“After 30 years of building my practice, I wasn’t going to hand it over to just anyone.”

Dr. Richard Miller-White

BDS MSc MFDS RCS Pg Cert Dental Sed & Pain Manag. Pg Cert Dental Sleep Medicine

Richard Miller-White founded his practice more than three decades ago. Over that time, it became far more than a business — it was a reflection of his values, his standards and the team he had carefully built around him.

“When I first considered selling, it was because my associate expressed interest,” Richard explains. “Otherwise, I was quite content. I wasn’t actively seeking an exit.”

When that route changed direction, Richard decided to test the open market. But he was clear from the outset about one thing.

“I was adamant that I didn’t want to sell to a corporate. My biggest concern was that the ethos of the practice — putting patients and staff first — would be compromised. That simply wasn’t something I was prepared to risk.”

Several viewings followed, supported by a broker. Yet none of the potential buyers felt right.

“I met a number of interested parties, but I didn’t feel I would gel with any of them. After 30 years, culture matters. I was waiting for the right fit — not just financially, but personally.”

Then came a call one November evening introducing him to DeNovo Dental Partners.

“The model intrigued me straight away. It was new to the UK, but proven internationally. More importantly, when I met the founders, I was pleasantly surprised by how down to earth they were. They weren’t corporate in the traditional sense — they were building partnerships.”

That distinction proved pivotal.

“They were passionate about practices maintaining their identity, with staff welfare and patient care at the centre. Autonomy wasn’t just a phrase — it was fundamental to the model. The fact that I would become a shareholder and continue working towards shared goals alongside other dentists made sense.”

For Richard, transparency throughout the transaction was crucial.

“The process was smooth, but what stood out most was that all the reassurances proved true. There were no hidden agendas, no small print surprises. What was promised was delivered.”

His team, understandably, were apprehensive at first.

“After 30 years, any change is significant. But once the transition happened, they quickly realised there were no noticeable differences. It really was business as usual. Even the practice name remains — and why would you change it?”

Day-to-day, very little shifted.

“If I want advice or support, it’s there. If I don’t need it, I’m left to run the practice as I always have. DeNovo understands that its Partners are best placed to lead their own businesses. That mutual respect is the foundation.”

Looking ahead, Richard’s ambitions remain intact.

“For the next five years, I intend to continue treating patients and growing the practice just as I would have done before the sale. I have a special interest in Dental Sleep Medicine, and there is support available to help develop that further.”

He smiles when describing the wider partnership.

“We’re becoming one big happy family — but without losing our individuality. It’s built on trust.”

For principals considering their own next steps, his advice is straightforward:

“If you’re exploring a sale — whether now or in the future — speak to DeNovo. Many of us know colleagues who sold to traditional corporates and regretted it. This is genuinely different. It’s a partnership, not a takeover.”

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LOCATION: Barton, Bedfordshire

ESTABLISHED: 1995

TYPE OF PRACTICE: Private Only

SPECIAL INTERESTS: General, Implants, Cosmetic, Restorative, Dental Sleep Medicine