And finally…UK’s dentists smiling all the way to the bank as turnover hits £1 billion

Top dentists’ incomes have gone up by more than a fifth as more people spend on cosmetic dental treatment, according to new research.

The top 100 dentists in the UK recorded a turnover of almost £1 billion in 2014 - a rise of 22 per cent on 2010, independent finance provider LDF said.

It said a key driver of this rise is the growth in cosmetic dentistry, with more consumers willing to fork out for procedures such as laser whitening, computerised smile analysis and straightening.

LDF said there has also been a wave of consolidation in the sector in recent years, with some large private equity-backed dental groups growing significantly and operating more than 400 practices, many of which have benefited from significant investment in their equipment and environment since their takeover.

It said that independent dentists must invest in their practices to keep pace with the market as consumers become more accustomed to paying for cosmetic treatment and routine hygienist appointments, and larger competitors make huge capital outlays on the latest machinery and refurbishments.

LDF managing director Peter Alderson said: “British people have taken to cosmetic dentistry in a big way, and that’s reflected in rising incomes for top dentists.

“Increasing numbers of dental patients are starting to explore cosmetic treatments like laser whitening, and are willing to pay significant amounts of money for cutting-edge services, especially if they are delivered in a more exclusive, private clinic-style environment.

“The biggest dental groups are able to invest very heavily in their practices’ equipment, furnishings and IT systems, and that has raised the stakes in the profession markedly.

“The younger generation of dental clients - those that are more comfortable with paying for cosmetic dentistry - expects enhanced services such as online booking and text message reminders as well as cutting-edge treatments.

“If dentists want to make the most of the demand for cosmetic dentistry, they need the type of apparatus and environment that brings in clients, but that type of equipment routinely costs tens of thousands of pounds.”