Scotland’s largest dental group sinks teeth into Glasgow family practice

Clyde Munro, Scotland’s largest dental group, has seen off more than 30 other suitors to acquire a Glasgow family practice with some 3,000 patients.

Dr Frazer Murphy at his FJ Murphy Dental Clinic, which has been acquired by Clyde Munro Dental Group. Picture: Ian Georgeson Photography

FJ Murphy Dental Clinic in Bishopbriggs was established in 1964 and has had just two principal dentists – Frazer Murphy and his father before him, Jack Murphy.

Now it has joined the Clyde Munro Dental Group, as part of an investment programme that has taken the Glasgow-based group to 46 practices and more than 400,000 patients.

To ensure a smooth transition, Frazer Murphy will be staying on as an associate, focusing on clinical care while the buyout has secured the future of the seven-strong team.

He said: “It’s no secret that the running of a dental practice requires a great deal more paperwork than it once did. Having Clyde Munro come in to take over that management will allow me to focus on patient care again.

“Pleasingly, we had no shortage of offers, but from the outset Clyde Munro has been interested, engaged – and upfront. This process is something I’ll only go through once in my life – and it was very reassuring.

“Now the focus for me is to work with Clyde Munro to ensure patient care is the best in class and that we can invest in ways that bring maximum benefit to our patients.”

The practice is one of four acquired by Clyde Munro in recent weeks and it now has premises in all of Scotland’s cities, as well as throughout rural areas, including Orkney, Aberdeenshire, the Highlands and the Borders.

Chief development officer Kirsty Dace said: “This is a close-knit community and a well-established, welcoming practice that is testament to Frazer and his team.

“Clyde Munro takes great pride in keeping the heart of each family practice as we invest in latest techniques, training and technologies that will benefit customers over the coming years.”

Clyde Munro was founded by Jim Hall in 2015 with the acquisition of seven practices. Since then, it has seen rapid growth through acquisition. Its ambition is to become Scotland’s “local dentist”, operating an expanding network of family dentists across the country.

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