CLYDE MUNRO BREAKS 50-PRACTICE MILESTONE AFTER ACQUISITION

A RAPIDLY growing dental group has become the first to own more than 50 practices in Scotland alone – and is vowing to continue its unrelenting growth.

Clyde Munro Dental Group, which is backed by Investec and Synova, has secured Mearns Dental – a thriving two-practice operation in the Glasgow suburb of Newton Mearns.

It takes its tally north of the border to 51, with a further six practices at heads of terms and expected to complete in the coming weeks.

Founded in 2015, the Glasgow-based group set out immediately to work solely north of the border, with a vision to become the nation’s family dentist while retaining the identity of its individual surgeries.

Its Scotland-focused message has resonated with dentists, who have faced growing paperwork requirements in response to changing legislations.

Since the start of the pandemic Clyde Munro has received many approaches from practice owners.

Founder Jim Hall (pictured) is delighted with the firm’s growing appeal and success in surpassing a half-century of acquisitions – and believes it can change the face of dentistry in Scotland for the better.

He said: “There are around 700 practices in Scotland that could fit the mould for joining Clyde Munro, so we don’t believe things will slow up.

“Covid-19 has been the final straw for many dentists, who already face huge regulatory requirements.

“Many of them simply didn’t get into the profession to run a business, or complete a mountain of paperwork at the end of a long day of clinical work.”

Clyde Munro’s broad geographic spread means patients in rural locations can now access treatments that previously required lengthy trips.

The newly acquired Mearns Dental was founded by Craig Taylor, when he merged his Crookfur Dental Practice with Gordon Robertson’s Means Cross Dental Practice in 1992.

Craig’s two fellow partners, Eloy Lopez and Lyndsey Chalmers along with their 15 strong team, including three associate dentists and three dental hygienists will stay on as part of the takeover, ensuring continuity for patients.

Clyde Munro has enjoyed rapid growth and now comprises 51 practices across Scotland, with more than 400,000 patients and 400 staff.