Simplyhealth strengthens dental offering as employers face growing access challenge

Simplyhealth Group has acquired dental technology, media and education business FMC, expanding its reach across UK dentistry at a time when access to dental care is becoming an increasingly important workforce health issue.

The acquisition brings FMC’s Dentistry OS technology platform and its dental media, education and events business into the group, alongside Simplyhealth and Denplan.

Simplyhealth said the deal would strengthen its ability to support dental practices with technology, education and professional support as the sector faces workforce, compliance, digital transformation and patient pressures.

The move comes amid growing evidence that difficulties accessing dental care are also being felt by employers. Research published by Toothfairy, found 45 per cent of employers provide no dental provision to their workforce. Among small businesses with 10 to 49 employees, that rises to 65 per cent.

Simplyhealth already provides workplace healthcare including health cash plans, GP and mental health support, while Denplan supports more than 6,600 member dentists and more than 1.5 million patients. Simplyhealth Group also has relationships with more than 4,000 dental practices across the UK.

FMC’s Dentistry OS provides software covering compliance, HR, continuing professional development, consent and marketing for independent practices, dental groups and larger dental organisations.

Simplyhealth said the acquisition creates an opportunity to extend that technology to significantly more practices, reducing administrative pressures and helping providers operate more efficiently.

The deal therefore takes the group’s dental interests further beyond funding and access to care, extending into some of the technology and infrastructure supporting the practices delivering it.

Paul Schreier, CEO of Simplyhealth Group, said: “For more than 150 years we’ve been committed to improving access to healthcare and supporting better health outcomes. Oral health is an important part of that mission.

“FMC has built strong relationships across the UK dental profession through its technology, education, media and events businesses. We have been impressed by both the quality of the business and the expertise of its people.

“By bringing FMC into The Simplyhealth Group, we have an exciting opportunity to invest in innovation, strengthen the support available to dental professionals and help practices continue to deliver outstanding care.

“As the needs of practices and patients continue to evolve, we see significant opportunities to combine technology, education, insight and professional support in ways that help practices grow sustainably, work more efficiently and continue delivering excellent patient outcomes.

“We are delighted to welcome the FMC team to The Simplyhealth Group.”

FMC was founded more than 30 years ago and operates through two divisions. Alongside Dentistry OS, FMC Media & Events provides journalism, professional education, conferences and events for the dental profession.

The businesses will retain their existing brands and day-to-day leadership following the acquisition, with additional investment planned in products, technology and people.

Craig Welling, chief executive officer of FMC, said: “This marks an exciting new chapter for FMC and represents the largest investment in our company’s 30-year history.

“We’ve spent the last few years transforming FMC into two highly complementary businesses. Through FMC Media & Events we connect the profession through credible journalism, education and industry-leading events. Through Dentistry OS we help practices and dental groups run more efficient, compliant and successful businesses through market-leading software.”

Following completion, Simplyhealth Group will comprise Simplyhealth, Denplan and FMC, spanning workplace healthcare, health and dental payment plans, dental practice technology, professional education and media.

The acquisition comes as dental health is beginning to move beyond being viewed solely as an individual healthcare issue and into wider conversations about workforce health, absence and benefits.