How to Sell My Dental Practice
Start with a valuation, choose the right broker and define what you want from the sale before you go to market. Finding a buyer, negotiating terms and closing all follow from those three decisions.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Step 1 — Set Your GoalsDefine your timeline, financial needs and whether you want a clean break or a phased exit. | Define your timeline, financial needs and whether you want a clean break or a phased exit. |
| Step 2 — Build Your TeamHire a dental practice broker, a dental-specific attorney and an accountant who specializes in transitions. | Hire a dental practice broker, a dental-specific attorney and an accountant who specializes in transitions. |
| Step 3 — Get a ValuationKnow what your practice is worth today and where you can improve before going to market. | Know what your practice is worth today and where you can improve before going to market. |
| Step 4 — Choose Your Buyer TypeIndividual dentist, DSO or private equity — each affects price, autonomy and deal timeline differently. | Individual dentist, DSO or private equity — each affects price, autonomy and deal timeline differently. |
| Step 5 — Market the PracticeYour broker lists discreetly, qualifies buyers and brings you vetted offers without disrupting operations. | Your broker lists discreetly, qualifies buyers and brings you vetted offers without disrupting operations. |
| Step 6 — Review and NegotiateEvaluate price, deal structure, payment terms and what happens to your staff and patients after closing. | Evaluate price, deal structure, payment terms and what happens to your staff and patients after closing. |
| Step 7 — Complete All TransfersLegal documents, professional licenses and patient records must transfer in the correct order before closing day. | Legal documents, professional licenses and patient records must transfer in the correct order before closing day. |
| Step 8 — Manage the HandoffNotify staff and patients after signing. Support the incoming owner during the transition period. | Notify staff and patients after signing. Support the incoming owner during the transition period. |
Start With Your Goals and the Right Team
Decide when you want to sell, what you need from the sale financially and whether you want a clean break or a transition period where you continue as an associate. Then build the team that handles the rest.
- Work with a dental practice broker, a dental-specific attorney and an accountant who specializes in dental transitions. Each handles a distinct piece: your broker manages valuation, marketing and negotiations; your attorney handles the agreement and legal compliance; your accountant structures the deal to minimize your tax exposure.
- Starting without this team in place is where most sellers lose time and money.
Get a Valuation and Strengthen Your Position Before Listing
A valuation tells you what your practice is worth today and where you have room to improve before going to market. The factors that determine your number: type of dentistry, revenue, profit margins, location and patient base strength.
- Upgrade equipment where it improves production efficiency or makes the practice more attractive to buyers. Buyers pay for profitable operations, not new gear for its own sake.
- Document your systems. A practice that runs without depending entirely on the current owner carries less transition risk and buyers price that in.
- Strengthen your online presence. Consistent positive reviews and a professional website signal an active, well-regarded practice.
- Protect your patient base. Stable recall rates and consistent retention show a buyer that revenue continues after the transition.
PTS provides a free practice valuation with no obligation to sell.
Decide Who You Want to Sell To
Your three options are individual dentists, dental service organizations and private equity groups. Each affects your price, timeline and post-sale role differently.
| Buyer Type | Who They Are | Clinical Autonomy | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual DentistFull autonomy retained · 6–12 months | Associates or local practitioners seeking to establish or grow a practice. Conventional financing. | Full autonomy retained | 6–12 months |
| Dental Service Organization (DSO)Partial — admin functions transfer · 3–6 months | Provide administrative support while you focus on clinical care. Multiple deal structures available. | Partial — admin functions transfer | 3–6 months |
| Private Equity GroupVaries by deal structure · 2–4 months | Target larger practices with strong revenue and established footprint. Can move quickly. | Varies by deal structure | 2–4 months |
Market the Practice and Find a Qualified Buyer
Less experienced brokers post the opportunity online and wait for the phone to ring. PTS takes a different approach: proactive marketing strategies that expand the reach of your listing and create a competitive marketplace that leverages up offers.
Discretion is essential throughout this stage. Expert brokers include enough detail in a listing to attract serious buyers without revealing which practice is for sale. Non-disclosure agreements are a standard part of maintaining confidentiality from the first inquiry through closing.
Review Offers and Negotiate the Final Terms
Price is one factor. Deal structure, payment terms and what happens to your staff and patients after closing carry equal weight.
- Evaluate each offer fully. Work with your broker to assess price, structure, payment terms and non-financial factors like patient care continuity and future opportunities for existing staff.
- Draft the Asset Purchase Agreement with your attorney and broker covering all terms of the sale. When equity is involved, a stock purchase agreement is also needed.
- Agree on a transition timeline. Define how long you remain involved, what your role looks like during that period and when full handover occurs.
Complete the Transfers Before Closing Day
Two transfers need to happen in the right sequence before the closing date.
- Transfer all legal documents including lease agreements and professional licenses.
- Complete the patient records handover in full compliance with HIPAA regulations.
Manage the Transition With Your Team and Patients
Notify staff and patients after the paperwork is signed, not before. Doing it earlier creates uncertainty and risks disrupting the transaction.
- Offer support during the transition period to help the incoming owner get oriented with the team and patient base.
- Communicate directly with patients so they feel confident in the new leadership and the continuity of their care.
Ready to Take the First Step?
PTS guides dental practice owners through every stage of the sale, from valuation to closing day, at no upfront cost.