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New Year, New Strategy: Is This the Right Year to Buy or Sell a Dental Practice?

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The start of a new year naturally puts dentists into planning mode. You review your schedule, your finances, and your long-term goals, and for many, the same question comes up:

Is this the year I buy or sell a dental practice?

For some dentists, the answer is yes. For others, it’s not yet, but soon. Either way, January is the right time to step back and think strategically about what a future transition could look like and how to prepare for it.

Why January Is the Ideal Time to Plan

One of the most common misconceptions about practice transitions is that planning begins when you’re ready to act. In reality, the most successful transitions often start 12 to 36 months before a practice is listed or a buyer makes an offer.

January is particularly valuable because:

  • You’re coming off a full year of financial results

  • You’re not reacting to a sudden event or deadline

  • You have time to make adjustments that improve outcomes

Early planning doesn’t commit you to a decision, it simply creates options.

What Sellers Should Be Thinking About Now

If you own a practice, January is the time to assess both your timeline and your readiness.

Key questions to consider include:

  • Do I want to retire completely, transition gradually, or stay on after a sale?

  • Is my timeline closer to one year, three years, or longer?

  • Do my financials accurately reflect the true profitability of the practice?

  • If I were a buyer, what aspects of this practice would concern me?

Even if selling isn’t imminent, identifying value drivers, and potential red flags, early gives you time to address them thoughtfully rather than under pressure.

What Buyers Should Be Thinking About Now

For buyers, January is less about finding a listing and more about defining a clear acquisition strategy.

Consider:

  • Am I financially and personally ready for ownership?

  • What size, location, and type of practice best fit my goals?

  • Do I want a turnkey practice or one with growth potential?

  • What factors are non-negotiable, and where can I be flexible?

Buyers who do this work early are better positioned to move confidently when the right opportunity appears.

Timing Is More Than Market Conditions

Interest rates, competition, and market trends all play a role, but successful transitions are usually driven by preparation, not timing the market perfectly.

Aligning financial readiness, personal goals, and realistic timelines is far more important than trying to predict short-term market shifts, and that alignment starts with honest planning at the beginning of the year.

Final Thought

You don’t need to have every answer in January, but you should be asking the right questions. Whether buying or selling is this year, next year, or a few years away, early planning puts you in control of the process rather than reacting to it.

If a practice transition is even on your radar for the next one to three years, January is the right time to start the conversation.  Contact us today for a free consultation!

Is 2026 the Year You Become an Owner? Here’s How to Decide

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A New Year. A Big Decision.

As we close out the year, you may find yourself asking:

“Is it time to stop waiting and finally buy a dental practice?”

You’re not alone. Every January, we hear from dentists who have been considering ownership for months (or years) — but just haven’t taken that first step.

If you’re even thinking about buying a practice in 2026, now is the time to get clear on your goals, assess your readiness, and make a plan.

Here are six signs that you may be more ready than you realize.

1. You’re Ready to Lead (Not Just Drill and Fill)

Owning a practice means more than treating patients — it means leading a team, making decisions, and driving a vision forward.

Ask yourself:

  • Am I comfortable setting expectations with staff?

  • Do I want to build a culture that reflects my values?

  • Am I ready to be the person others turn to for answers?

If the idea of leading excites you more than it scares you, that’s a good sign.

2. You Want Control Over Your Schedule and Income

Practice ownership offers real advantages:

  • You choose your hours

  • You control how many patients you see

  • You decide when to invest in equipment, expand services, or take a vacation

  • Long-term, your income potential often surpasses associate earnings

Ownership isn’t passive — but it is empowering.

3. You’re Tired of Working for Someone Else’s Goals

Many buyers tell us they’ve outgrown their associate role. They feel:

  • Stuck under production targets

  • Frustrated by inefficient systems

  • Disconnected from patient care decisions

  • Ready to build something of their own

If that resonates with you, it might be time to stop building someone else’s business — and start building your own.

4. You’re Financially Stable (Or On Track)

You don’t need to have every dollar saved — most practice purchases are financed through dental-specific lenders.

