The UK Dental Finance Landscape 2026 (Unsecured & Asset Finance)

While cost pressures remain, practices are continuing to invest in expansion, technology and operational efficiency. 

Demand for unsecured and asset finance remains strong, supporting requirements such as practice expansion, refurbishments, equipment purchases, squat practices, and working capital. Dental businesses continue to be viewed as attractive lending prospects due to recurring patient revenues and long-term demand for services, with competition among funders giving operators access to flexible funding options. 

A key market theme is investment in existing practices. Many owners are prioritising increased capacity and improved utilisation within existing practices before pursuing acquisitions. Funding is commonly used for additional surgeries, fit-outs and equipment, helping practices grow revenue while preserving working capital. 

There is also growing interest from Associates in establishing squat practices, particularly where acquisition opportunities remain competitive. Lenders are supportive of well-structured plans and are showing greater appetite for funding larger facilities, enabling new owners to meet set-up, fit-out, and equipment costs. 

Equipment finance remains a major area of activity, with practices investing in dental chairs, CBCT scanners, digital imaging systems, intraoral scanners, and other specialist technologies. Asset finance enables operators to modernise services, enhance patient experience, and improve efficiency without placing unnecessary pressure on cash reserves. 

Unsecured lending is also being used to support cash flow management, including spreading HMRC liabilities over manageable repayment periods. This gives practices greater flexibility, allowing capital to be retained in the business and redirected towards recruitment, investment and growth. 

Overall, the outlook for unsecured and asset finance in the dental sector remains positive. Strong lender support, competitive funding options, and flexible structures are expected to continue to support established operators and first-time owners as they invest in capacity, technology, and long-term growth.

Case Study: Our Unsecured team supported three Associates in securing £620,000 of funding to launch their first dental practice. The tailored funding package covered the practice fit-out, dental equipment, and start-up costs, enabling the clients to preserve working capital while creating a modern, patient-focused practice. The funding supported their successful transition into practice ownership and provided a strong platform for future growth.

Read the full market review here: https://www.christie.com/sectors/dental-practices/market-review/