Dear Reader,
You’ve spent years building your dental practice, pouring your blood, sweat, and tears into every detail. Now, you’re considering selling to a Dental Service Organization (DSO). It’s a big decision—one that can feel like a leap into the unknown. What will life look like after the sale? Will you still have control? What happens to your income, your work-life balance, and, most importantly, your legacy?
The truth is, selling to a DSO is not the end—it’s a new chapter. It’s a chapter that, if handled correctly, can bring you financial security, less stress, and a more balanced life. But like any major transition, there are changes you need to be prepared for. Let’s dive into what you can realistically expect when you sell your practice to a DSO.
Day-to-Day Operations: A Whole New Ball Game
One of the most immediate changes you’ll notice after selling to a DSO is a shift in how your practice operates. As a solo owner, you’ve been the decision-maker, the go-to problem solver, and the wearer of all hats. But when a DSO steps in, those responsibilities—and the burdens that come with them—begin to shift.
The Good News: Less Stress, More Focus
Imagine walking into your practice and not worrying about payroll, marketing, compliance, or the countless administrative headaches that used to keep you up at night. DSOs bring in professional management teams to handle the business side of things. This means you can finally focus solely on what you do best: treating patients.
No more juggling between being a dentist and a business owner. Your day-to-day becomes simpler, more streamlined, and less about putting out fires and more about providing great patient care.
The Trade-Off: Adjusting to New Protocols
Of course, with new management comes new systems and protocols. DSOs often implement standardized procedures to ensure consistency across all their practices. This might mean adjusting to new software, different patient flow processes, or changes in how appointments are scheduled.
While these changes are designed to improve efficiency, they can feel like a loss of control at first. It’s important to understand that while you’ll still have clinical autonomy, the DSO’s goal is to create a unified, professional experience across the board.
Income: What Happens to Your Earnings?
One of the biggest fears dentists have when selling is how the sale will impact their income. After all, your practice has been your primary source of income for years. So, what happens once you’ve sold?
The Upside: A Financial Windfall
The first thing you’ll notice is the significant financial boost from the sale itself. This isn’t just a paycheck; it’s a life-changing sum that can secure your retirement, pay off debts, and set you up for the future. For many dentists, this immediate cash influx is a huge relief, removing the financial pressure that comes with running a solo practice.
The New Reality: Earning as an Employee
Post-sale, your income will shift from being the owner’s profit to a structured salary as an employee of the DSO. The good news is that DSOs often offer competitive compensation packages that include base salaries, performance bonuses, and benefits that rival—or even exceed—what many solo owners can draw from their practices.
However, going into this transition with eyes wide open is important. Your income may now be tied to performance metrics set by the DSO, such as patient satisfaction scores, production goals, or efficiency benchmarks. Understanding these terms upfront and negotiating them to align with your expectations is key to feeling satisfied with your new role.
Work-Life Balance: Regaining Your Time
If there’s one thing solo practitioners universally crave, it’s more time. Time for family, hobbies, vacations—time to finally enjoy the life you’ve worked so hard to build. After selling to a DSO, this dream becomes much closer to reality.
The Benefit: Less Administrative Burden, More Personal Freedom
Without the constant demands of managing a business, many dentists find they have more energy and time for themselves. Imagine ending your day at a reasonable hour without the nagging feeling that there’s still work left to do. Imagine taking a vacation without your phone constantly buzzing with urgent issues. The reduced stress alone is worth its weight in gold.
Of course, adjusting to a new routine takes time. You may feel a sense of loss at no longer being “the boss,” and it’s normal to experience a period of adjustment. But many dentists find that, over time, the trade-off is well worth it. They rediscover their passion for dentistry without the administrative headaches, and they get to enjoy a more balanced life, both in and out of the office.
The Future You’ve Always Wanted
Picture this: You’ve sold your practice, secured your financial future, and reclaimed your time. You’re still doing what you love—treating patients—but without the heavy burden of business ownership. Your evenings are free, your weekends are yours, and your bank account reflects the success of your hard work.
Now, imagine the opposite: Holding onto your practice too long, grappling with burnout, and watching as the challenges of running a business overshadow the joy of practicing dentistry. The choice is yours, but it’s clear which path leads to a future of freedom and fulfillment.
Selling your practice to a DSO can be the key to unlocking a better work-life balance, financial security, and a more enjoyable career. But going into the process with the right guidance and support is essential.
At Everything DSO, we’ll provide you with the insights and support you need to make sure selling your practice leads to the best possible outcome for your life and career.
So, if you’re considering making this transition, we’re here to help.
Sincerely,
Your Team at Everything DSO
