Specialist Accountants for Dentists & Dental Practices

Accountants for Dentists in Brighton

Dental work is rewarding, but the financial side of it is rarely straightforward. Whether you are an associate dentist paid a percentage of fees, a principal running your own surgery, or a practice owner balancing NHS contracts with private treatment, the way your income is structured has a direct effect on your tax position and your record-keeping. Accountants for Dentists in Brighton from CruseBurke handle the accounting, tax and compliance work that sits behind a dental career or business, from Self Assessment and tax returns to bookkeeping, annual accounts, practice accounting, payroll and tax planning. Dental income seldom arrives from one source, so NHS earnings, private fees, associate percentages and any additional work need to be captured accurately, while costs such as indemnity cover, professional subscriptions, equipment and practice premises have to be treated correctly. What is needed varies depending on whether you work as a sole trader, a partner, a limited company director or an employee, and on how your practice is set up. This page sets out the support available and the considerations that tend to matter most to dentists and dental practices.

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⭐ What Clients Say About Us

See what doctors, dentists, and care providers say about working with us.

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Jamie Fletcher profile picture
Jamie Fletcher
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It was a pleasure working with Anum on our accounts. The whole process was swift and effortless, and it was one less thing to worry about. I'd highly recommend them.
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Mansur Liman profile picture
Mansur Liman
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Accotax have been our accountants for many years now. We maintained them, because of their professionalism. In the last coiple of years, i have working with Imran, who has been very professional and helpful in guiding us through the whole process explaining and clarifying every aspect of it. Very prompt in responding to questions and patient with us even when we seem to be slow. I really enjoy working with him. Thank you
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Muna Mohamoud profile picture
Muna Mohamoud
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I highly recommend Imran to anyone looking for a reliable and knowledgeable accountant. He helped me sort out a very complicated backlog of accounts and prepared my overdue tax returns with professionalism and attention to detail. Throughout the process, he was incredibly patient, took the time to answer all of my questions, and explained everything clearly. He guided me through each step and helped rectify issues that had built up over time, making what felt like an overwhelming situation much more manageable. I'm very pleased with the service I've received and truly appreciate his support. If you need help with your accounts or taxes, I would highly recommend Imran.
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Sergey M profile picture
Sergey M
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I had a positive experience with Accotax. The work was completed promptly, my tax return was successfully filed, and I received a refund of overpaid tax. I found the cooperation efficient and helpful. Special thanks to Muhammad Saifullah for his assistance.
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Ebba Qureshi profile picture
Ebba Qureshi
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Fabulous team at ACCOTAX - very efficient and good response time . Honest and professional with their work. I would highly recommend them even if you’re a young start up - or a large business they have it covered .
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Mael Leboucher profile picture
Mael Leboucher
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We worked with a few different accountants before finally settling with Accotax, and we’re really glad we did. Their team is great. Abdul is responsive and easy to reach whenever I have a question, which makes a big difference. They take the time to understand how our business works and what our needs are. They are very knowledgeable, and when they don’t have the answer straight away, they take the time to look into it and get back to us quickly. Anum, who looks after our account on a day-to-day basis, including reconciling invoices and preparing the annual accounts, is amazing. She is professional, efficient, and follows the processes we have put in place together. She's also very quickin getting back to us whenever needed. We’re very happy to work with her and hope to continue doing so for as long as possible. Overall, Accotax has made our accounting experience much smoother and easier. We see them as a long-term partner as our business continues to grow. I would 100% recommend them.
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3rd Hub
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Imran provides a very dependable and straightforward accounting service. He is always responsive and professional when managing our accounts. Excellent support.
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Martin Tyrrell profile picture
Martin Tyrrell
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I have really impressed to date with all dealings with Accotax highly enough. From day one, they've made what can often be a complicated and stressful part of running a business feel straightforward and hassle-free. A special mention has to go to Anum, who has been friendly, incredibly responsive, and genuinely cares about providing the best possible service. No question is ever too much trouble, and she consistently goes above and beyond to make sure everything is dealt with efficiently. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to anyone looking for an accountant they can genuinely trust.
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Matthew Lyon profile picture
Matthew Lyon
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Great speedy service and very personable. Anum dealt with my income certificate and did everything quickly and helped me out massively. Very happy with the service provided.
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Accounting Support for Dentists and Dental Practices in Brighton

Dentists work in a variety of ways, and no two arrangements produce quite the same set of accounting requirements. Some are self-employed associates paid on a UDA or percentage basis, some are principals or partners in a practice, some operate through a limited company, and others combine NHS and private work or hold a salaried role alongside private commitments. Because income sources, expenses and reporting obligations differ from one dentist to the next, our support is shaped around your own circumstances rather than a fixed template.

Associate & Private Dentists

Self-assessment, allowable expense claims, lab fees and superannuation reconciliation for self-employed associates and private dentists.

Dental Practice Owners & Principals

Practice accounts, payroll for nurses and receptionists, UDA income monitoring, cash flow and profit extraction planning.

