Dear Reader,

Most dentists don’t think about their exit strategy until it’s too late. They assume when the time comes, they’ll just sell their practice, cash a fat check, and ride off into retirement. But reality doesn’t work that way.

The truth is, most dentists leave money on the table because they don’t have a real plan. They wait too long, don’t prepare their practice properly, and end up with a lowball offer that barely reflects what they built. Or worse, they burn out and walk away with nothing.

The Two Types of Dentists Who Sell Their Practices

1. The Dentist Who Waits Too Long
   • They pour 30+ years into their practice, thinking they’ll sell when they’re “ready.”
   • When the time comes, they realize their practice isn’t worth what they thought—because it’s too dependent on them.
   • Their patient base shrinks, their production drops, and buyers see a declining practice, not a valuable asset.
   • Result: They either sell for pennies on the dollar or close the doors completely.
     
     
2. The Dentist Who Sells in a Panic
   • They get burned out, overwhelmed, or hit a personal crisis and suddenly want out.
   • They take the first DSO offer that comes their way—without negotiating.
   • They don’t structure the deal properly, losing control over their transition, income, and even their own name.
   • Result: They realize too late that they could have gotten a much better deal.

How to Plan an Exit That Puts You in Control

If you’re thinking about selling within the next 5-10 years, you need to start preparing now. A profitable exit isn’t something you do overnight—it’s a process. The best deals don’t go to the dentists who are ready to sell—they go to the dentists who are prepared to sell.

Step 1: Maximize the Value of Your Practice

DSOs don’t just look at revenue—they look at profitability, growth potential, and operational efficiency. Here’s how to make your practice worth more before you sell:

• Reduce Dependence on You – If your practice can’t run without you, it’s not valuable to a buyer. Train associates, delegate tasks, and make sure your systems run without you being in the chair every day.
• Increase Recurring Revenue – DSOs love predictable cash flow. Implement membership plans, long-term treatment programs, and hygiene retention strategies to ensure steady revenue.
• Optimize Collections & Overhead – Buyers want a well-run machine. If your overhead is too high or your collections are inconsistent, your valuation will drop.
• Upgrade Your Technology – Modern DSOs want efficient, tech-driven practices. If you’re still using paper charts and outdated software, it’s time to invest.

Step 2: Get the Right Offer—Not Just the First Offer

When a DSO approaches you with an offer, their goal is simple: Get your practice for as little as possible.

Your goal? Get the highest possible payout—on your terms.

• Never Accept the First Offer – DSOs expect you to negotiate. If you accept the first number, you’re leaving money on the table.
• Know What Your Practice is Really Worth – Get a professional valuation before you start talking to buyers. The right knowledge can add six or seven figures to your deal.
• Structure the Deal to Benefit You – The sale price is just one piece. You need to negotiate:
  • How much is paid upfront vs. performance-based earnouts.
  • How long you stay on board (if at all).
  • What happens to your staff, branding, and patient relationships.

Step 3: Work With Experts Who Know the Game

The DSO world is a high-stakes negotiation game, and if you’re not prepared, you’ll lose. That’s why the smartest dentists work with Everything DSO before they sign anything.

• We know the players. We’ve worked with the biggest DSOs, and we know how they operate.
• We negotiate better deals. Our clients walk away with more money, better terms, and greater control.
• We protect you from bad contracts. Some DSOs will try to lock you into low-paying, high-restriction agreements. We make sure that doesn’t happen.

Are You Thinking About Selling in the Next 5 Years?

If you even think you might sell within the next five years, the time to start planning is now. Your practice is your most valuable asset—don’t wait until it’s too late to get what you deserve.

Call Everything DSO today, and let’s build your exit strategy the right way. Because when it’s time to sell, you want to walk away a winner.

Your Team at Everything DSO