NHS vs Private

Striking the right balance for your practice

06 October, 2025 / editorial

A stylised illustration of a small figure balancing on three large balls with two planks separating them.

For many dentists, the past year has brought big questions about how to keep their practices financially healthy. Rising staff costs, higher lab fees and everyday overheads are putting pressure on margins, and for practices heavily reliant on NHS work, it can feel like the numbers are just not stacking up.

Exploring private options doesn’t mean abandoning the NHS; it is about finding a balance that keeps the practice sustainable. From dental plans and hygiene memberships to cosmetic treatments, even a modest shift in income mix can make a real difference. In some cases, it helps cover rising costs without affecting patient care. For rural or smaller practices, it can be the difference between struggling and having breathing room to invest in staff or equipment.

Understanding your numbers is key. What does each NHS course of treatment actually cost you, once you factor in staff, materials and overheads? How does that compare with private treatments? Simple scenario planning can highlight where small changes in patient mix could have the biggest impact. Every practice is different. Some may benefit from focusing on preventive work, others on adding select private treatments that fit the local patient base.

The important thing is knowing your margins, testing different approaches and being ready to adapt as the Scottish NHS continues to evolve. Finding the right balance now isn’t just about surviving – it is about building a practice that thrives in the years ahead. Small changes, informed by a clear view of costs and revenue, can give dentists more control and confidence to focus on what matters most: delivering great care for their patients.