Why it matters
Why dental associates need specialist accounting
Most dental associates work on a self-employed basis, which means managing their own tax, expenses and financial planning.
This service sits within our full dental accountancy service and is built specifically around how dental associates earn, pay tax and progress through their careers.
A general accountant can prepare your Self Assessment, but may not deal regularly with dental-specific expenses, NHS pension issues or the point at which incorporation becomes worth considering. Samera has worked with dentists since 2002, so our team understands the questions and planning points that come up throughout an associate’s career.
What we handle
What we handle for dental associates
Our associate accountancy service covers the core compliance and tax issues dental associates face, with additional planning support available depending on your package.
- Self-assessment tax return – prepared, checked and filed on time every year. We deal with HMRC so you do not have to.
- Allowable expenses review – we go through your outgoings every year to make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to.
- Tax planning – proactive advice on reducing your liability, not just filing what you hand us. Included from Associate Comprehensive upwards. For a full breakdown of the tax planning strategies available to dentists, see our tax planning for dentists page.
- Incorporation advice – if a limited company could save you money, we will tell you. If it would not, we will tell you that too.
- Making Tax Digital – now mandatory for associates whose total qualifying gross income from self-employment and property exceeded £50,000 in the relevant previous tax year. The threshold falls to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. We migrate you to Xero and handle the quarterly submissions on your behalf.
- HMRC correspondence – support with HMRC queries, letters and investigations is available depending on your package.
- Dedicated dental accountant – one named contact who knows your file, not a different person every time you call.
Why Samera
Why dental associates choose Samera
We work with associates in our own practices
We own and operate The Neem Tree Dental Group, where we work directly with dental associates. That gives us practical insight into the financial issues associates face, not just the accounting theory.
Fellow of the ICAEW
Arun Mehra FCA is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and our accounts team is trained specifically in dental sector work.
Dental associate specialists
Self Assessment, allowable expenses, NHS pensions, MTD and incorporation are issues our team deals with regularly for dental associates.
With you for your whole career
Many clients join us as associates and stay with us as they move into practice ownership and beyond, giving us a long-term view of their finances and plans.
Packages
Straightforward pricing with no year-end surprises
All packages are fixed-fee plus VAT. Choose the level of support that fits where you are now, and move up as your needs develop.
For self-employed associates
Associate
Associate Basic
From £650/year + VAT
For self-employed associates who need straightforward annual tax compliance and occasional support.
- Preparation and submission of your Self-Assessment Tax Return
- Review of allowable business expenses
- Annual tax reminders, deadline tracking and payment reminders
- Email support for general queries
- Dedicated dental tax accountant
For associates with a limited company
Limited Company
Ltd Company Basic
From £1,200/year + VAT
For associates trading through a limited company who need core annual accounts and tax compliance.
- Limited company year-end accounts preparation
- Corporation tax return filing (CT600)
- Software subscription
- Companies House confirmation statement filing
- Basic director self-assessment tax return (1 director)
- Basic email support
- Dedicated dental tax accountant
Limited Company
Ltd Company Comprehensive
From £1,800/year + VAT
Full Service
Best suited for high-earning associates or those who want peace of mind and proactive tax advice.
- Everything in Ltd Standard, plus:
- Tax investigation cover
- Quarterly or monthly tax planning reviews
- Regular meetings (virtual or in person)
- Priority support and proactive deadline reminders
- Proactive advice on dividend strategy and director salary planning
Not sure which package is right for you? Book a free 30-minute call and we will recommend the right level of support based on your income, expenses and where you are in your career.
Coming soon
Clever Practice add-ons
We are building AI-powered tools to track tax liabilities in real time and give you live financial insight into your earnings. Add-on packages will be available through Clever Practice.
If you own a dental practice or are thinking about becoming a practice owner, see our accounts for practice owners packages which are designed for the different financial needs of practice ownership.
How it works
Most associates are up and running within two weeks
- Book a free call – A 30-minute conversation with our accounts team to understand what you need and what it will cost.
- We handle the handover – If you have an existing accountant, we take care of the transfer. Most clients find the switch takes less time than they expected.
- We set up your systems – We get you onto Xero, organise your records and make sure everything is in order before your first filing deadline.
- Ongoing support as your career develops – We handle your annual accounts and tax compliance, with additional planning and HMRC support depending on your package. We flag opportunities when your circumstances change.
Who this is for
We work with associates at every career stage
Whether you are filing your first Self Assessment or deciding whether a limited company makes sense as your income grows, we support associates at every stage of their career.
- Newly qualified associates
- Experienced associates
- NHS associates
- Private associates
- Mixed NHS and private associates
- Associates with a limited company
- Associates within the MTD for Income Tax thresholds
- Associates considering practice ownership
Client reviews
What dentists say about working with Samera
As a busy dental associate, I have been using Samera Accounting services for over 7 years now and have found them to be highly professional, prompt in correspondence and … extremely helpful to any enquiries which I have had.