Orthodontists & Specialists

Accounting for referral-based and specialist practices, including capital allowances on equipment and VAT on cosmetic treatment.

Squat Practices & Dental Start-Ups

Cash flow forecasts for lenders, company formation, cloud software set-up and registration for new and squat dental practices.

Our Accounting Services for Dentists and Dental Practices

Support for dentists can range from preparing and filing Self Assessment tax returns and keeping day-to-day bookkeeping in order, through to annual accounts, Corporation Tax returns and partnership accounts for practice owners. Where relevant, we can also assist with payroll for clinical and support staff, VAT registration and returns, and tax planning around practice profits, equipment purchases or a future practice sale or purchase. Not every dentist needs every service, so the scope of the work is agreed around your working arrangement and the income streams you actually have.

Bookkeeping for Dental Practices

We reconcile NHS schedules, private takings, plan income such as Denplan and card receipts so you always know what the practice is really earning.

VAT for Dental Practices

Most dental treatment is VAT exempt, but cosmetic work, teeth whitening and product sales are not. We handle partial exemption and get your returns right.

Self-Assessment for Associate Dentists

We prepare associate tax returns, claim every allowable expense from GDC fees and indemnity to CPD and lab costs, and reconcile superannuation deductions.

Dental Payroll, Auto-Enrolment & NHS Pension

Payroll for nurses, hygienists and reception staff, plus auto-enrolment, statutory pay and NHS Pension submissions handled on time every month.

Practice Accounts & Profitability Reporting

Management accounts that show profit per surgery, per associate and per income stream, so you can see exactly where the practice makes money.

Accounting and Tax Considerations That Can Affect Dentists

Dental accounting is not simply a matter of adding up treatment fees. How you are engaged, the mix of NHS and private income, and the structure you trade through all influence how figures should be recorded and reported. The points below are common considerations rather than a checklist that applies to every dentist or practice.

  • Managing NHS and private dental income so each stream is recorded separately and reported accurately
  • Associate dentist arrangements, from UDA or percentage-based pay to the expenses that may be offset against that income
  • Professional costs such as indemnity cover, GDC and professional body subscriptions, and continuing professional development
  • Dental equipment, surgery fit-outs and other capital purchases, where the tax treatment can depend on the type of asset and how it is used in the business
  • Practice payroll for hygienists, nurses and reception staff, along with the wider employment costs that come with running a team
  • Business structure, bookkeeping and VAT, including whether a sole trader, partnership or limited company setup suits your circumstances and whether registration is required

Why Dentists Choose CruseBurke for Their Accounting

Dentists tend to want practical, plainly explained accounting rather than jargon, and that is how we work. We take the time to understand how you are paid and how your role or practice is structured — associate, principal, partner, company director or a combination — and build the bookkeeping, tax and reporting around that, so your figures stay organised and you know where you stand. Explanations are given in clear language, which makes it easier to plan for the year ahead and to make decisions about your practice or career with confidence.

Genuine Dental Expertise

We know UDAs, superannuation, associate agreements and GDC costs without being told.

Built Around Your Practice

Associates, principals and multi-site groups each get a different service, not a template.

Fixed, Transparent Fees

One agreed monthly fee with no hourly billing and no surprises at year end.

Proactive Dental Tax Planning

Incorporation reviews, capital allowances on equipment and profit extraction planned in advance.

Named Accountant, Real Answers

You deal with the same qualified person every time, by phone or email, not a call centre.

A Track Record Since Before WWII

Our roots go back further than the Second World War and we act for dental clients across London.

Our Simple Three-Step Approach to Dental Accounting

It starts with a conversation about how you are paid, how your practice or role is structured, and what you need from an accountant. From there we organise the accounting and tax work, whether that is bookkeeping, annual accounts, Self Assessment, payroll or VAT, and agree what is required and when. Once your records are running smoothly, we continue to support you with ongoing compliance and planning as your circumstances change, such as taking on more private work, bringing in an associate or developing the practice.

1. Initial Consultation (It’s Free):

We begin by getting to know your practice and understanding your unique needs. This step ensures we have a clear picture of your operations and your goals.

2. Customised Plan:

Based on our initial discussion, we create a personalised plan designed specifically for you. The aim is to keep everything organised and easy to follow. You can rest assured that your numbers are being handled with expert precision.

3. Ongoing Support & Updates:

From there, we take care of the ongoing work and keep you updated with reports. You’ll always know what’s happening, and we’re always here to answer your questions, ensuring you have a clear picture of your financial health at all times.

Professional Accounting Support Built Around Dentists

You can expect a professional, well-organised approach with clear explanations of what is being prepared, submitted and why. Accounting records are kept in order, returns and accounts are worked to agreed dates, and relevant considerations are raised before they turn into difficulties. Because dental income, expenses and practice structures vary so much, the work is tailored to your own situation rather than slotted into a standard format.

Technology Driven

Cloud accounting linked to your practice software so your figures are current, not six months old.

Named Dental Accountant

A dedicated accountant for dentists who knows your practice, your contract and your plans.

