceeded the original budget, we arranged an additional £120,000 of asset finance alongside the existing £280,000 startup loan, giving the partners the full £400,000 needed to complete the practice.
£560k secured after unexpected VAT increased property costs
A dentist discovered that VAT applied to their chosen commercial property after the startup budget had already been prepared. We reworked the funding requirement around the higher cost and secured around £560,000, allowing the client to proceed with the premises.
Related reading
Guides to starting a dental practice
How to start a dental practice in 13 steps
The canonical step-by-step guide from our own experience starting practices.
How to finance a squat practice
The squat-specific finance guide – two-loan structure, lender requirements, common pitfalls.
Creating a business plan for a dental practice
The business plan walkthrough plus a free template download.
Five traits of failed dental start-ups
The cautionary article – the patterns we’ve seen that cause squats to fail and how to avoid them.
See all our practice startup resources
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about starting a dental practice
Should I buy an existing practice or start a squat?
There is no right choice between starting or buying a practice. The right answer for you depends on factors like your capital, your risk appetite, your patient acquisition plan and the area you want to practise in. A squat practice tends to cost less to set up but takes 12 to 24 months to reach the trading position an existing practice can give you on day one. Buying gives you existing revenue, staff and patients from the start, but usually at a higher acquisition cost. We work with dentists who want to buy as well as start – see our practice buying service if you’re thinking about buying a practice instead.
How much does it cost to start a squat dental practice?
In our experience, it typically costs around £250,000 to £400,000+ to start a one-surgery practice depending on size, location and specification. The premises (freehold or leasehold) is usually the largest cost. Fit-out and equipment for a fully-digital 3 to 4 surgery squat runs £350,000 to £500,000+.
This is why we recommend starting with one surgery initially. By keeping your initial costs low, you keep your repayments more manageable while the patient list and your practice grow.
You also need enough cash to cover the opening months while the practice builds revenue. Costs such as staff and rent need to be factored into your total cash requirement, even where they cannot be included in the start-up loan. Our projections help you understand how much cash you will need alongside the finance being raised.
How much can I borrow for a squat practice?
The initial start-up loan is usually capped at £500,000 by the lender. This includes the premises (freehold or leasehold), refurbishment and getting the building ready, IT, marketing, equipment and other eligible start-up costs. Lenders will typically fund 70% of the total start-up costs, the remaining 30% will need to come from you.
While the start-up loan can be used to purchase the equipment and assets, separate asset finance loans can also be used alongside the start-up loan at up to 100% LTV on eligible equipment. However, this can usually incur higher monthly repayments as it will be paid back over a much shorter time frame (usually 3,5, or 7 years).
How long does it take to start a squat dental practice?
It often takes 12 to 18 months from decision to opening day and sometimes longer. CQC registration alone takes 8 to 12 weeks once the application is submitted, and the application can’t be submitted until premises, staff, policies and clinical leadership are in place. Build and fit-out is usually 3 to 4 months for a typical squat. Finance application to drawdown is 6 to 12 weeks with the right paperwork.
What does Samera charge for squat startup work?
Some of our services are charged and some are free.
For start-up and fit-out loan brokerage, we charge 2% of the total amount borrowed, subject to a minimum fee of £3,500.
Asset finance brokerage is free to you because Samera Finance Ltd is paid commission by the lender.
Our business plan template is free, financial projections cost £1,500 + VAT, our Kick-start accounts package starts from £500 per month + VAT, and the Samera Dental Buying Group is free to join. All fees will be explained clearly before you commit.
Do I need to be a Samera client to get help?
You do not need to be an existing client, and you are not obligated to take on any more services than you need to. The Setting Up in Practice Bootcamp is open to anyone considering ownership. The buying group is free to join and you don’t need to be a Samera accounts client.
What about CQC, legal, HR and equipment – do you do all of that yourselves?
We do not provide CQC, legal or HR services ourselves, nor are we a start-up project manager. However, through our dental buying group we have built a network of industry experts and suppliers who do provide most of the support you will need. The group is free to join and you gain access to exclusive member benefits from many partners.
Can you help me find premises?
Premises sourcing is not a service we deliver directly. We can introduce you to commercial property agents who specialise in healthcare premises, and we can help you assess and negotiate on premises you’ve identified. Once you have premises in mind, lease/freehold negotiation and the finance structure are areas we work directly.
Is there a maximum start-up loan for a squat practice?
Yes – £500,000 is the typical sector-wide ceiling on start-up loan lending for squat practices. This is a lender rule, not a Samera rule. If you need to borrow more than £500,000 for the start-up loan, we can help with using other forms of borrowing like asset finance (if it makes good financial sense to do so), as well as prioritising the phases in which you build the surgeries and buy the equipment.
What is the difference between a start-up loan, a fit-out loan and asset finance?
Start-up and fit-out loans are generally interchangeable terms that cover most of the costs to build and run your practice; from buying and refurbishing the property, to IT, marketing and equipment.
Asset finance is a separate loan used specifically to fund qualifying equipment like dental chairs, x-rays, CBCTs etc. Equipment can either be covered by the start-up/fit-out loan or purchased separately using asset finance. Always speak to an advisor like Samera to find out which borrowing structure is right for you.
What if my bank has already turned me down for finance?
If you have already been denied a loan we can still help. We can review your application, look at why it was unsuccessful, restructure your borrowing and approach the lenders in our network of providers.
Ready to start your own dental practice?
The hardest part of starting a squat practice is starting. Most dentists who become owners say the same thing – they wish they’d done it sooner. Let us help you get going.
Free, no-obligation initial conversation. Pick whichever route works for you.
If you’d prefer to send us your details rather than book a call, fill in the form below and our team will be in touch as soon as possible.
- Phone: (+44) 20 7100 8788
- WhatsApp: Message us on WhatsApp
- Email: info@samera.co.uk
- Or book direct: Book a call with Uros