But you do need:

  • A solid credit score

  • Manageable debt (especially student loans)

  • Consistent income and spending habits

  • A rough idea of your borrowing capacity

If you’re not quite there, that’s okay. Use Q1 of 2026 to tighten things up. A lender can help you assess your readiness.

5. You’ve Been Browsing Listings and Thinking, “I Could Do That”

If you’ve found yourself looking at practice listings, imagining how you’d improve the office, lead the staff, or connect with patients — you’re probably more ready than you think.

Ownership doesn’t require perfection.

It requires vision, drive, and a willingness to learn.

6. You Want to Create Long-Term Stability

Practice ownership is an investment in your future.

  • You build equity

  • You shape your professional reputation

  • You gain tax and retirement planning advantages

  • You create a sellable asset when it’s time to retire

If you’re thinking long-term and want to build wealth on your terms, buying a practice can be a game-changer.

Final Thought: Ownership Isn’t for Everyone — But It Might Be for You

Only you can decide whether 2026 is your year. But if even one or two of the signs above hit home, it may be time to stop waiting and start planning.

Because practices don’t just go to the most qualified dentist — they go to the most prepared.

Ready to Explore Ownership in 2026?

At American Practice Consultants, we help first-time buyers navigate the transition into practice ownership with confidence. Whether you’re six months or two years away, we’ll help you prepare for the moment when the right practice appears.

👉 Schedule a confidential buyer readiness call today.

Looking Back, Looking Ahead: What Sellers Regret — and What They’re Glad They Did

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Selling a Dental Practice Is More Than a Transaction

When dentists think about selling their practice, the focus is often on numbers—price, collections, AR, cap rates.

But after the deal is done, what sticks with sellers most isn’t always the final sale price.

It’s how the transition felt. How their staff reacted. Whether patients stayed. Whether they left on their own terms.

In our experience working with hundreds of dentists, here’s what we’ve heard time and time again—both the regrets, and the smart decisions sellers are grateful they made.

What Sellers Regret After the Sale

1. Not Preparing Sooner

Many sellers wait until they’re burned out, dealing with health issues, or planning a sudden relocation. This often leads to:

  • Rushed transitions

  • Lower practice value

  • Missed planning opportunities

  • Poor records or outdated equipment

What they say:

“I wish I had started planning 2–3 years earlier so I could exit on my terms.”

2. Avoiding Staff Conversations

Some sellers delay or completely avoid telling their staff until the last possible moment. The result?

  • Staff feel blindsided or betrayed

  • Team morale drops

  • Patients pick up on the tension

  • The buyer walks into a retention crisis

What they say:

“I should have trusted my team more. They were way more supportive than I expected.”

3. Agreeing to a Workback Period They Didn’t Want

Whether due to pressure from a buyer or fear of letting go, some sellers agree to work longer than they’d like.

What they say:

“I thought I’d enjoy staying on, but after three months, I was ready to be done.”

4. Trying to Do It Without Help

Some sellers try to manage the process without professional support—thinking they’ll save money or keep things simpler.

In reality, this often leads to:

  • Deal fatigue

  • Legal risks

  • Missed opportunities

  • Valuation mistakes

What they say:

“I should have hired a broker. The stress and second-guessing weren’t worth it.”

What Sellers Are Glad They Did

1. Getting a Valuation Before Listing

Sellers who took the time to get a professional appraisal or valuation early in the process felt more confident and in control.

What they say:

“Knowing the real value helped me plan better and stand firm in negotiations.”

2. Being Transparent with the Buyer

Open, honest communication with the buyer—about staff, patient mix, procedures, and even weaknesses—builds trust and smoother transitions.

What they say:

“Because I was upfront, the buyer respected me, and we had zero surprises at closing.”

3. Supporting the Transition (But on Their Terms)

Many sellers found joy in helping the new owner during the early weeks, as long as they set clear boundaries and expectations.

What they say:

“Helping with the handoff made it easier for the patients, staff, and even for me.”

