How to start your own Oral Health Business

With the recent relaxation in scope of practice and the development of direct access, it should now be easier for members of the dental team to set up their own services.
This applies across the dental team. Although the video does not specifically mention dental nurses, there is no reason why a dental nurse could not set up an oral health service independently, or through their own company, provided they work within their scope of practice, training, indemnity, and regulatory requirements.

The video gives a useful overview of the practical requirements involved in starting and running this type of service.

For a quick out line on how to start your own business click on ORA (for business)
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Initially, this framework will support mobile dental services for all Dental Care Professionals.
Once tested, it can be developed further to help hygienists, therapists, dental practices and health hubs set up safe, practical and sustainable services.
Together, we can build a model that works for both the public and the profession. This includes developing clear SOPs, consent processes, business guidance and clinical pathways for different types of care.
AI can help us navigate complex guidance from organisations such as the GDC and CQC, making it easier to understand requirements and reduce unnecessary barriers.
At a time when both the profession and the public need better support, we should promote cooperation, prevention and practical change — for the greater good.

GDC

cqc

A five minute video summary or 20 minute podcast on spotify

The following platform is designed to help you set up and develop your own business.
If you feel something is missing, unclear, or incorrect, please discuss it with colleagues and give your joint feedback to help improve the resource. The platform is designed to evolve over time by updating the content as new information, experience, and guidance become available.

References can be viewed when you access the ORA resource. Useful templates and practical documents are available in the Standard Operating Procedure section.

Set Up Your Own Dental Service Business

A simple business setup pathway for dental nurses, hygienists, therapists, dentists and other members of the dental team who want to work independently, remotely, in care homes, or as a mobile service.

What this guide is for

This section helps members of the dental team understand the basic business steps needed to set up as an individual, sole trader, partnership or limited company. It covers business registration, banking, payments, booking systems, tax, VAT, records, insurance, data protection and professional responsibilities.

The practical and clinical details of carrying out dental duties remotely, in care homes, or through a mobile service should be covered in separate clinical modules.

Important: This guide is educational. It does not replace advice from an accountant, solicitor, indemnity provider, HMRC, Companies House, the ICO, the GDC or the CQC where relevant.

Module 1: Choose Your Business Structure

The first decision is whether to work as a sole trader, in a partnership, or through a limited company.

Sole Trader

• Simple and quick to start.
• You register with HMRC for Self Assessment.
• You are personally responsible for debts and business risks.
• Usually easier for very small or part-time work.

Limited Company

• The business is legally separate from you.
• You register the company with Companies House.
• It can look more professional when working with care homes, clinics or organisations.
• You will need better records and may need an accountant.
• It may be more suitable if you want to grow the business.

Partnership

• May suit two or more people working together.
• Needs clear written agreement about responsibilities, money and ownership.
• May be simple at first, but can become complicated if people disagree.

For many dental professionals who are serious about developing a service, a limited company may be the better long-term option.

Ask Ora prompt:

“Explain the difference between working as a sole trader, partnership and limited company for a UK dental professional starting a small service business.”

Ask Ora

Module 2: Register Your Business

Once you choose your structure, you need to register properly.

If you are a sole trader

• Register for Self Assessment with HMRC.
• Keep records of income and expenses.
• Submit your annual tax return.
• Pay Income Tax and National Insurance where applicable.

If you are setting up a limited company

• Choose a company name.
• Register with Companies House.
• Set up a registered office address.
• Register for Corporation Tax.
• Decide who the directors and shareholders are.
• Keep company records and file accounts.

Ask Ora prompt:

“Give me a simple step-by-step checklist for registering a limited company in the UK for a small dental service business.”

Ask Ora

Module 3: Open a Business Bank Account

Keep business money separate from personal money. This makes tax, expenses, payments and bookkeeping much easier.

• A limited company should have its own business bank account.
• A sole trader should still use a separate account where possible.
• You may need proof of identity, address and business registration details.
• Keep all business payments going through the same account.
• Avoid mixing personal and business spending.

Ask Ora prompt:

“What documents and information do I need to open a UK business bank account for a small dental service business?”

Ask Ora

Module 4: Get Paid

You need a safe and simple way for clients, patients, care homes or organisations to pay you.

Common options

• Bank transfer using invoices.
• Card payments using Stripe, PayPal, SumUp or similar providers.
• Online payment links for deposits or appointments.
• Website payment forms for fixed services.
• Monthly subscription or membership payments where appropriate.

Make sure your prices are clear before someone books. State what is included, what is not included, and whether travel, materials or extra time are charged separately.

Ask Ora prompt:

“Help me create a simple payment setup for a dental nurse, hygienist or therapist offering private mobile or remote services in the UK.”

Ask Ora

Module 5: Set Up a Booking Calendar

A clear booking system saves time and avoids confusion.

• Use a calendar system such as Calendly, Google Calendar, Microsoft Bookings or another booking tool.
• Create different appointment types.
• Add appointment length, location, price and payment instructions.
• Allow time for travel, notes and follow-up.
• Send automatic confirmation and reminder emails where possible.
• Include cancellation and rescheduling rules.

Ask Ora prompt:

“Design a simple booking calendar structure for a mobile dental service, including appointment types, timings, prices, travel time and reminders.”

Ask Ora

Module 6: Record Keeping, Accounts and Tax

From day one, keep proper records. Do not leave it until the end of the year.

• Record all income.
• Record all expenses.
• Keep receipts and invoices.
• Use accounting software or a spreadsheet.
• Consider using an accountant, especially for a limited company.
• Keep business and clinical records separate, but both must be secure.

Possible business expenses

• Travel and mileage.
• Training courses.
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
• Phone, internet and software used for the business.
• Website, marketing and printing.
• Equipment and materials used for the service.
• Accountancy and legal fees.
• Booking software, payment systems and subscriptions.

