Easing the Operational Burden in Your Dental Practice Through a Sale
It’s no secret: owning and operating a dental practice has never been more complex—or more exhausting.
Margins are tighter, the workforce is more volatile, and overhead has ballooned beyond what many private dental practice owners ever anticipated. Today’s dental practice owners are wearing more hats than ever… and burning out faster because of it.
And yet, if you’re still standing—still profitable, still growing—you’re doing something right. In fact, you may be in a uniquely strong position to take advantage of something that could ease the pressure significantly: a strategic sale.
The Current Operating Environment: An Uphill Battle
Running a dental practice today is more challenging than ever. Staffing costs are rising, with hygienists and front office teams commanding higher wages amid a tight labor market. Reimbursement rates from insurance and Medicare haven’t kept pace, putting pressure on margins. Supply costs are up, availability is down, and dealing with vendors has become another full-time job. On top of it all, the administrative load—from HR and compliance to marketing and payroll—is pulling dentists further away from patient care. And post-COVID, the expectations around workplace culture and leadership have added even more weight to an already overloaded plate. It’s no wonder many practice owners feel stretched thin and ready for a change.
If You’re Thriving, You’re Valuable—Really Valuable
Despite these headwinds, practices that are well-run, profitable, and located in high-demand markets are incredibly attractive to buyers. In today’s market, private equity-backed DSOs are aggressively pursuing strong practices because they offer predictable revenue, a strong patient base, and a pathway to scale.
If you’re managing to grow revenue, control costs, and retain your team, your practice may be worth far more than you think. Recent deals have shown healthy EBITDA multiples, competitive offer structures, and options for sellers that range from full exit to retained clinical roles with less management responsibility.
The Opportunity: Sell the Business, Keep What You Love
For those who’ve managed to weather the storm and keep their practice growing, now may be the perfect time to explore a sale—not as an exit, but as a strategy.
Many DSOs are offering structures that allow owners to step back from the burden of operations while continuing to practice clinically, mentor younger providers, or take on regional leadership roles. Selling the business doesn’t have to mean giving up your identity as a dentist; it can mean focusing solely on the aspects of the job you love, without the constant stress of managing staff, negotiating with suppliers, or tracking KPIs.
Alternatively, if full retirement or relocation is the goal, today’s competitive market means owners have more leverage than ever to negotiate a favorable deal and walk away on their terms. Whether you want to keep your hand in the clinical side or step away entirely, selling your practice can provide financial security, preserve your legacy, and give you back your time—the most valuable resource of all.
This Isn’t About Giving Up—It’s About Taking Control
Selling your dental practice is not a failure. It’s a smart, strategic move in a challenging landscape. It’s a chance to realize the value you’ve built, reduce your day-to-day burdens, and take a breath—maybe for the first time in a long time.
If you’re navigating today’s tough environment successfully, you’re already a standout. And right now, that gives you leverage. Use it. Explore what a sale could look like on your terms, before the burden of operating begins to take the joy out of your practice—and your life.