When planning to build or relocate your dental practice, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is site selection. The right location can influence everything from patient experience to operational costs and long-term success.
In this blog post we take a look at the breakdown of the key considerations to explore when considering various property types and their suitability for your dental practice.
Office Buildings

Office spaces are a popular choice for dental practices and have several advantages:
- Natural Light: These buildings often offer better window lines and more daylight, creating a welcoming environment.
- Shared Amenities: Common areas like lobbies and restrooms can reduce setup costs.
- Lower Costs: Shared maintenance and lower rental rates make office buildings cost-effective.
- Parking: Ample parking is a major draw.
- Build Efficiency: Generally cheaper to construct due to simpler layouts.
Retail Spaces & Shopping Centres

Retail locations offer high visibility and foot fall:
- Exposure: Great signage and visibility can attract walk-ins.
- Synergies: Proximity to restaurants or other healthcare providers boosts convenience and referrals.
- Public Access: Easy access via public transport.
- Parking: Often well-equipped.
- Higher Costs: These benefits come at a premium.
Medical Specialist Centres

Purpose-built medical sites offer a professional environment:
- Referral Networks: Co-location with other specialists fosters collaboration.
- Shared Services: Cleaning, reception, and utilities can be shared.
- Build Costs: While cheaper to build, ongoing costs may be higher due to advanced infrastructure.
- Parking: Typically well-planned and sufficient.
Residential Dwellings

Residential conversions can offer unique charm but come with challenges:
- Build Complexity: Higher costs due to structural requirements and age-related issues.
- Ownership: Buying the property can be a long-term investment.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Characterful buildings can enhance patient experience.
- Parking: Often inconsistent and limited.
In summary, choosing the right site for your dental practice is about balancing costs, visibility, accessibility, and long-term potential. Whether you opt for an office, retail, medical, or residential space, each has its own set of advantages and trade-offs. The key is to align your choice with your practice goals, patient needs, and financial strategy.
At Excel Building Contractors, we’ve supported numerous dental professionals in establishing or relocating their practices across a wide range of property types. With extensive experience and deep expertise, we guide clients through every stage from planning submissions and regulatory compliance to equipment specifications and IT systems. Our standout strength lies in the design and construction of dental practices, where our knowledge and attention to detail are second to none.
If you’d like to discuss your dental practice project in more detail, please don’t hesitate to give us a no obligation call on 020 8820 0853 or email us on sales@excel-ltd.co.uk