How to position yourself for approval and secure the best deal
Buying your first dental practice is an exciting milestone, but unless you’re buying it outright, you’ll need funding. And in today’s competitive lending environment, how you present yourself to lenders can make all the difference.
At FTA Finance, we work closely with buyers and lenders across the healthcare sector. Here’s what banks and specialist lenders are really looking for when assessing first-time dental practice buyers and how you can prepare to make the best impression.
- Strong Clinical Background
Lenders want to see that you have experience and a stable career in dentistry. This doesn’t mean you need decades under your belt, but they will look at:
- Your clinical track record
- The types of roles you’ve held
- Whether you’re currently working full-time
- Any experience managing or mentoring staff
Demonstrating a consistent, hands-on clinical background builds lender confidence in your ability to step into ownership.
- Clear Financial History
Expect lenders to go through your personal finances in detail. They’ll be checking:
- Your income and expenditure
- Credit score and debt history
- Any outstanding loans or financial commitments
- Level of savings to cover purchase costs, early days cashflow and potential cash contribution
Top tip: Get your personal finances in order early. Pay off unnecessary debt and avoid any credit missteps in the months before applying.
- A Realistic Business Plan
First-time buyers don’t need a 50-page document, but lenders do want to see that you’ve thought the purchase through. A strong business plan should include:
- An overview of the practice (NHS/private mix, location, size)
- Your growth strategy
- Financial projections
- Staffing and operational considerations
A clear plan shows you’re not just buying a job — you’re building a business.
- A Practice That Makes Financial Sense
Lenders will look closely at the practice you’re buying – not just you. They’ll assess:
- Profitability and sustainability
- Patient base and turnover trends
- Overheads and staffing costs
- Potential for growth or risk
You’ll strengthen your case by choosing a practice with stable performance, even better if it’s been valued independently.
- The Right Support Network
If you’re using a broker like FTA Finance, lenders know your application has already been stress-tested. Having experienced advisors around you – solicitor, accountant, broker – also helps reassure the lender that you’re being professionally guided through the process.
It shows you’re not going it alone, and that you’re treating the purchase seriously.
In Summary:
Lenders want to back confident, credible, and commercially minded buyers – even if it’s your first time. By understanding what they’re looking for, you can put your best foot forward and secure the funding you need to take this next step in your career.
At FTA Finance, we help first-time buyers prepare strong, tailored funding applications that give lenders confidence and open doors to the most competitive finance packages available.
If you’re thinking of buying your first dental practice, speak to us – we’ll help you get lender-ready and secure your future in ownership.
We are able to source a wide range of innovative and competitive Healthcare Finance packages specifically tailored to, and for, Healthcare Professionals such as:
Remember!
You are in a specialist market so use a specialist broker who understands your sector. With access to major banks and specialist niche healthcare lenders, we know the types of proposals that are synonymous with this sector.
