Choosing the right location is one of the most important decisions when setting up a dental practice or GP clinic.
The place you open your doors can influence patient numbers, profitability, long-term growth and even your lifestyle as a practitioner.
Many new clinic owners focus on equipment, staff or branding first, but the truth is that location can determine the future success of the business before the first patient walks in.
Understanding local competition
A key part of choosing a location is analysing how many other clinics are already operating in the same area. If a town already has several dental practices or GP surgeries within a small radius, entering the market may be harder. New patients may naturally choose the closest provider or one they already know.
A simple competitive analysis can make a huge difference. In the UK, the number of registered dental practices has grown steadily, with more than 12,000 in operation nationwide.
In some cities, clinics are concentrated close together, meaning new practices may have to work harder and spend more on marketing. On the other hand, if you identify an area with few practices, you may be able to attract a patient base more easily and build a local reputation faster.
Serving an underserved community
While busy urban areas may seem appealing, there is a huge opportunity in underserved locations.
Some parts of the UK have significant waiting times for NHS and private dental or GP services. Surveys show that more than 20 percent of patients struggle to get a timely appointment with a dental practice.
Opening a clinic in one of these areas creates both a business and community advantage. Patients are more likely to stay loyal when you help solve a gap in the local healthcare system.
In addition, word of mouth spreads quickly in places where there are fewer options. You also have the potential to shape the health standards of the area, build long-lasting relationships and deliver services that people genuinely need.
Choosing between suburban areas and high-end zones
Different locations offer different benefits. High-profile areas such as Harley Street in London have long been associated with prestige, medical excellence and private clientele.
For Bass Orthodontics, an orthodontist in Harley Street, running a practice in a well-known address can give instant credibility and allow you to attract high-income patients willing to pay for premium treatment. These locations, however, come with higher rents, more competition and potentially greater pressure to stand out.
Suburban areas offer a different model. They often provide access to families and long-term residents, which can support stable demand. Costs are usually lower, and space is easier to find.
A suburban practice can grow steadily over time, developing strong roots in the community. Many practitioners prefer this model because it offers security and a wider patient demographic rather than relying on a smaller, premium market.
For Beam Dental, who recently launched in Brent Cross, one of the UK’s most well-known shopping centres, this offers an interesting opportunity, being a central venue to a lot of busy suburbs, accessible by train and bus and having regular footfall.
The choice depends on your business goals and personal style. Some dentists and GPs prefer the challenge and visibility of a high-end zone, while others want the balanced growth and stability of a neighbourhood practice.
Thinking beyond the practice and creating a lifestyle
For many practitioners, choosing a location is not just a business decision but a life decision. Where you open your clinic affects where you live, raise a family, relax and connect with the community. Setting up close to home can reduce commuting, provide more family time and allow you to build a routine that supports your wellbeing.
Many suburbs offer access to parks, gyms, leisure centres and good schools, which can make daily life more enjoyable.
On the other hand, city locations offer culture, nightlife and professional networking opportunities. If you enjoy fitness, social activities or community involvement, choosing a location that aligns with your lifestyle can make a huge difference to long-term happiness.
Making an informed choice
The right location for a dental practice or GP clinic depends on a combination of market research, personal goals and understanding the community.
Analysing the local competition, identifying patient shortages, considering cost differences and thinking about the life you want to live can lead to a decision that benefits both your business and personal wellbeing.
In the end, the right location is where professional success and personal satisfaction can grow side by side.
