Category Archives: Buying

Over the past several years, staffing has become one of the most talked-about challenges in dentistry. Many practice owners report that hiring and retaining team members—especially hygienists—has become significantly more difficult.

While this trend creates challenges for some practice owners, it can also create opportunities for dentists who are looking to buy a practice.

Understanding how staffing issues affect practice performance can help buyers identify opportunities that others may overlook.

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### Staffing Remains One of Dentistry’s Biggest Challenges

Across the country, dental practices continue to struggle with hiring.

Recent industry data shows that nearly one-third of dentists have been actively recruiting staff in the past several months, including dental hygienists and assistants.

Of those practices recruiting, the vast majority report that hygienists remain extremely difficult to hire, with many dentists describing the process as very or extremely challenging.

These staffing shortages can impact:

– Patient scheduling
– Hygiene production
– Overall practice capacity

In some cases, practices are simply unable to see as many patients as they otherwise could.

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### Staffing Issues Can Affect Practice Growth

When a practice is short a hygienist or assistant, it can limit the practice’s ability to grow.

For example:

– Hygiene schedules may not be fully booked
– Doctors may spend time performing procedures that a hygienist could handle
– Appointment availability may be reduced

These operational limitations can make a practice appear less productive than it actually could be under the right circumstances.

For a buyer, however, this often represents an opportunity rather than a problem.

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### The Value of a Strong Team

One of the most important factors buyers should evaluate when considering a practice purchase is the strength of the existing team.

Practices with experienced, long-term staff members often offer significant advantages, including:

– Smooth patient experiences
– Strong patient relationships
– Operational stability
– Easier transitions for new owners

These practices tend to be highly attractive to buyers because they provide continuity and support during the ownership transition.

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### When Staffing Issues May Present Opportunity

Not every practice will have a perfectly staffed team. In fact, some practices that come to market may currently be dealing with staffing shortages.

In certain situations, this can actually represent an opportunity for buyers.

If a practice has a strong patient base but has reduced production due to staffing limitations, a new owner who successfully recruits or restructures the team may be able to quickly increase production.

For example, adding an additional hygienist or improving scheduling efficiency could expand patient access and increase revenue.

The key is understanding whether the issue is temporary and fixable, or whether it reflects deeper operational challenges.

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### Evaluating the Team During the Buying Process

When evaluating a potential practice purchase, buyers should carefully review the team structure and staffing situation.

Some questions to consider include:

– How long have the current team members been with the practice?
– Are there any open positions currently being recruited?
– What are the hygiene schedules and capacity levels?
– What systems are in place for hiring and onboarding new staff?

A thoughtful evaluation of the team can provide valuable insight into the stability and future potential of the practice.

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### Final Thoughts

Staffing challenges are likely to remain part of the dental landscape for the foreseeable future. However, these challenges do not necessarily reduce the value of practice ownership.

In fact, buyers who understand how to build and support a strong dental team may find that they are uniquely positioned to take advantage of opportunities in today’s market.

A practice with the right foundation—patients, systems, and location—can often thrive under new leadership with the right team in place.

For many dentists considering ownership, the question isn’t just “Am I ready to buy?” — it’s also “Is this the right time to buy?”

Based on the latest data on the dental economy, the answer for many dentists may actually be yes.

Recent industry data suggests that while dental practices remain stable overall, many practice owners are facing increased operational pressures. For dentists who are prepared and strategic, those pressures may translate into excellent opportunities to acquire and grow a practice.

Let’s take a closer look at why.

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### Many Practices Are Not Operating at Full Capacity

One of the more interesting findings in recent industry research is that a significant number of dental practices report they are not as busy as they could be.

In fact, roughly one-third of dentists report that their practice could treat more patients than they currently are seeing.

This doesn’t necessarily mean the practices are struggling. In many cases, it reflects:

– Owners approaching retirement who are gradually slowing down
– Practices that rely heavily on referrals rather than active marketing
– Offices that have not adopted newer growth strategies

For a motivated buyer, this often represents immediate growth potential.

A new owner may be able to increase production simply by:

– Expanding services
– Improving scheduling efficiency
– Adding hygiene capacity
– Implementing marketing or patient outreach strategies

In other words, the practice may already have the infrastructure and patient base—it just needs a new owner with the energy and vision to take it further.

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### Operational Pressures Are Encouraging Some Dentists to Transition

Another trend affecting the market is the increasing financial pressure on dental practices.

Across the profession, costs have been rising for:

– Dental equipment and supplies
– Staff wages
– Technology investments

At the same time, insurance reimbursement rates have not kept pace with inflation.

For some practice owners—especially those nearing retirement—this creates a situation where they decide it may be the right time to transition the practice rather than continue navigating these operational challenges.

For buyers, this can lead to more practices coming to market and greater choice in potential opportunities.

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### Buyers Who Understand the Economics Can Unlock Value

Ownership has always required more than clinical skill. Successful practice owners understand the business side of dentistry.

