Scotland's largest dental group acquires practices in Alloa, Bishopbriggs, Perth and Wishaw

Dental group Clyde Munro is close to having 50 practices under its belt across Scotland after undertaking further acquisitions.

Jim Hall, founder and chief executive of the Glasgow-based Clyde Munro dental group. Picture: Ian Georgeson

The group said it was committed to further investment in the sector after confirming its latest deals, with others close to being sealed.

Its new acquisitions are Short and Associates Dental in Alloa, Stewarton Street Dental in Wishaw, Frazer Murphy Dental Clinic in Bishopbriggs and Dental Care Perth – described as “thriving practices in the heart of their respective communities”.

The dental business now looks after the oral care of more than 400,000 patients across 46 practices. It is anticipating reaching 50 “in a matter of weeks” as other deals go through.

While being Scotland-specific, Glasgow-headquartered Clyde Munro’s practices cover a large geographic area, from Orkney to the Borders. The fast-growing business now has a presence in all of Scotland’s cities and many of its towns and rural hubs.

Jim Hall, founder and chief executive, said: “We’re thrilled to get another four excellent practices over the line, securing their futures and supporting their owners to step away from the day to day running of the practice either to focus on dentistry or in some cases retiring completely.

“For patients too, it means that their practices will retain their identity while continuing to be supported and invested in.

“Like everyone, the dental sector has seen nothing like the last year. It’s another challenge on top of a huge list for principal dentists to navigate.”

The firm has renewed its call for principal dentists looking either for an exit or for a chance to ease the administrative burden of running a business to instead focus on their clinical work, to make contact.

Bosses said the firm had been able to keep its practices open and supported during the current lockdown, while adhering to all Covid guidelines and safety measures.

Essential travel, including leaving home for healthcare, has been permitted by the Scottish Government, meaning patients can travel to their dental surgery for a scheduled appointment.

The firm said patient safety was its “number one priority” with physical distancing and other Covid-secure measures introduced throughout all of its practices.

The group is the brainchild of Hall, who founded it in 2015 with the acquisition of seven practices and the backing of private equity firm Synova Capital and Investec Bank. Since launch, it has enjoyed rapid growth through acquisition and has plans in place to continue expanding its geographic footprint.

The business currently comprises 46 practices across Scotland, with more than 200 dentists, 350 staff and some 400,000 patients.

The group said its ambition was to become Scotland’s “local dentist”, operating an expanding network of family dental practices across the country, with each devoted to providing the “best dental care, while reflecting the needs and character of its community”.

Last October, rival dental firm Oracare Scotland announced that it had acquired Cults Dental Practice in Aberdeen thanks to a funding package worth nearly £500,000 from Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS). Cults Dental has expanded its services to offer cosmetic treatments.

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