Scotland’s largest dental group swallows Edinburgh-based implant pioneer

Clyde Munro, Scotland’s largest dental group, has sunk its teeth into an Edinburgh-based implant pioneer.

The Glasgow-headquartered group has sealed the “breakthrough” acquisition to drive both its growth and plans to roll out greater implant expertise across the east of Scotland.

Founded and led by implant pioneer Dr Duncan Robertson, Fairmilehead Dental Practice & Implant Centre in the capital is the latest addition to Clyde Munro, as it closes in on its landmark 50th practice.

Robertson will become a crucial member of the group’s clinical development team for at least two years, focusing on growing the firm’s expertise in advanced dentistry and implantology across the east of Scotland.

Founded and led by implant pioneer Dr Duncan Robertson, Fairmilehead Dental Practice & Implant Centre in Edinburgh is the latest addition to Clyde Munro, as it closes in on its landmark 50th practice. Picture: Ian Georgeson Photography

Fairmilehead Dental Practice & Implant Centre has been at its current location since 2003. It has some 3,000 private patients and also treats children on the NHS. The team includes three dentists, two hygienists, six nurses and four receptionists and a practice coordinator.

Financial terms surrounding the acquisition have not been disclosed.

Robertson said dentists were increasingly feeling the pressure of running their businesses in the face of greater regulation and compliance, with those issues exacerbated by lockdown.

“I spoke to a number of dental groups to weigh up whether the practice could benefit from joining a larger organisation.

“Clyde Munro stood out for its ambition to provide a network of Scottish-based family dentists, each given the support to provide the very best dental care while retaining their individual character.

“They were impressed by our expertise in providing a broad spectrum of quality, family dental care along with more complex restorative and implant treatments. We will now have a central role in implant treatments for other Clyde Munro practices in Edinburgh and surrounding areas.

“This is incredibly important to me, because for 20 years I have been utterly fascinated by every aspect of this treatment which has revolutionised dentistry and continues to do so.

“Patients can be assured that, while the uniforms may be different, it will still be the same familiar faces, practice and quality of care they have come to know over the years.”

Working with selling agent Christie & Co, the entire acquisition process took just two months.

Robertson added: “It’s a fantastic reflection on the efficiency and organisation of my practice team. The quiet months of January and February provided the ideal opportunity to most efficiently complete a process that normally takes much longer.”

After graduating from Edinburgh University in 1983, Robertson worked at the city’s dental hospital and also completed a doctorate in oral medicine in 1989. He went on to launch his practice in 1993 and for the past 17 years has specialised in implants.

Kirsty Dace, chief development officer with the Clyde Munro group, said: “Everyone involved is delighted with this deal and it took just eight weeks, showing what is possible when all parties are totally focused.

“Beyond that, Fairmilehead is the perfect addition for Clyde Munro. It is growing, trusted by its patients, has a hugely talented team and mirrors our ethos for delivering the best possible dental care to its local community. It’s also perfectly situated to give us the platform we need for further growth in Edinburgh.”

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