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For Dentists

Tax Return for Dentists

Complete your Self Assessment in 8 minutes. Claim all your allowable expenses and submit directly to HMRC.

  • Track practice income
  • Professional fees support
  • Equipment expense tracking
  • MTD-ready for 2026

Example Tax Calculation

Based on typical dentists earnings £90,000/year

Gross Income£90,000
Expenses15,000
Taxable Profit£75,000
Income Tax£12,486
National Insurance£3,746

*Illustrative example based on 2024/25 tax rates. Your actual tax depends on your specific circumstances.

Allowable Expenses for Dentists

Claim these tax-deductible expenses to reduce your tax bill

GDC Registration

General Dental Council registration fees and annual retention fees.

Tip: Keep renewal receipts and certificates.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Medical defence organisation subscriptions and indemnity cover.

Tip: Insurance premiums are fully deductible.

Dental Equipment

Handpieces, instruments, and specialist dental equipment.

Tip: Expensive equipment may qualify for capital allowances.

CPD and Training

Mandatory continuing professional development courses and conferences.

Tip: Keep certificates and receipts for all training.

More expenses you can claim

Professional subscriptions (BDA)
Uniforms and scrubs
Travel between practices
Locum agency fees
Accounting software fees
Phone and internet
Medical textbooks and journals

Dentists Industry Insights

Essential information about working as a dentists in the UK

Average Hourly Rate

£50 – £120

Private dentistry commands higher rates than NHS work

Common Structure

limited company

Practice owners typically operate as limited companies; associates vary

Typical Job Duration

30 minutes to 2 hours per patient

Required Certifications & Qualifications

GDC registration
Professional indemnity insurance
CPD requirements (annual)
CQC registration (if practice owner)

When Do Dentists Earn Most?

Understanding seasonal demand helps you plan your income and expenses throughout the tax year.

Peak Demand Periods

January (New Year dental resolutions)Pre-wedding season

Quieter Periods

AugustDecember

Industry Insight

Cosmetic dentistry has different seasonal patterns to general dentistry

Tax tip: During quieter periods, use the time to organise receipts, update your records, and plan for upcoming tax deadlines.

Tax Tips for Dentists

Specific tax considerations to maximise your deductions and stay compliant

GDC registration and indemnity insurance are fully deductible

Practice equipment may qualify for capital allowances

Associate dentists: check self-employed status carefully

Lab fees are deductible business expenses

These tips are based on UK tax rules for the 2024/25 tax year. For personalised advice, consult a qualified accountant.

How to File Your Tax Return

Follow these simple steps to complete your Self Assessment

1

Gather Your Documents

Collect income records, receipts, and expense statements

2

Enter Income & Expenses

Add your earnings and claim allowable expenses with our guided flow

3

Review Your Calculation

See exactly how much tax you owe with real-time calculations

4

Submit to HMRC

File your tax return directly to HMRC in minutes

Key Deadlines for 2024/25 Tax Year

Don't miss these important dates

5 April 2025

Tax Year Ends

Calculate your final income and expenses

5 October 2025

Register for Self Assessment

If this is your first year self-employed

31 January 2026

Online Filing Deadline

Submit your tax return and pay any tax owed

6 April 2026

MTD Starts (£50k+)

If your income exceeds £50,000, you must use MTD software

Late Filing Penalties

1 day late: £100 fixed penalty

3 months late: £10/day up to £900

6 months late: 5% of tax owed or £300 (whichever is higher)

12 months late: Additional 5% or £300

Plus interest on any tax paid late. Avoid these costs by filing early with QTax.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about tax returns for dentists

Do dentists need to register as self-employed?

If you work as an associate dentist or run your own practice and invoice for services, you must register for Self Assessment.

Can I claim GDC fees and insurance?

Yes. GDC registration, professional indemnity insurance, and professional subscriptions are all allowable expenses.

What about NHS and private income?

You must declare all income from both NHS and private dental work on your tax return.

What is the Self Assessment deadline?

Online Self Assessment is due by 31 January after the tax year ends.

Related Guides

Explore tax guides for similar professions

Ready to File Your Tax Return?

Join thousands of UK dentists who trust QTax for their Self Assessment