In the last week, Clyde Munro has acquired two new practices and has a further 10 practices in the final stages of the acquisition process on heads of terms. It has also reported a surge in new enquiries since the start of lockdown.

Since being founded in 2015 Clyde Munro has enjoyed rapid growth, with a network quite unlike any other groups. Its focus exclusively on Scotland has enabled it to successfully take over and secure the future of some of the country’s most remote practices as well as those within Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The group is the brainchild of Jim Hall, who founded it in 2015 with the acquisition of seven practices and the backing of private equity firm Synova Capital and Investec Bank. Since launch, it has enjoyed rapid growth through acquisition and has plans to continue expanding.

It now comprises 42 practices across Scotland, with more than 200 dentists, 350 staff and 300,000 patients. The group’s ambition is to become Scotland’s “local dentist”, operating an expanding network of family dentists across Scotland, with each devoted to providing the best dental care, while reflecting the needs and character of its community.

The Glasgow-based firm is now calling on principal dentists looking either for an exit or for a chance to focus on their clinical work, to get in touch, as it renews its growth drive following a turbulent period for the sector.

Kirsty Dace, chief development officer, said: “We’ve had numerous enquiries during lockdown with many dentists disillusioned as a result of the last year.

“Some are yearning to get back to focusing on their patients. The stresses of running a practice - and all the paperwork and protocols that come with it - have only been compounded by COVID.

“By being entirely dedicated to Scotland, our practices are benefiting from expertise and business management that is designed to give reassurance. We want a network of family dentists – and this separates us markedly from other groups.”