In an era shaped by political upheaval, shifting policies, and economic uncertainty, what does the future really hold for healthcare – and for dentistry in particular? This session will analyse the forces shaping the economy and living standards in the UK and more widely. It will focus particularly on demographic change, trends in education and training, and the scope for productivity gains in public services. This session will explain what DSO leaders need to know to navigate risk, seize opportunity, and position their organisations for sustainable growth.

• Understand the key macroeconomic and geopolitical factors influencing the global healthcare landscape, including their potential impact on UK dental service organisations.

• Identify strategic approaches to risk management and opportunity assessment within dental organisations operating in an uncertain economic and political climate.

• Apply knowledge of emerging global trends to inform sustainable growth planning and leadership decision-making in dental service organisations.

B

The GDC’s Corporate Strategy for the next three years has been approved, after a public consultation over the summer.

We want to play our part, with others, in patients receiving good oral health care across the UK. We will support dental professionals to provide safe care for their patients. We want to be – and to be recognised as being – trusted and effective as a regulator.

We want to develop our approach to regulation and how we work with others, particularly dental professionals, our partners and patients.

The feedback that we consistently receive from dental professionals and stakeholders is about fear and the need to modernise and reform. We have listened. Addressing these priorities is at the centre of our goals for the years ahead.

In this session, we will share insights from trends in the dental workforce, how this has shaped our future priorities and what we believe it means for the dental team.

What must dental group leaders do now to future-proof their businesses in an increasingly tech-driven world?

Technology is transforming dental businesses like never before – and those that fail to keep pace risk falling behind. Our expert panel will discuss the innovations that are already driving today’s most successful practices, while looking ahead to the disruptive technologies on the horizon to explain how they’re reshaping patient expectations.

• Identify current and emerging technologies that are transforming dental business operations and patient care delivery.

• Evaluate the strategic steps dental group leaders must take to integrate innovation and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

• Understand the impact of digital transformation on patient expectations and how to align services with these changing demands.

B

Go behind the scenes of dental corporate acquisitions with leaders from across the sector as they share candid insights from their growth journeys. Hear how their acquisition strategies evolved, the challenges they navigated – and how the question of branding shaped their decisions. Whether you’re scaling up or refining your approach, this session will share invaluable, real-world lessons on what it takes to build a thriving dental group through acquisition.

• Understand the strategic considerations involved in scaling a dental organisation through acquisitions, including common challenges and success factors.

• Analyse how branding and organisational identity influence acquisition strategies and integration processes within dental groups.

• Apply real-world insights from industry leaders to refine or develop an acquisition approach that supports sustainable business growth.

B

The right partnership can supercharge your growth – but knowing how to find the right provider is essential. In this dynamic discussion, hear inside insights from banks, private equity, and consultancy firms on what makes an ideal partnership, how to align expectations, and what providers will be looking for from dental businesses.

• Identify the key criteria that banks, private equity firms, and consultants use to assess potential partnerships with dental businesses.

• Understand how to evaluate and select the right strategic partners to support sustainable growth in the dental sector.

• Develop strategies for aligning expectations and building mutually beneficial relationships with external providers and investors.

B

Get an unprecedented inside view of the UK’s largest dental businesses in this candid panel discussion, where senior leaders reveal the hot topics dominating their boardroom conversations. From growth priorities and operational challenges to talent strategy and market trends, get an insider’s view of the key issues shaping decision-making at the top – and what they mean for the future of group dentistry.

• Understand the strategic priorities and operational challenges currently facing leaders of large UK dental organisations.

• Identify how workforce planning, market trends, and business growth strategies influence board-level decision-making in group dentistry.

• Apply insights from industry leaders to enhance your own leadership approach and organisational strategy in a dental business context.

B

In this session, we will explore the eight pillars that underpin sustainable success in dental groups.  Drawing on the experience of a DSO, we will show how technology, AI, and integrated software are transforming the way we run practices.

Rather than replacing people, the goal is to streamline systems, reduce administrative burdens, and free up time so that clinicians and teams can focus on what matters most—patient care and meaningful human interactions.

This lecture offers a forward-looking perspective on how DSOs can use innovation not just to grow, but to lead with trust, empower their teams, and deliver exceptional patient experiences.

Delegates will gain practical insights into:

• • How AI-driven tools are reshaping marketing, compliance monitoring, procurement, and financial reporting
  • The role of smart software in improving clinical training, HR processes, and operational efficiency
  • Strategies to build scalable systems without losing the personal, patient-focused culture that defines great dentistry

B

You know the strategy. You know the ‘why’. But turning big-picture plans into on-the-ground action is where many organisations stumble. This practical session tackles the critical challenge of translating strategy into execution across your practice teams. Learn how to align leadership and frontline teams, communicate priorities effectively, and drive meaningful change that brings your business goals to life.

• Identify common barriers to effective strategy execution within dental organisations and how to overcome them.

• Understand how to align leadership and practice teams to ensure clear communication and shared priorities.

• Develop practical skills to drive consistent, measurable progress from strategic planning through to frontline implementation.

B

Acquisitions don’t just bring new assets – they bring new people, cultures and challenges. In this session, successful leaders will explore how to navigate the complex team dynamics that come with inheriting staff. Learn practical strategies for building trust quickly, guiding teams through change with empathy, and driving results at the practice level – without relying on top-down authority.

• Understand the cultural and interpersonal challenges associated with inheriting teams during dental practice acquisitions.

• Identify effective strategies for building trust, fostering engagement, and leading newly acquired teams through periods of change.

• Develop leadership approaches that promote collaboration and accountability without relying solely on hierarchical authority.

B