A smooth path to practice ownership
A rapidly expanding dental business has become the first in its sector to launch an innovative franchising model.
Damira Dental Studios has created a franchise model whereby the individual practices are supported by a highly experienced and dynamic central head office facility, offering training and mentoring, hands-on support, HR and marketing, depending on the size of the practice and its individual requirements.
Bespoke management support is also provided by Damira which operates a growing portfolio of 14 dental practices across the South of England for a full range of issues, from HR guidance to performance management systems, CQC systems & procedures, clinical audits and financial management.
The model, which is a first for dentistry, is designed as an accessible means for young, dynamic associates to begin their journey into practice ownership.
Damira has already secured its first franchisees, with high levels of interest from several other parties, and the opportunity is open to any associate dentist with at least two years’ experience who can raise 10 percent of the purchase price as deposit.
The newly introduced franchising model comes as the latest step in the company’s rapid expansion. Since being established in 2007, Damira owned and founded by Dr Anushika Brogan has added continually to its portfolio, with its latest acquisition being made only this month.
Dr Brogan who recently rebranded the business from Aspire Dental Care UK said: “Our franchising model is a first for dentistry and having built up my own business from a single practice, I recognise what the challenges are in securing your first surgery. Our model, which is similar to the one used by Specsavers and Vets4Pets, is one I believe is accessible and supportive for ambitious dentists wanting to make their first acquisition, with a view to owning it a few years down the line.
“Damira Dental Studios has snowballed since we first created the business in 2007 and we are continuing to look for opportunities to add to the portfolio, while at the same time creating opportunities for other people who want to become part of what we are doing.”
Dr Brogan and Damira Dental Studios use the legal expertise of the specialist dental team at law firm Sintons, based in Newcastle upon Tyne. The team, led by partner Amanda Maskery – one of the UK’s leading dental lawyers – offers a full service to dental professionals to handle the entire spectrum of matters, including sales and disposals, advising on finance, contracts and partnership agreements, employment and HR issues and dispute resolution.
Dr Brogan said: “It is a huge advantage for busy professionals to have one point of contact for their whole range of legal requirements. Amanda and the team at Sintons offer high quality and to-the-point legal advice and are very knowledgeable about the sector. I have a very strong relationship with Sintons, and Amanda in particular, and feel she has made real efforts to understand my business and what we are trying to do, and advise and support me accordingly.”
Amanda Maskery who is also Chair of the Association of Specialist Providers to Dentists (ASPD) said: “We have worked with Anushika for several years, during what has been a strong period of growth for her business, and have been able to support her with all of her legal requirements during that time. We enjoy a close relationship with Anushika and Damira Dental Studios, and are excited about the latest step in their journey in the launch of the franchising model.
“The specialist dental team at Sintons is able to provide expert advice on a full spectrum of issues for dental professionals. Being a full service firm, we offer the whole range of services from one building, and our team works closely together to ensure a seamless approach. We truly understand the sector and make every effort to get to know our clients and their businesses so we are able to offer a very personal and tailored service. We have worked with a large proportion of our clients for many years, which is testament to the quality of what we do and the service we provide.”