4. Leaving With Gratitude and Closure

The most content sellers are those who:

  • Took time to say goodbye

  • Left their charts, office, and team in good shape

  • Walked away with a plan for “what’s next”

What they say:

“I’m proud of the legacy I left—and I’m finally enjoying my time again.”

Final Thought: A Successful Sale Isn’t Just About Price

Yes, maximizing your practice value matters. But long after closing, what you’ll remember is how you felt through the process.

  • Were you prepared?

  • Was the staff respected?

  • Did you leave on your terms?

  • Did you feel proud of the way it ended?

Learn from those who’ve been there—and give yourself the space to exit with confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.

Thinking About Selling in the Next 1–3 Years?

Whether you’re ready now or just starting to think about retirement, we’re here to help you plan early, transition smoothly, and avoid common seller regrets.

👉 Schedule a confidential strategy call with us today.

Should You Sell to an Associate? 6 Questions to Ask First

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Selling to an Associate Sounds Simple — But Is It the Right Move?

For many practice owners, the idea of selling to an associate feels like the most natural, comfortable path. You already know the doctor, you’ve seen them treat patients, and the idea of keeping the transition “in the family” can feel reassuring.

But internal transitions aren’t always as smooth as they appear. In fact, they come with unique challenges that outside buyers typically don’t.

Before deciding to sell your practice to an associate, it’s important to step back and evaluate the opportunity objectively — just like you would with any other buyer.

Here are six questions every seller should ask before committing to an internal sale.

1. Is Your Associate Truly Ready for Ownership?

Many associates think they’re ready to buy a practice — but ownership requires a very different mindset.

Consider whether your associate has demonstrated:

  • Leadership potential

  • Strong clinical judgment

  • Professional maturity

  • Good communication skills

  • Respect among the team

If your associate still relies heavily on you for direction, struggles with case acceptance, or has difficulty managing conflict, they may need more development before taking the reins.

2. Can They Qualify for Financing?

Dental practice lenders will evaluate:

  • The associate’s credit score

  • Personal debt (including student loans)

  • Tax returns showing stable income

  • Cash flow projections for your practice

Even if your associate is a great clinician, financing can become a roadblock.

Pro tip: Encourage them to speak with a dental-specific lender early so you don’t lose months only to find out they cannot get approved.

3. Are Your Timelines Aligned?

You may be ready to sell in the next 6–12 months.

Your associate might be thinking 2–4 years.

Or vice versa.

Misaligned timelines are one of the biggest reasons internal sales fall apart.

Ask openly:

  • “What’s your ideal timeline to buy a practice?”

  • “When do you think you’d be financially ready?”

If the answers don’t match your goals, a broader market sale may be the better route.

4. Does the Associate Understand the Business Side of Dentistry?

Many associates underestimate just how much goes into running a practice:

  • HR

  • Billing

  • Overhead control

  • Vendor management

  • Hiring and firing

  • Technology decisions

  • Marketing

  • Leadership

  • Compliance

You don’t need your associate to be an expert today — but you do need someone who takes these responsibilities seriously and shows willingness to learn.

5. Will the Staff Support the Transition?

Team dynamics matter. A lot.

Ask yourself:

  • How does the staff interact with the associate today?

  • Do they respect and trust them?

  • Has the associate shown the ability to lead (or at least the potential to)?

If your team is lukewarm or divided, the transition could be rocky — and patient retention could suffer.

6. Will You Be Leaving Money on the Table?

Selling to an associate can feel emotionally rewarding, but you should still consider:

  • Could you attract higher offers on the open market?

  • Are you being asked to “discount” the practice value because of your relationship?

  • Will you have to offer seller financing or flexible terms?

  • Are you agreeing to work back longer than you’d prefer?

Internal transitions sometimes lead owners to undervalue their life’s work.

You deserve a fair market price — and a fair process.

When Selling to an Associate Is a Great Option

An internal sale can be an excellent choice when:

  • The associate is respected and clinically strong

  • Financing is viable

  • Your timelines align

  • You want continuity for your patients and staff

  • You prefer a quieter, more private transition

  • The financial offer reflects true market value

In the right circumstances, both parties win.