Ask Ora prompt:

“List the common allowable business expenses for a UK dental professional setting up a small mobile, care home or teledentistry service.”

Ask Ora

Module 7: VAT Basics

Many small businesses do not need to register for VAT when they first start. However, you must check the current HMRC VAT threshold and rules.

• VAT registration may apply if taxable turnover passes the HMRC threshold.
• Some healthcare services may be VAT exempt, but this depends on the service and provider.
• Products, training, admin services or non-clinical services may be treated differently.
• Mixed services can make VAT more complicated.
• Get advice from an accountant if your income grows or your services vary.

VAT warning: Do not assume that all dental-related services are treated the same way. Always check with HMRC or an accountant.

Ask Ora prompt:

“Explain in simple terms when VAT might apply to a small UK dental service business and what questions I should ask an accountant.”

Ask Ora

Module 8: Insurance and Professional Protection

Before you offer services, make sure you are properly protected.

• Professional indemnity insurance.
• Public liability insurance.
• Employer’s liability insurance if you employ staff.
• Equipment insurance if you use expensive devices.
• Cyber or data protection cover if handling patient data online.
• Business interruption cover if your income depends on appointments.

Always tell your indemnity provider exactly what services you plan to offer, where you will offer them, and whether they are remote, mobile, care home-based or clinic-based.

Ask Ora prompt:

“Create a checklist of insurance questions for a dental professional planning to start a mobile, care home or teledentistry business in the UK.”

Ask Ora

Module 9: GDPR and Data Protection

If you collect names, addresses, health information, photos, videos, consent forms or payment details, you must treat that information carefully.

• Only collect information you need.
• Explain why you are collecting it.
• Store it securely.
• Do not share it without a proper reason or consent.
• Use secure systems for forms, photos and records.
• Consider whether you need to register with the ICO.
• Have a privacy notice that explains how information is used.

Ask Ora prompt:

“Give me a simple GDPR checklist for a small UK dental service business collecting online forms, patient photos and appointment information.”

Ask Ora

Module 10: Professional Standards and Regulation

A business is not just a business when it involves dental care. You must remain within your professional scope, registration, training, indemnity and legal duties.

• Follow GDC Standards for the Dental Team.
• Work within your scope of practice.
• Be honest in advertising and marketing.
• Keep proper records.
• Respect confidentiality and consent.
• Check whether CQC registration applies to the service being offered.
• Confirm your indemnity covers the exact service model.

Ask Ora prompt:

“Explain the professional responsibilities a UK dental professional must consider before setting up a private mobile, care home or remote service.”

Ask Ora

Module 11: Basic Website and Online Presence

Your online presence should make it clear who you are, what you offer, where you work, what it costs, and how people book.

• Your name and professional role.
• GDC registration details where appropriate.
• Services offered.
• Area covered.
• Fees.
• Booking link.
• Payment link.
• Consent and privacy information.
• Professional boundaries and emergency advice.
• Clear statement that emergency dental problems may need urgent face-to-face care.

Ask Ora prompt:

“Help me write the content for a simple one-page website for a UK dental professional offering mobile or remote services.”

Ask Ora

Module 12: Templates to Complete

These simple templates help turn the idea into a working business. The links below are placeholders and can be connected to your own online forms, PDFs, Google Docs, Dropbox files or website templates.

Business Setup Form

Name, business name, role, services, area covered, contact details and pricing.

Download / Complete Template

Service and Fee List

A clear table of services, appointment length, fee, travel charge and payment terms.

Download / Complete Template

Basic Invoice Template

Business details, client details, service provided, amount due and payment method.

Download / Complete Template

Expense Tracker

Record date, item, supplier, amount, category, receipt and notes.

Download / Complete Template

Booking Setup Checklist

Appointment types, length, location, reminders, payment links and cancellation rules.

Download / Complete Template

Insurance Questions Checklist

Questions to ask indemnity, public liability and cyber/data protection providers.

Download / Complete Template

Ask Ora prompt:

“Help me complete a business setup form for my own dental service business. Ask me one question at a time and then produce a final summary.”

Ask Ora

Module 13: Final Launch Checklist

• Choose sole trader, partnership or limited company.
• Register with HMRC or Companies House.
• Open a business bank account.
• Set up invoices and payment links.
• Create a booking calendar.
• Confirm insurance and indemnity.
• Prepare privacy, consent and record-keeping systems.
• Create a simple website or professional profile page.
• Prepare your service list and fees.
• Check whether CQC registration applies.
• Check your GDC scope of practice and professional responsibilities.
• Speak to an accountant before income grows significantly.

Ask Ora prompt:

“Review my dental service business launch checklist and tell me what I still need to do before I start offering services.”

Ask Ora

Trusted Resources to Add to the LLM

These are the main types of sources that should sit behind this business setup guide. They help Ora give safe, practical and up-to-date answers.

• HMRC: Set up as a sole trader
• HMRC: Self Assessment
• HMRC: Business records and expenses
• HMRC: VAT registration and VAT thresholds
• Companies House: Set up a limited company
• Companies House: Running a limited company
• ICO: Data protection for small businesses
• ICO: Health data and special category data
• GDC: Standards for the Dental Team
• GDC: Scope of Practice
• GDC: Indemnity guidance
• GDC: Advertising and social media guidance
• CQC: Guidance for dental providers
• CQC: Scope of registration and regulated activities
• HSE: Employers’ liability and health and safety basics
• The Pensions Regulator: Duties if employing staff

Ask Ora prompt:

“Using the trusted sources in this notebook, give me a safe and practical business setup plan for my role, services and location.”

Ask Ora

Start small. Keep good records. Stay within your scope. Get insured. Ask for advice before you guess.

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