---
title: "What Is Buy-in? Dental Practice Glossary | Copeland Consulting Services"
description: "The purchase of an ownership share in an existing practice, often by a dentist already working there as an associate."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/buy-in
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Ownership and transitions

# Buy-in

The purchase of an ownership share in an existing practice, often by a dentist already working there as an associate.

A buy-in is how a dentist becomes a part owner of a practice that already exists. The ADA describes buy-ins or partnerships as a middle path: a dentist gradually acquires equity in an established practice, often through a phased earn-in.

Structure, price and ownership percentage vary with the practice value and the plan for transition. The terms usually appear in a [partnership agreement](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/partnership-agreement), and a [buy-sell agreement](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/buy-sell-agreement) may set the exit terms. A [practice valuation](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/practice-valuation) often informs the price.

Buy-ins involve tax, legal and lending questions. The people involved should ask their attorney, CPA and lender. This entry explains the term only.

[Next stepPractice consulting with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=consulting)

## Related terms

-   [Partnership agreement](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/partnership-agreement)
-   [Buy-sell agreement](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/buy-sell-agreement)
-   [Practice valuation](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/practice-valuation)
-   [Associate dentist](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/associate-dentist)
-   [Practice ownership](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/practice-ownership)

## Sources

1.  [ADA News, Ask the Expert: What are my financial paths to practice ownership?](https://adanews.ada.org/new-dentist/2026/march/ask-the-expert-what-are-my-financial-paths-to-practice-ownership/)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)