How Dr. Pete Finally Got His Life Back

The Partnership Dilemma: Two Dentists, One Big Decision

Mar 20, 2025 9:00:00 AM / by Everything DSO

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Dear Reader,

I have a story for you today about two dentists. Dr. Mark and Dr. Vanessa had built something special. Their practice wasn’t just another dental office—it was a pillar in the community, a place where families had been coming for generations. Parents brought their children in for their first checkups, and those same children grew up to bring in their own kids. Their practice wasn’t just about fixing teeth—it was about relationships, trust, and a commitment to personalized care.

For years, the two had been perfectly in sync. Mark handled much of the business side—payroll, insurance negotiations, hiring, and overhead management—while Vanessa thrived in the clinical setting, focusing on patient care and staying ahead of advancements in dentistry. Together, they had created a flourishing, respected practice. But after years in business together, they found themselves facing a major fork in the road.

Two Partners, Two Different Paths

Mark was burned out. The stress of running a business, dealing with constant regulatory changes, negotiating with insurance companies, and managing staff turnover had drained his enthusiasm. He still loved dentistry, but the grind of running the practice had worn him down. When a DSO approached them with a buyout offer, he saw it as his ticket to financial freedom. He imagined more time with his family, traveling, and maybe even mentoring young dentists—without the daily stress of business management.

Vanessa, however, had a different vision. She had spent her entire career fostering relationships with patients, perfecting her craft, and priding herself on personalized care. The idea of selling to a big-box operation—where corporate policies dictated treatment options and efficiency often trumped patient relationships—left her uneasy. She feared their loyal patients would no longer feel the same warmth and individualized attention under a corporate structure.

Mark saw an exit. Vanessa saw a takeover.

The Turning Point: A Call to Everything DSO

With tensions rising, a mutual friend, Dr. Lisa, stepped in. She had sold her own practice the right way and had zero regrets. She had seen firsthand how dentists could either be taken advantage of—or walk away with a deal that changed their lives for the better.

Her advice?

“Before you make any decisions, you need to call Everything DSO.

Vanessa and Mark reluctantly agreed.

When they reached out to us, they were at a stalemate. Mark wanted to cash out and move on, while Vanessa wanted to keep control over her future. We knew the key to resolving this was simple: They needed options—not ultimatums.

How Everything DSO Helped

First, we ran the numbers. Not just the numbers the DSO had presented—but a deep-dive valuation of what their practice was truly worth. We identified hidden revenue streams, untapped value, and strategies to maximize Mark’s payout while keeping Vanessa in the driver’s seat.

Then, we laid out all possible scenarios:

  • What would selling outright look like for both of them?
  • What if Mark sold his share, but Vanessa retained control?
  • Could a structured deal be negotiated so Vanessa wasn’t just another employee under a corporation?

With this clarity, a plan emerged.

We negotiated a top-dollar offer that exceeded industry standards, ensuring Mark could retire comfortably. But we didn’t stop there. We crafted a deal where Vanessa retained decision-making power, allowing her to continue practicing the way she wanted—without corporate micromanagement.

The Perfect Outcome

Mark got the payout he wanted, setting himself up for early retirement, freedom, and financial security. Meanwhile, Vanessa secured a leadership role in the transition, meaning she kept her autonomy and protected the integrity of the practice. She had support for administrative tasks, eliminating the headaches of business management while maintaining full control over patient care and treatment plans.

But that wasn’t all.

With the right deal in place, Vanessa leveraged the DSO’s resources to grow the practice even further. She negotiated investment in new technology, improved training for staff, and an expanded marketing budget—all without compromising her control over patient care.

Meanwhile, Mark enjoyed his newfound freedom, finally able to step away from the stress of ownership without financial worry. He took trips with his family, pursued hobbies he’d long put off, and even found time to mentor young dentists—something he had always wanted to do but never had the time.

In the end, they both won.

Your Crossroads: What Will You Do?

Many dentists find themselves facing the same dilemma.

One partner wants out. The other wants control. The DSOs don’t care about that—they just want the deal to go through as quickly as possible and in their favor.

But you don’t have to settle for their terms.

If you and your partner are at a crossroads, don’t leave it up to chance. Before you make a decision, talk to us. At Everything DSO, we make sure you walk away with a deal that benefits you—not just the corporation.

Call us today. Let’s create a strategy that works for YOU.

Your Team at Everything DSO

Everything DSO

Written by Everything DSO

 Stan Kinder

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