Specialist Accountants for Dentists & Dental Practices

Accountants for Dentists in London: Tax, Accounts and Payroll Support for Dental Professionals

Choosing an accountant who understands how dentistry actually works can make a real difference to how smoothly your finances run. Whether you are an associate dentist working under an NHS contract, a principal running a mixed NHS and private practice, or a practice owner with a team to pay, your tax position is rarely straightforward. Income can arrive from several sources, expenses are often substantial, and the way your business is structured affects what you report and when. As Accountants for Dentists in London, we help dental professionals make sense of Self Assessment, bookkeeping, annual accounts, payroll and VAT, along with the tax planning that sits around all of it. This page explains the kinds of accounting and tax considerations dentists face, the support available for practices of different sizes and structures, and how CruseBurke can help you keep your records in order and your filings on track.

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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 profile picture
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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Dentists and Dental Practices We Support

No two dental professionals work in quite the same way, so accounting support needs to reflect your actual arrangements rather than a generic template. A self-employed associate completing a Self Assessment return, a principal dentist operating through a limited company, a partnership of practice owners and a private practice employing nurses and receptionists can each have very different requirements. We work with dentists across that range, helping to keep records, accounts and tax reporting aligned with their income sources and chosen business structure.

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

Our work with dental professionals typically covers both the day-to-day bookkeeping and the annual reporting that keeps a practice or a self-employed dentist compliant and well informed. That may include VAT returns, practice payroll, annual accounts, Corporation Tax, partnership returns and Self Assessment, alongside practical tax planning around expenses, drawings and how profit is taken out of the business. The exact combination depends on your working arrangement, how many income streams you have and how your practice is structured.

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

Many dentists come to us because they want an accountant who recognises the difference between an associate’s Self Assessment return and a practice’s annual accounts, rather than one who treats every client the same way. We keep the process practical: clear explanations of what is due and why, records organised in a way that supports your reporting, and support shaped around your income sources and business structure. Just as importantly, we aim to make the numbers understandable so you can make informed decisions about your practice and your personal tax position.

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

We keep things straightforward from the outset. First, we take the time to understand how you work, where your income comes from and which structure you operate under. From there, we organise the accounting, bookkeeping and tax work that applies to you and agree how and when information will be shared. After that, we provide ongoing support as your circumstances evolve, whether you take on more private work, bring in an associate, recruit staff or review how the practice is set up.

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

Dentists need an accountant who is approachable, responsive and clear about the numbers, and that is the standard we set ourselves. We focus on accurate record-keeping, well-presented accounts and explanations in plain English, so you know what has been filed and what it means for your practice or your personal tax position. Because dental working arrangements vary so much, we tailor our support to your circumstances rather than applying the same approach to every client.

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.

Speak to an Expert

Tired of Chasing Receipts, Invoices and Self Assessment Deadlines? Let Accountants for Dentists in London Take the Pressure Off.

When your income comes from a mixture of NHS and private work, several practices or a limited company structure, keeping everything straight alongside a full clinical diary can be demanding. CruseBurke can take bookkeeping, accounts and tax returns off your desk while keeping your records organised through the year, so you have a clearer view of how the practice and your personal finances are performing. Get in touch with our team to talk through your circumstances and see how specialist dental accounting support could work for you.