Most dentists assume the real danger is the big, obvious stuff:

• A lawsuit
• A malpractice complaint
• A competitor opening down the street

But here’s the truth:

The real time bombs are quiet. They don’t explode overnight. They leak value, inch by inch, until your retirement dreams shrink by six figures or more—and you don’t even notice until it’s too late. Let’s defuse a few of them right now.

Time Bomb #1: You’re the MVP. And That’s the Problem.

You do the big cases. The patients ask for you. You’re proud of the fact that your name is on every major production line. But when a DSO looks at that, they see risk. Because if you leave, the revenue might collapse. And no DSO wants to buy a business whose value disappears when the doctor retires.

This is why associate production matters. This is why systematization matters. The more you can step away without the wheels falling off, the higher your value climbs.

Time Bomb #2: Your Financials Look Like a Junk Drawer

DSOs don’t buy vibes. They buy numbers. But if your P&L is messy, if your EBITDA isn’t clear, if your add-backs aren’t properly categorized, you’re inviting a lower offer. Or worse, no offer at all. Most dentists don’t realize that simply preparing your books properly could mean an extra $300K–$1M+ at sale.

If you wouldn’t treat a molar without x-rays, don’t try to sell your practice without clean financials.

Time Bomb #3: The Clock Is Ticking on the Market

Right now, DSOs are still buying. Private equity is still strong in dental. Multiples are still favorable. But that won’t last forever.

The market is maturing. Consolidation is accelerating. The best deals are going to doctors who get in before the tide shifts.

If you're thinking, "I'll wait a few years and see where things go," understand: the waiting is the risk.

Time Bomb #4: Your Team Is Keeping You Afloat—Until They Don’t

Maybe your office manager has been with you for 18 years. Maybe your hygienists are rock solid. Maybe your associate loves working there… for now.

But turnover happens. Life happens. Loyalty doesn’t stop burnout.

And if your team leaves, or the culture crumbles, your EBITDA and your reputation take a hit—just in time for your exit window.

DSOs want a practice with strong, stable systems—not one dependent on personalities or loyalty oaths.

Time Bomb #5: You’re Waiting Until You’re “Ready”

This might be the biggest bomb of all. Because "ready" is not a strategy. The best time to start exit planning is when you still love the work. When you're producing strong numbers. When your practice is thriving. That’s when you get to choose your future. Not when you’re burned out and trying to salvage value.

At Everything DSO, We Help You Spot the Wires Before They Snap

We’ve helped dentists across the country:

• Clean up financials for stronger valuations
• Shift from doctor-dependent to system-dependent operations
• Time the market with precision
• Avoid toxic DSO deals
• Negotiate like pros, even if they’ve never seen a P&L in their lives

And our fee? Paid by the DSO. Not by you.

Want to Know Where the Bombs Are in Your Practice?

We offer quiet, no-obligation conversations for dentists who want to:

• Explore their exit options
• Understand what their practice is worth
• Eliminate risk and maximize value

If you're even thinking about selling in the next 1–5 years, now is the time to check the wiring.

Before the countdown hits zero.

To your unstoppable success,
Your Team at Everything DSO