When You Should Think Twice

You might want to reconsider an internal sale if:

  • You feel pressured to sell “because they asked”

  • The associate isn’t stable financially or professionally

  • Team members express concerns

  • You’d have to discount significantly

  • You want a clean, quick exit

  • The associate is not ready — but thinks they are

Remember: Doing what feels “easy” today shouldn’t create regret tomorrow.

Final Thoughts: Your Associate May Be the Buyer — But Only If the Fit Is Right

Selling your practice is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Before committing to an associate transition, ask the tough questions, evaluate the facts, and make sure the opportunity benefits both of you.

A thoughtful decision now sets the stage for a successful transition and protects your legacy.

Considering Selling in 2026 or 2027?

At American Practice Consultants, we guide owners through both internal and external transitions. If you’re thinking about selling — whether to an associate or the open market — we can help you explore your options with confidence.

👉 Schedule a confidential consultation today.

Buying in 2026? Here’s What You Should Be Doing Right Now

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Thinking About Buying a Practice in 2026? Start Now.

If practice ownership is on your radar for the coming year, you may be tempted to wait until January to get serious.

But here’s the truth:

The most successful buyers start preparing months before they submit an offer.

December is the perfect time to lay the groundwork so that when the right opportunity hits the market in early 2026, you’re ready to move quickly and confidently.

Here’s your strategic pre-ownership checklist.

1. Get Financially Organized

Start by getting a clear picture of your current financial standing:

  • Review your credit score (680+ is a common benchmark for lending)

  • Reduce high-interest debt where possible

  • Save for a down payment (typically 0–10% depending on the deal)

  • Gather recent tax returns, pay stubs, and personal financial statements

Then, connect with a dental-specific lender to get pre-qualified. This shows brokers and sellers that you’re serious—and speeds up your timeline when you’re ready to make an offer.

📝 Pro tip: Pre-qualification is based on your financials. Loan approval will ultimately be tied to a specific practice’s numbers.

2. Define Your Ideal Practice (With Flexibility)

Now’s the time to reflect on what kind of practice fits your clinical skills, lifestyle, and goals.

Ask yourself:

  • Do I want a solo GP office or multi-doc setup?

  • Urban, suburban, or small-town community?

  • Bread-and-butter dentistry or room to add specialty services?

  • Do I prefer a fixer-upper or a turnkey practice?

Be clear about your preferences—but stay open-minded. No practice will be perfect, but plenty can be profitable and fulfilling.

3. Build Your Professional Team

Don’t wait until you’ve found a practice to build your advisory team. Start identifying and connecting with:

  • A dental CPA who can help review financials

  • A transaction attorney with dental experience

  • A broker or advisor who specializes in your region

  • A dental lender with industry knowledge

You don’t need to hire everyone just yet, but establishing these relationships early gives you guidance when decisions get real.

4. Learn the Process Before You’re in It

Understanding how a dental practice sale works can help you avoid costly mistakes.

Use December to:

  • Read up on due diligence steps

  • Learn how practice valuations work

  • Understand how deals are structured (AR, real estate, seller financing, etc.)

  • Follow dental transition blogs (like this one!)

  • Attend webinars or workshops on ownership

🎯 You’ll feel more confident and be less likely to miss red flags or opportunities.

5. Get Mentally Ready for the Shift

Buying a practice is more than a financial decision—it’s a mindset shift.

Ask yourself:

  • Am I ready to be the leader in a practice?

  • How will I manage staff, schedules, and patients?

  • Do I have a vision for the kind of office I want to build?

This is a great time to talk to current owners or mentors and get a real sense of what day-to-day ownership looks like.

Final Thoughts: Smart Buyers Start Early

January listings are coming. If you wait until the new year to get organized, you might lose valuable time—or worse, miss out on the right opportunity entirely.

Make December your launchpad, not your off-season.

Ready to Prepare for 2026 Ownership?

At American Practice Consultants, we work with buyers at every stage—from “just curious” to “ready to close.” If practice ownership is your goal for 2026, we’ll help you get everything in order now, so you can act when the right practice appears.

👉 Schedule a confidential buyer planning call today.

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