Buyers who take the time to analyze a practice carefully can often identify opportunities to strengthen the business, such as:

– Expanding procedures that are currently referred out
– Adjusting insurance participation
– Improving patient retention and recall systems
– Optimizing staffing and scheduling

In many cases, these improvements can be implemented without significant capital investment, allowing the buyer to increase production and profitability relatively quickly.

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### The Market Still Favors Well-Prepared Buyers

Despite the challenges facing some practices, the dental profession remains fundamentally strong. Consumer spending on dental services continues to grow modestly, and patient demand for care remains steady.

For dentists who are prepared financially and professionally, the current environment may offer:

– More practice options to evaluate
– Opportunities to purchase practices with untapped potential
– The ability to step into ownership with a solid foundation already in place

The key is approaching the process thoughtfully—with the right advisors and a clear understanding of what makes a practice successful.

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### Final Thoughts

Every dental practice transition is unique, but broader industry trends can help buyers understand where opportunities may exist.

While some practice owners are feeling pressure from rising costs and changing insurance dynamics, buyers who are ready to step into ownership may find that this environment presents a compelling window to acquire and grow a practice.

If you’re considering purchasing a dental practice and would like guidance evaluating opportunities, working with a transition advisor can help you navigate the process with confidence and identify practices that align with your goals.

Ownership is one of the most significant milestones in a dentist’s career—and with the right preparation, it can also be one of the most rewarding.

Every year, I speak with associates who say the same thing:

“I want to own someday… I’m just not sure if I’m ready.”

Ownership is a big step. It’s financial. It’s professional. It’s personal.

But here’s what I’ve seen consistently:

The associates who succeed in ownership aren’t the ones who wait until they feel 100% certain. They’re the ones who prepare, evaluate realistically, and make informed decisions.

If you’ve been thinking about buying a practice, here are some signs that 2026 might be your year.

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1️⃣ You’re Producing at a Strong, Consistent Level

Banks want to see production history.

If you’re:

• Producing $600K–$900K+ annually

• Comfortable treatment planning

• Confident diagnosing comprehensively

• Managing a patient schedule efficiently

You may already have the clinical foundation needed for ownership.

Ownership doesn’t require perfection — it requires consistency.

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2️⃣ You Understand the Difference Between Production and Profit

A strong associate focuses on production.

A strong owner focuses on profitability.

If you’ve started thinking about:

• Overhead percentages

• Hygiene-to-doctor production ratios

• PPO reimbursement impact

• Staffing efficiency

You’re beginning to think like an owner — and that mindset shift is critical.

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3️⃣ Your Financial Picture Is Stable

You don’t need to be debt-free.

Most buyers carry student loans. Lenders expect that.

What matters more is:

• Stable income history

• Responsible credit management

• Some liquidity (even modest reserves)

• No major red flags

Dental lending remains strong for qualified buyers. If your personal financial house is in order, you may be closer than you think.

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4️⃣ You’re Feeling Limited as an Associate

This one is less measurable — but important.

Are you:

• Limited in treatment planning?

• Restricted by another doctor’s philosophy?

• Feeling capped in income growth?

• Wanting more autonomy?

Those feelings often signal readiness more than spreadsheets do.

Ownership provides control — but it also requires accountability. If you’re craving control, it may be time.

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5️⃣ You’re Open to Geography

Flexibility dramatically increases opportunity.

If you’re open to:

• A slightly different town

• A reasonable commute

• An emerging growth area

You’ll likely find stronger cash-flowing practices and less competition.

Waiting for the “perfect” zip code often delays ownership unnecessarily.

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6️⃣ You’ve Stopped Waiting for the “Perfect Time”

Interest rates fluctuate.

Inventory fluctuates.

The market shifts.

But one thing remains consistent:

Well-positioned practices continue to sell.

Waiting indefinitely can cost you:

• Years of equity building

• Income upside

• Long-term appreciation

Ownership is rarely about perfect timing. It’s about informed timing.

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7️⃣ You’re Willing to Ask Questions

The associates who transition most successfully are the ones who ask:

• What does due diligence really involve?

• How does underwriting work?

• What happens after an offer is accepted?

• What should I be cautious about in a lease?

If you’re curious and willing to learn the process, you’re already thinking like a future owner.

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Ownership Is a Career Multiplier

Buying a practice isn’t just about income.

It’s about:

• Building equity

• Creating culture

• Structuring your future

• Controlling your clinical philosophy

It’s also about stepping into leadership.

That step feels big — but for many associates, it’s the natural next stage.

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Is 2026 Your Year?

If you’re considering buying a dental practice in 2026, let’s schedule a confidential buyer consultation to evaluate your readiness and explore your options.

A confidential buyer consultation doesn’t obligate you to anything. It simply helps you understand:

• What you can afford

• What types of practices fit your goals

• What the lending process looks like

• What timeline makes sense

Clarity reduces anxiety. And often, clarity reveals readiness.

If ownership has been on your mind, this might be the year to explore it seriously.