Ongoing Support

Unlimited support by phone and email, including quick answers on UDA and superannuation queries.

Experienced Team

Our team has over 100 years of combined accountancy experience.

Free - Email Reminders

Never Miss any deadline with our automated email reminders.

Yes, We Are Chartered!

We’re an ICAEW, ACCA & AAT accredited Firm.

How to Switch to Our Dental Accountants

Take a back seat and let our London dental accountants handle everything. Switching mid-year is straightforward and you do not need to speak to your old accountant:

Get in touch

Reach out to us and we will discuss your practice, your contract and how we can help.

Letter of Engagement

We’ll send over a simple letter to formalise our partnership and get everything in motion.

Previous Accountants

If you're switching, we’ll take care of contacting your previous accountants to make the transition smooth.

We Do the Rest

From there, sit back and relax. We’ll manage your accounts, taxes, and everything in between, keeping your practice running smoothly.

FAQs

You are not obliged to use a specialist, but associate dentists often have a mix of income that a general accountant may not routinely deal with. If you are paid a percentage of NHS or private fees, receive a UDA-related amount, or have several practices paying you separately, each source and any related expenses need to be recorded correctly on your tax return. An accountant familiar with associate arrangements can help you keep those records organised, make sure the right expenses are claimed where they are allowable, and check that payments on account and any tax already deducted are properly reflected.

For a self-employed dentist, both NHS and private treatment income are generally treated as taxable trading income, but they often arrive on different cycles and are documented in different ways. NHS payments may follow contract or activity schedules, while private fees come through the practice or your own billing. Keeping the two streams distinguishable makes it easier to reconcile what you have earned and to answer queries from HMRC if they arise. Where you are an employee rather than self-employed, the position is different again, as tax is usually handled through payroll. The right treatment depends on your contract and working arrangement.

Each structure has different implications for tax, administrative obligations, how profits are taken, and the level of publicly available information about your business. A sole trader setup is relatively simple, partnerships suit dentists working together and sharing premises or costs, and a limited company can be appropriate where you want a formal separation between the business and your personal affairs. There is no single answer that suits every practice, and the right choice can change as profits, staffing or retirement plans develop. We can talk through the practical differences so you can decide with a clear picture of what each option involves.

The general principle is that costs must be incurred wholly and exclusively for the purposes of the business or, for employees, be allowable against employment income. Dentists commonly look at items such as indemnity or professional liability cover, GDC and professional body subscriptions, continuing professional development, specialist clothing and equipment, professional journals, and certain travel costs. Some items, including equipment and larger purchases, may instead fall under capital allowances rules, and mixed personal and business use can complicate matters. Because individual circumstances differ, it is worth reviewing your outgoings with an accountant before assuming something can be claimed.

Yes. Payroll for a dental practice can include hygienists, therapists, nurses, reception and administrative staff, and in some cases associate dentists who are engaged as employees. Payroll work covers calculating pay, dealing with tax and National Insurance through the relevant reporting, handling pension duties where they apply, and producing the information needed for year-end submissions. If you have a combination of salaried staff and self-employed associates, it is important that each person is treated correctly, as the distinction affects what must be reported and deducted.

VAT registration depends on your taxable turnover measured against the current registration threshold, and on whether the services you provide are exempt, standard-rated or zero-rated. Most clinical dental treatment is exempt from VAT, but other activities a practice carries out, such as the sale of certain cosmetic treatments, dental products or laboratory work, may not be. This can make VAT a more complex area for dental businesses than for many other sectors. If you are approaching the threshold, or are unsure whether a particular service is exempt, it is worth reviewing your position before you register or before you assume you do not need to.

Yes, there is no need to wait for a particular date, although it is often easier to change once your records for the previous period are complete and any outstanding returns have been filed. In most cases, the new accountant contacts the previous firm to obtain professional clearance and the information needed to take over the record-keeping. It also helps to gather your bookkeeping, bank statements, previous accounts and returns, and details of any correspondence with HMRC, so the handover can be handled without gaps.

It depends on whether you are an associate, a principal, a partner or a practice owner, but a useful starting point is your most recent tax return, accounts or self-employment records, details of all income sources including NHS and private work, and a summary of regular expenses such as indemnity cover and subscriptions. Practice owners would also typically provide payroll information, VAT records where registered, details of equipment or premises costs, and any HMRC correspondence. Once we have a picture of your situation, we can tell you exactly what is needed and how the ongoing record-keeping will work.

Speak to an Expert

Juggling NHS income, private fees and Self Assessment paperwork? Let an accountant who understands dental work help you keep it in order.

Dental finances rarely sit in one tidy box. NHS payments, private fees, associate percentages, indemnity costs and staff wages each need to be recorded properly, and when records fall behind it becomes much harder to see how the practice or your personal tax position is really performing. CruseBurke helps dentists in Brighton with bookkeeping, Self Assessment, payroll and practice accounts, so your figures are organised and your reporting obligations are clear. Whether you are a newly self-employed associate or an established practice owner reviewing your structure, a conversation with an accountant who deals with dental income regularly is a sensible next step.