Private vs NHS Dentistry - How the Market Is Shifting in 2026
What’s changing and what it means for hiring.
As 2025 draws to a close, the divide between private and NHS dentistry has never been clearer. Heading into 2026, one thing is certain, the UK dental workforce is changing direction fast.
The shift isn’t just about pay. It’s about freedom, sustainability, and professional satisfaction.
Here’s what practices and dental professionals need to know as the new year begins.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Over the past five years, the number of NHS dentists has fallen by almost 10%, while private and mixed practices have grown steadily year-on-year. (BBC News, 2025)
By late 2025, one in four NHS patients reported struggling to get an appointment within 12 months. (BDA, 2025)
Three in five dentists now say they plan to reduce or leave NHS work altogether within the next two years. (Dentistry.co.uk, 2025)
That data shows where 2026 is heading fewer dentists tied to NHS contracts, and more opting for flexible, mixed, or private-only setups.
Why Dentists Are Moving Away from the NHS
Money still matters but it’s not the only motivator.
Dentists are looking for control –
Freedom to manage their schedules.
Realistic patient loads.
Fair private splits (40–60%).
Less bureaucracy and more patient time.
After years of UDA pressure and burnout, more clinicians are choosing environments that value balance and autonomy.
2026 will be the year that clinical freedom outweighs clinical volume.
The Rise of the Mixed Model
Not every practice can, or should, go fully private but the hybrid model is now dominant.
Why it works –
NHS element – stability and predictable patient flow.
Private element – profitability, flexibility, and staff retention.
Mixed practices are expected to grow by 12–15% in 2026 as owners balance financial stability with growth.
They’re also the most attractive workplaces for associates who want variety and progression.
What This Means for Hiring
For practices, recruitment in 2026 will be all about positioning.
Candidates are asking smarter questions –
What’s my private potential?
How realistic are your UDAs?
What kind of tech and support will I have?
If you can answer those clearly, and honestly, you’ll stand out immediately.
Here’s what to highlight in your adverts and interviews –
Transparent UDA targets.
Modern tech (digital scanners, imaging, software).
Hygienist and nurse support.
4-day work weeks or flexible contracts.
The market no longer rewards the fastest hiring process, it rewards the most compelling.
For Candidates - Where the Opportunities Are
The best opportunities in 2026 are in practices that are –
Modernising — investing in tech, marketing, and training.
Flexible — offering balance, not burnout.
Private or mixed — giving clinicians financial and professional freedom.
Scotland, the Midlands, and the North West continue to be hotspots for associate recruitment. Specialist skillsets like implants, Invisalign, and aesthetic dentistry will command up to 30% higher private earnings next year.
The Bottom Line
Private vs NHS isn’t a rivalry, it’s a realignment.
The UK dental market is evolving toward autonomy, flexibility, and growth. Practices that adapt will attract and retain the best clinicians.
Clinicians who understand their value will find more freedom and better rewards.
2026 isn’t the year to play catch-up, it’s the year to get ahead.
At Elev8 Search Group, we help private and mixed practices hire smarter and support dental professionals ready to move their careers forward.
Planning to grow your practice team in 2026?
