Dental Market Update 2025: Northern Ireland : Ireland's Dental Magazine

Dental Market Update 2025: Northern Ireland

In this article, Cathy Murphy, Senior Agent – Dental at Christie & Co, gives an overview of the 2024 dental market in Northern Ireland and what to expect in the year ahead

Market overview

Over the past 12 months, Christie & Co has witnessed a broader range of buyers looking for practices across Northern Ireland. We have seen strong interest from first-time buyers, existing groups and new investors, all attracted by the sector’s stability.

We have been fortunate to engage with a diverse range of practice owners. It’s clear that rising costs have affected the day-to-day operations of many practices. The main challenge has been recruitment, particularly in acquiring clinicians and ancillary staff members. However, last year’s BDA campaign successfully ensured that trainees are recruited at standard pay scales, and the consultant pay disputes were resolved. As a result, practices have weathered this storm. Over the past six months, most sites have either achieved or are working towards a stabilised workforce. This stability supports the current growth in strong private income.

As practices continue to flourish, operators have adapted to incorporate specialisms and alternative income streams, such as plan income or hygienist treatments, which have further fuelled the increased profitability we are now seeing. Given the low-cost base for these services, as this profitability grows, we expect a further increase in appetite from buyers.

Expectations for 2025

In the last five years, we have successfully advised on 144 healthcare businesses in Northern Ireland. Given the current strong market conditions across the UK, we expect a considerable increase in dental transactions over the next 12 months. Additionally, we anticipate a rise in M&A activity from both corporate operators and independent groups looking to expand their portfolios in the coming years. Alongside this, new investors are likely to emerge, driven by the strong profit levels that operators can achieve. For more information on the Northern Ireland dental market, or for a confidential chat about your business options, contact me.