The Association of Dental Groups (ADG) Membership at Record High as 5 Groups Join

About the UK’s Association of Dental Groups (ADG)

Dentistry in the UK is changing rapidly. One of the key characteristics of these changes is the recognition that good business models and consistent best practice are vital to providing the highest standards of patient care.

The Association of Dental Groups (ADG) serves as the trade association for dental groups and oral healthcare providers in the UK. Representing over 2,000 practices—including 1,800 in England—the ADG advocates for the shared interests of its members, who serve more than 10 million patients annually. The organization’s membership (see below) includes some of the largest dental networks in the UK, alongside smaller, independent providers, reflecting its broad appeal.

The ADG’s mission is to promote best practices, drive innovation, and foster professional development across the sector. Its leadership, composed of experienced dental professionals, actively contributes to vocational and professional training initiatives to ensure the highest standards in dental care delivery. The ADG Board provides strategic direction and leadership for the Association.

A Record Membership Milestone

In a significant achievement, the ADG recently reached its highest-ever membership level. Over the past six months, five new dental groups joined the organization, bringing the total membership to 28 groups across the UK. These new members, ranging from single-practice providers to expanding multi-practice groups, underscore the value of ADG representation for organizations of all sizes:

• Cwmbwrla Dentist Practice: A single-practice provider offering both NHS and private care.
• High Street Smiles: A network of three practices serving patients with NHS and private options.
• Elegant Smiles Group: A growing group of five practices delivering both NHS and private care.
• Bessacarr Dental Practice: Two practices focused on NHS and private dental services.
• SGA Services: A group of three practices offering comprehensive NHS and private care.

To connect industry leaders so they could gain valuable insights into expanding their dental groups, the ADG recently held their inaugural event, the largest DSO conference in the UK. The event was held Friday 15 November at Manchester’s iconic Old Trafford football stadium. This exclusive event was specifically for leadership teams of dental groups and was invite only. Participants benefited from expert financial advice provided by seasoned investment professionals and were inspired by success stories shared by prominent dental group owners.

Driving Policy and Workforce Support

The trade association for dental group providers in the UK warns of the significant gap in the dental workforce. ADG estimates that this shortfall means that the profession is unable to treat 4.5m patients annually. Data published by NHS England for the period to March 2024 show there are 2,749 full-time equivalent (FTE basis) NHS dentist vacancies, which make up 87% of total dentist vacancies currently open – at 3,160 (FTE basis).

These are roles that have been open for an average of 180 days per post, and most are more than three months old. Furthermore, with 411 private vacancies (FTE basis) still open, it is clear that irrespective of the need for NHS contract reform, there is a system-wide shortage of dentists in the UK across the profession’s ‘mixed economy’. The result of this huge gap in the dental workforce means that there is an issue with the number of patient treatments that can actually be carried out.

“ADG keeps banging the drum for ‘Recruitment. Recruitment. Recruitment – and Retention’! Much focus has been put on the need for NHS dentistry contract reform, and whilst this is important, our Association’s members know that without the ‘boots on the ground’ in the form of more Dentists and Dental Care Professionals the benefits of any new contract simply cannot be brought to life.” – Neil Carmichael

The ADG plays a pivotal role in shaping dental policy and advocating for evidence-based decisions. Key areas of focus include:

• Workforce Development: Campaigning for increased UK dental training capacity and streamlining onboarding processes for domestic and international professionals.
• Recruitment and Retention: Addressing talent shortages through targeted strategies to attract and retain skilled dental professionals.
• Sector Improvements: Promoting consistent best practices among members to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

Efforts to Save UK Dentistry

Many argue that the NHS system is falling short for both patients and the dental profession. To address these challenges, the Association of Dental Groups (ADG) was established, offering more than just policy advocacy. The organization collaborates with key stakeholders to enhance training opportunities for undergraduate, foundation, and dental care professionals (DCPs). Additionally, the ADG cultivates a collaborative environment where dental teams can exchange knowledge and drive innovation, fostering progress across the sector.

” The NHS desperately needs reform, but it is still functioning – just. But there’s no getting away from the fact that 50% of the dentistry delivered in this country is private. This mixed economy is a complex area, and dental groups play a key role in it.” – Neil Carmichael

In September 2024, they launched the “Patients First” report, presenting seven actionable recommendations to address the UK’s dental crisis, improve patient access, and tackle workforce recruitment and retention challenges, which it plans to advocate in Parliament. The challenges include:

• Dental Deserts: Many areas across the UK lack sufficient dentists, making it nearly impossible for patients to access care.
• Child Dental Decay: A quarter of children in England have experienced dental decay.
• Reduced Access: The number of adults seen by a dentist was 17.5% lower in the 24 months up to June 2023 compared to the same period in 2019.
• DIY Dentistry: Desperate patients, unable to secure appointments, resort to painful self-treatment.
• Increased GP and A&E Visits: Over 380,000 people present annually to GPs with dental issues, adding strain to other NHS services.
• Rising NHS 111 Calls: Since 2019, 4.7 million calls were made to NHS 111 for dental care, with daily call volumes significantly increasing post-pandemic.
• Low Dentist-to-Population Ratio: The UK has one of the lowest numbers of dentists per capita among advanced European economies.
• Workforce Challenges: Insufficient dental school placements, bureaucratic barriers for international dentists, and unattractive NHS contracts are causing workforce shortages.

Strategic Objectives

The ADG’s goals include:

• Delivering consistent, high-quality patient outcomes sustainably.
• Supporting government initiatives to improve access to quality dental care.
• Encouraging the adoption of best practices across member practices.
• Promoting dental health prevention efforts in collaboration with the NHS.
• Modernizing dental workflows and maximizing professional roles.
• Collaborating with regulators to ensure responsive and supportive oversight.

The organization’s six strategic pillars guide its efforts:

1. Developing an agile, inclusive workforce.
2. Ensuring fair access to NHS dentistry.
3. Supporting private dentistry operations.
4. Promoting public and community dental services.
5. Shaping public policy to improve oral health.
6. Building a safer, sustainable environment.

A United Front

Neil Carmichael, Executive Chair of the ADG, emphasized the importance of unity in navigating the current challenges facing UK dentistry:

“The ADG is delighted to welcome these new members. The landscape is tough for dentistry in the UK, but by standing united, we can influence policymakers to make informed decisions that benefit both professionals and patients. Our priority is to support members of all sizes in delivering the best dental care possible.”

With its growing membership and strategic focus, the ADG remains a driving force in shaping the future of UK dentistry.

ADG Members: