Ownership and transitions
Practice acquisition
The purchase of an existing dental practice, including its patients, staff, equipment and systems, by a dentist or a group.
Practice acquisition means buying a dental practice that is already open. The ADA says buying an existing practice is the most common route to ownership. The buyer takes on a functioning business with established patients, staff and predictable cash flow.
A purchase usually moves through a letter of intent, a review of records called due diligence, and a sale contract. A practice broker may help match buyers and sellers, and a practice valuation helps set a price.
The SBA lists steps such as a confidentiality agreement, a review of financial statements and tax returns, and a sales agreement. Buyers need an attorney, a CPA and a lender. This entry is not advice.