It wasn’t an email. It was a letter. Handwritten. Mailed in. Tucked in with a practice valuation request form. And it started with three haunting words:
"I waited too long."
The letter went on to describe a story that I’ve heard, in pieces, dozens of times—but rarely with this level of honesty. It came from a dentist I’ll call "Dr. L," who had every intention of exiting on his own terms. He had a successful suburban practice. Loyal patients. Great team. No major health issues.
And yet, when he finally decided to explore selling…
The offers were anemic. The buyers weren’t interested. The value just wasn’t there.
“I Thought I Had Time.”
Dr. L thought he’d work 3-5 more years, then sell.
But those years weren’t kind.
Not because he didn't love dentistry. But because he was tired.
"I stopped building," he wrote. "I just coasted. And I didn’t realize what coasting would cost me."
Most Dentists Think They’ll Know When It’s Time
Here’s the lie: "I’ll know when it’s time to sell."
The truth? The best time to sell rarely aligns with the time you feel ready.
Most dentists wait until they’re burned out, slowing down, or staring down a health scare. And by then, the metrics don’t support the valuation they hoped for.
DSOs aren’t charitable. They don’t pay for history or legacy or reputation. They pay for momentum. If your production is sliding, your EBITDA is shrinking, or your associate left and didn’t get replaced, you’ve lost leverage.
The DSO Market Has a Shelf Life
Right now, the market is still favorable. DSOs are still acquiring. Private equity is still interested in dental. But that window isn’t guaranteed.
Economic shifts, rising interest rates, legislative changes, or market saturation could change valuations quickly. The practice worth $2.8M today could be worth $1.9M a year from now.
And no DSO will offer you a penny more just because you were "planning to sell soon."
It’s Not Just About Readiness. It’s About Strategy.
Too many dentists mistake exhaustion for readiness. Too many confuse "more time" with "more value."
The truth is, the best exits are planned during strength. When you're still producing. When your team is solid. When your margins are healthy. When you still have fire in your belly.
That’s when DSOs compete for your practice. That’s when you get options, leverage, and offers that reflect your true value. That’s when you walk away proud—not bitter.
What Dr. L Wished He Had Done
Toward the end of the letter, Dr. L wrote this: "If I could go back three years, I would have had a conversation with you then. Just to know. Just to prepare. Just to protect what I worked so hard to build."
He wasn’t looking for sympathy. He was trying to help the next guy. Maybe that’s you.
Know Before You’re Ready
At Everything DSO, we help dentists:
And we do it quietly, respectfully, and with no pressure. The call is free. The valuation is real. And the fee? Paid by the DSO, not you.
Don’t Be the Doctor Who Waited Too Long
Even if you’re not ready to sell… the market doesn’t care. Position yourself now. Understand your options now. Then sell when you want—not because you have no choice.
If Dr. L’s story hits too close to home, take the next step he wishes he did. Reach out. Start the conversation. Protect what you’ve built before time does what time always does.
To your unstoppable success,
Your Team at Everything DSO