Alistair, Dentist – 5 Stars
…amazing helpful and never made me feel silly for the million questions I had, and was always very accessible. 19/20 was my first year with Samera and I wish I had come to them sooner!”
Abi, Dentist – 5 Stars
Used Samera business advisors for my self tax return form and they were amazing from start to finish. They made me understand every single step and made the process swift!
Remzie, Dentist – 5 Stars
I’ve had an outstanding experience with Samera, and I can’t recommend them enough! … incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely supportive throughout. Her attention to detail and ability to clearly explain complex financial matters has been a huge relief for me as a dentist managing both clinical work and business responsibilities.
Emre, Dentist – 5 Stars
Who you’ll work with
Speak to the dental associates team
Book a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our specialist dental accountants.
Director of Operations – Accountancy and Tax
- Dental Accountancy and Tax for Associates
- Tax Saving Advice
- Accounts Systems and Automation
Business Development Executive – Accountancy and Tax
- Dental Accountancy for Associates
- Tax for Dental Associates
- Making Tax Digital Expert
CEO
- Dental Accountancy and Tax for Dental Groups and DSOs
- Samera AI – Automation of Financial Systems
- Samera Global – Outsourcing, Offshoring and GCCs
Get in touch
Or send us a message
If you’d prefer to send us your details rather than book a call, fill in the form below and our team will be in touch as soon as possible.
- Phone: (+44) 20 7100 8788
- WhatsApp: Message us on WhatsApp
Related services
Other ways Samera supports associates
Dental accountants
Full accounts and tax service for dentists – associates, practice owners and groups.
Further reading
Guides to dental associate accounts and tax
Taxes for Dental Associates
Everything you need to know about managing your tax as a self-employed associate, from your first self-assessment to more complex planning.
Dentist and Dental Associate Expenses Guide
A complete guide to the expenses dental associates can claim on their tax return, including items that are commonly missed.
Bookkeeping for Dentists
Why good bookkeeping matters for your practice finances and how to keep your records in order throughout the year.
Accounts and Tax for Dentists Explained
Everything you need to know about accounts for dentists, associates and practice owners.
Frequently asked questions
Dental associate accounts FAQs
How much does an accountant cost for a dental associate?
Our associate packages start from £650 per year plus VAT. Associates with a limited company start from £1,200 per year. All fees are fixed with no hourly rates or unexpected bills at year end. Book a free call and we will confirm your exact fee upfront.
Do dental associates need a specialist accountant?
A general accountant can file a self-assessment return but is unlikely to understand the specific expenses, reliefs and planning opportunities available to dental associates.
What is included in the fixed fee?
Each package is fixed fee and covers the services listed for that package. The main difference between packages is the level of ongoing support, tax planning and HMRC support included. We will confirm exactly what is covered before you sign up.
I already have an accountant – is it worth switching?
If your current accountant does not specialise in dentistry, the honest answer is probably yes. The most common issues we see when associates switch to us are missed expense claims, no incorporation review and no proactive tax planning – just compliance. Book a free call and we will give you an honest view of whether switching would benefit you.
How long does it take to switch to Samera?
Most transitions are completed within two weeks. We contact your existing accountant, request the relevant records and handle the handover. Most associates find it takes less effort than they expected.
Does Making Tax Digital affect dental associates?
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is now mandatory where your total qualifying gross income from self-employment and property exceeded £50,000 in the relevant previous tax year. The threshold falls to £30,000 from April 2027 and £20,000 from April 2028. If this applies to you, we migrate you to Xero and handle the quarterly submissions as part of your package.
Should I incorporate as a dentist?
Incorporating can be beneficial for some dental associates, but there is no single income level at which it automatically makes sense. The benefit depends on your profits, how much money you need to withdraw, your NHS pension position and your personal circumstances. We assess this as part of our Comprehensive package and only recommend incorporation where the numbers support it.
What expenses can I claim as a dental associate?
Common allowable expenses can include professional indemnity insurance, GDC registration fees, relevant CPD and training, professional subscriptions, clinical equipment and consumables, qualifying business mileage and certain home-working costs. Some accountancy costs may also be allowable where they relate to the business. We review your expenses each year to make sure you are claiming everything you are entitled to.
How does the NHS pension affect my tax?
Contributions go through the NHS Business Services Authority and are calculated differently depending on whether you’re an associate, a principal, or a performer. Your NHS pension also counts toward your annual allowance – the cap on pension contributions that attract tax relief – and high earners can breach this without realising, triggering a real tax charge. We factor this into your annual tax planning so it doesn’t catch you out.
Talk to a dental accountant who has seen your situation before
Book a free 30-minute call with Natasha or the team – just an honest conversation about your accounts, your tax position and where we can help.