 |
The Dental Practice SaleEducation for Dental Practice Sellers, Buyers, and Brokers. Author: A Practice Orbit Podcast
Dentistry, as a business, is in a period of flux today. Retiring dentists want to maximize the sale value and aren't sure where to find a strong buyer. Mid-career dentists want to grow beyond the traditional single office practice. Associates seeking financial predictability aren't sure if private practice will provide it. And Institutional dentistry (DSOs, DPOs) are driving up valuations, but often with complex deal terms. Amid this landscape, the Dental Practice Sale podcast is intended to provide it's listeners with (1) education and seller stories and (2) insights into how the www.practiceorbit.com platform can help these various parties operate more effectively together in it's online marketplace. Language: en Genres: Business, Education, How To, Management Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
Listen Now...
43: Finding the Right Dental Practice with Chris Marshall
Episode 43
Monday, 24 November, 2025
In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, and Chris Marshall break down some of the most important warning signs dentists should watch out for when evaluating a dental practice for purchase. Drawing from real client cases and common deal-flow patterns, they discuss the financial, operational, and clinical red flags that often hide beneath the surface of seemingly attractive listings.Listeners will learn how to interpret declining numbers, inconsistent hygiene schedules, sudden production increases, PPO manipulations, risky seller behaviors, and gaps in patient flow. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand how to look past broker language and identify the true health or weakness of a prospective practice.Key Takeaways1. Declining Production or Collections Are a Major Red FlagIf collections or production drop year-over-year even slightly it signals deeper issues. This could mean a declining patient base, ineffective ownership, poor systems, lack of demand, or mismanagement.2. Hygiene Department Instability Signals Deeper ProblemsLarge swings in hygiene revenueInconsistent recall schedulesDeclining hygiene visitsThese typically indicate poor systems, weak re-care, or a lack of organization affecting long-term revenue.3. Sudden, Unexplained Production Increases Are Often ArtificialA seller spiking numbers in the year before the sale is a common tactic. Examples include:Over-treatmentRunning unnecessary proceduresPre-billing treatment A buyer should be cautious: inflated numbers ≠ sustainable revenue.4. PPO / Insurance Manipulation Is a Growing ConcernPractices sometimes:Drop PPOs before sellingSwitch PPO participationAdjust fee schedules to appear more profitable Understanding the insurance environment is essential to projecting true cash flow.5. Seller Behavior Tells You Almost EverythingPay attention if the seller:Wants to leave immediatelyAvoids answering questionsHas incomplete recordsShows disorganized systems These behaviors often align with financial or operational decline.
