Leaving NHS dentistry often looks like a switch in clinical focus, but it brings a wide set of financial and legal consequences. In a recent podcast episode, Iain Stevenson, head of dental at Wesleyan Financial Services, and Suki Singh, area manager at Practice Plan Group (PPG), discuss the steps dentists should consider before making the move. The conversation, sponsored by Wesleyan Financial Services, stresses that early planning can prevent costly mistakes and open up more options for the future.
The guests point out that many dentists concentrate on the operational aspects of converting to private practice — talking to patients, updating premises and supporting staff. Financial planning, however, is sometimes put off. The speakers advise that delaying key financial decisions can limit choices and increase costs down the line. Beginning planning well before the transition gives dentists time to explore pension options, business structures and suitable protection products.
One of the clearest changes on leaving is the treatment of NHS benefits. The podcast explains that any NHS pension already earned will remain secure and will continue to increase in line with inflation until it is taken. However, once a dentist leaves the NHS scheme they will stop building up further pension benefits. The episode also notes the loss of other NHS benefits, including NHS sick pay, making it important to secure alternative financial protection arrangements prior to departure.
Moving into private practice can increase income potential, but it raises new questions about how to draw money from the business and whether the current legal and tax structure still fits your objectives. The speakers recommend reviewing whether your existing structure supports your goals, and considering incorporation where appropriate. They also encourage dentists to think through practicalities such as how associates are remunerated, how partners take distributions and whether current agreements reflect planned future growth.
A recurring theme in the discussion is the importance of legal documentation. Iain Stevenson highlights the value of robust partnership and shareholder agreements. Without clear agreements, ownership disputes can become complicated if partners face unexpected circumstances. The podcast suggests reviewing and, where necessary, updating associate agreements and staff contracts so the practice is organised for growth and protected against potential disputes. Proper legal arrangements can reduce stress on business partners and family members in difficult situations.
Financial protection and legal safeguards are practical steps to preserve the practice’s operation if unforeseen events occur. The episode advocates ensuring the right mix of insurance and legal documentation is in place before leaving NHS employment. These protections can help a practice continue to function while giving partners and relatives clearer routes to resolve ownership or management changes.
Stevenson and Singh both recommend working with advisers who understand the dental profession. Specialist financial and legal advisers can tailor advice on pensions, protection, company structure and tax to the needs of dental professionals. The podcast also suggests regular review of plans as careers and businesses evolve, rather than one-off checks at the point of conversion.
The episode outlines a practical checklist of areas dentists should consider:
For dentists who want to speak directly with a dental specialist financial adviser mentioned in the podcast, the article gives contact details for Wesleyan Financial Services: visit wesleyan.co.uk/dental or call 0800 975 3706. The piece is labelled as sponsored by Wesleyan Financial Services.
The conversation makes clear that while private practice can bring greater autonomy and potentially higher income, it also transfers responsibility for benefits and long-term financial planning to the individual. Taking time to review pensions, protections and legal documents before leaving the NHS reduces the risk of unintended consequences and positions a dentist to make measured choices about business structure, remuneration and succession.
Dentists considering the move are encouraged to begin financial and legal planning early, consult specialists with dental experience and regularly revisit their arrangements as their practice and personal circumstances change. The podcast provides an overview of the key issues rather than exhaustive guidance; the source does not report specific financial products, costs or detailed steps beyond the areas to review and the contacts for Wesleyan Financial Services.
Iain Stevenson and Suki Singh contributed to the discussion referenced in this article. The content is sponsored by Wesleyan Financial Services.
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