Specialist Accountants for Dentists & Dental Practices
Accountants for Dentists in London: Tax, Accounts and Payroll Support for Dental Professionals
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Dentists and Dental Practices We Support
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 and Tax Services for Dentists
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 for Dentists and Dental Practices
Dental accounting is rarely just a case of adding up income and subtracting expenses. The mix of NHS and private income, the way associates are paid, the cost of equipment and indemnity cover, and the structure of the practice itself can all shape how your accounts and tax returns come together. A few areas that often deserve careful thought include:
- Separating NHS and private income so each stream is recorded, reported and understood accurately.
- Understanding associate dentist arrangements, including whether income is treated as self-employed or employed.
- Tracking professional expenses such as indemnity insurance, GDC registration and continuing professional development costs.
- Planning for larger purchases like equipment and surgery refurbishment, and considering how capital allowances may apply.
- Managing practice payroll for hygienists, nurses, reception staff and associates, together with the related employment costs.
- Keeping bookkeeping and financial records in a state that supports VAT returns, annual accounts, Self Assessment and, where relevant, Corporation Tax.
Why Dentists in London Choose CruseBurke
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 Process
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 Dental Practice Needs
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
It is not a legal requirement to use an accountant, but many self-employed and associate dentists choose to. Income often comes from more than one practice, expenses are spread across the year, and payments on account can catch people out if they have not been planned for. An accountant can help you keep your records in order, complete your Self Assessment return accurately and understand roughly what you are likely to owe well before the filing date approaches.
Both NHS and private income are generally taxable, but they can behave differently in your records. A practice owner may receive income under an NHS contract with different timing and terms compared with private fees, while an associate might be paid a percentage of fees or under a unit of dental activity arrangement. How that income is reported depends on whether you are self-employed, employed or operating through a company, so it is worth reviewing your specific arrangements rather than assuming one treatment fits every situation.
It varies with the size and structure of the practice. Common requirements include bookkeeping, VAT returns where applicable, payroll for staff and associates, annual accounts, Corporation Tax returns and Self Assessment for directors or partners. Many practice owners also want support with tax planning around equipment purchases, drawings and how profit is extracted. Not every practice needs every service, so the starting point is usually a review of what you actually do and how you are set up.
Yes. Dentists frequently have more than one source of income, such as associate work across two or three practices, private treatment fees, locum days, dividends or rental income. Each stream needs to be recorded and reported correctly, and the combined picture affects your overall liability and any payments on account. We can help you pull those threads together, keep supporting records organised and plan for what is coming rather than reacting to it after the event.
There is no single answer that suits every dental professional. The right structure can depend on your profit levels, whether you practise alone or with others, how you want to take money out of the business, your pension plans and your longer-term intentions for the practice. Incorporation can be beneficial in some circumstances, but it also brings additional reporting and administration. We can talk you through the practical differences so you can make a decision with a clear understanding of the trade-offs.
VAT in dentistry can be more involved than it first appears. Some dental care may fall outside the scope of VAT or be exempt in certain circumstances, while other treatments and supplies may be standard-rated. A practice's position depends on the mix of services it provides, and registration considerations depend on turnover and the nature of those services. Where VAT applies, the practice needs records that properly support the returns, and we can help review your position and discuss what may be required.
It depends on your circumstances, but most dentists provide details of their income sources, bank statements, expense receipts, contracts or associate agreements, payroll information and any previous accounts or tax returns. If you are switching accountants, you would normally let your current adviser know and give authorisation for us to act, after which records and outstanding filings can be picked up. We will confirm what is needed for your specific situation before anything changes, so you can see exactly what is required from your side.
Fees reflect the work involved rather than a flat figure applied to everyone. The size and structure of your practice, the number of income streams, whether payroll and VAT support are needed, and how much bookkeeping help you want will all influence the scope. We prefer to understand your circumstances first, then explain what the work will involve and what is included, so there are no surprises as the year progresses.