A dental software company is opening its first UK centre in Glasgow in a £10 million move creating 75 jobs.

California-based Planet DDS is a leading provider of cloud-enabled dental software which uses AI and data management to enable dental practices to use a fully-digital approach within their businesses.

The company already serves over 10,000 practices in North America with over 60,000 users and Glasgow was selected from three global locations as the home for the firm's first technology development and support centre on this side of the pond.

The 75 jobs will be created over the next few years, with nine roles already created for the company's engineering department. 

The Scottish Government's wellbeing economy Secretary Neil Gray recently visited the company’s offices at The Garment Factory on Montrose Street to welcome the move. 

He said: “This £10 million investment is a vote of confidence in Scotland’s economy and will help create 75 good quality jobs.

“Inward investment worth £1 billion was supported by the Scottish Government and its enterprise and skills agencies from 2018 to 2021 and today’s announcement shows we are maintaining momentum towards building a more sustainable and prosperous future.

“EY’s recent independent Annual Attractiveness Survey highlighted Scotland as the most attractive foreign direct investment location outside of London, a position held for the last eight years.

“Scotland has huge opportunities and assets. Businesses are increasingly taking investment decisions based on factors such as our progressive approach to fair work, our net zero ambitions and the skills of our workforce.

"Our National Strategy for Economic Transformation aims to capitalise on these strengths and create a well-being economy.”

Angelina Hendricks, chief technology officer at Planet DDS, said: “I am thrilled to be here in Glasgow today to open our new technology centre and formally welcome our new local team members.

"We chose Glasgow based on the technical expertise of the people as well as the passion for innovation we see in the community.

"We are excited about expanding our Glasgow team in support of our company’s growth objectives and starting to contribute to the local technology community.”

Planet DDS' partners include Scottish Enterprise and its international arm, Scottish Development International (SDI), along with Invest Glasgow and Team Scotland.

Scottish Enterprise's chief executive Adrian Gillespie met the company during a trip to the US at the start of the year, and the company’s CTO and CEO both visited Scotland to meet with key partners and potential employees. 

They have created a support package for Planet DDS which includes a grant of £985,000 as a contribution towards the company’s £10.4m investment in its Scottish operations. 

Reuben Aitken, Scottish Enterprise managing director of international operations, said: “Planet DDS opening its technology development centre in Scotland is testament to the vibrant business environment and tech talent we offer inward investors.

"The company had a choice of three global locations, with Scotland winning due to our skilled workforce, world-class universities and stimulating innovation districts.

“Companies like Planet DDS are great examples of our continuing success at attracting foreign direct investment, with EY’s Attractiveness Survey recently naming Scotland as the number one UK location for FDI projects outside of London.

"Alongside our partners, we’ll continue to promote the wealth of business benefits our country offers to international companies and investors.” 

Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, added: “I’m delighted that a pioneering company with the global reach of Planet DDS has selected Glasgow as its first UK base.

"This is a real vote of confidence in Glasgow’s talented and skilled workforce and our growing reputation as city of innovation, ambition and opportunity.

"Creating dozens of high-quality jobs within such a hi-tech sector will help drive that reputation further.

"And located within our world-class City Innovation District, Planet DDS is perfectly placed to secure the benefits of Glasgow’s energy, ingenuity and creativity.”