Transition Talk

While the financial pieces often dominate the conversation in a DSO sale, there are many more factors involved in the process other than EBITDA and multiples. Christy and Charles help practice owners take a step back and understand all the key considerations when partnering with DSOs. From how the practice value is truly calculated, your preferred workback timeframe and your life after the sale, u...

Practice price is only one component to a sale, yet it’s typically the one that sellers think about most. If you’re selling or transitioning your practice, and the valuation or market price comes in lower than expected, it can not only cause confusion, but also change the trajectory of your transition plan. Is there anything you can do about the price once it’s out in the open? What if you only ha...

As a dental student or resident, you're likely juggling graduation requirements, career paths and personal relationships. And with student debt looming, it can all feel like a lot of weight on your shoulders. Noah Jones from the University of Kentucky joins Charles on this episode to share how he’s managing his priorities in preparation for the future. The way that Noah sees it: this stage is fill...

While traditional financing is most often used to fund private practice acquisitions, seller financing can also be a tool to help pay for the purchase. Seller financing may sound like an attractive option, as many believe it offers the potential for better rates or terms, but that’s not exactly the case. To help you understand the full picture and implications, this episode discusses common scenar...

As you begin your career as an associate, practice ownership may seem more like a dream, rather than a milestone within reach. In reality, the preparation should start early. Practice owner Dr. Dan Butterman and his associate and son, Dr. Kevin Butterman, continue their story from episode 130 and talk about their future partnership. They discuss their initial ideas, transition timeframe and how th...

Stepping into associateship after dental school can feel like jumping off the deep end. This phase is about learning quickly and mastering not only the clinical skills, but also the people and administrative skills. To give perspectives from both sides, practice owner Dr. Dan Butterman and his associate and son, Dr. Kevin Butterman, discuss how they’re bridging the gap between dental school and re...

As you explore a potential practice to buy, how can you confirm that the opportunity is not only profitable, but also aligns with your personal and professional goals? This is where the due diligence process comes in. Charles and NDP transition consultant August Sandy give a rundown on what the process entails and how it can help provide reassurance that you’re making the right choice in a practic...

When the focus is on important life and career decisions, the thought of securing life and disability insurance often takes a backseat. We get it. No one wants to think about the “what if,” and there may not be any immediate circumstances pushing you to consider it. CWA Risk Solutions’ Tara Cain brings her insurance expertise to the podcast and discusses who needs it, when to get coverage, the ins...

Once you’ve decided you’re ready to buy or sell a practice or take on the next career milestone, knowing where to turn first should be your next step. NDP’s Brandy Pecora and Alivia Youree discuss common questions, concerns and misunderstandings in the early phases of the buying, selling and valuation processes. Together, they illustrate what happens when you get the ball rolling with a dental tra...

Coming out of dental school, the type of practice you work for should be a choice made with your long-term goals in mind. With the attractive financial packages, reduced risk and business responsibilities and a “fear of missing out” effect, it’s easy to see the appeal of DSOs over private practice. To help new dentists navigate the facts and make an informed decision, Christy and Charles weigh in...

“Rather than focus on building an income, focus on building yourself as an asset.” By leveraging a business mindset from the start and investing a significant amount in continuing education, Kentucky practice owner Dr. Friend Bechtel has built himself as a valuable asset. His tenacity has led him to overcome obstacles early and own a thriving practice today. Tune in for an episode packed with nugg...

Building a successful practice isn’t about following a specific formula. Rather, you create your own destiny with the path you choose. This episode dives into the story of Minnesota practice owner and NDP client Dr. Jason Spychala. Under his leadership, the practice has grown, they’ve built a new building, and he recently brought on his associate as his partner. Tune in to hear his ownership journ...

Bringing in an associate is one of the most significant opportunities for practice growth. With the right type of practice, plan and associate, the business can truly take off and thrive. From clinical goals, daily production numbers, continuing education and compensation, the considerations outlined in this episode will help ensure you’re prepared to welcome a new doctor.

Unexpected challenges and unknowns can make the road to buying or selling a dental practice feel a little rocky. From practice valuations, legal documents, due diligence and transition timing, Christy and Charles touch on several areas that can cause pain points and even regret later down the line. This episode will help you feel prepared for the types of obstacles that may come your way and offer...

The sale structure of a dental partnership is an important detail that can impact the deal and life as partners. One structure may sound like the best option—be it for simplicity or efficiency—but that doesn’t mean it will have the best outcome in the future. Joining this episode to offer their legal and financial expertise is attorney Matt Mitchell from Friday, Eldredge and Clark LLP and Cain Wat...

While many assume that all debt is bad debt, obtaining lending is often a necessary piece to practice ownership. Experienced dental lenders Johnette Green from Provide and Adam Schenck from Bank of America join this episode to help buyers be in the best financial position to purchase their dream practice. They discuss aspects that banks look for in the buyer’s personal finances and the practice fi...

Running a successful practice is much more than the clinical work. To enhance your practice’s efficiency, it’s important to leverage dental-specific solutions to lift the weight of certain business responsibilities and save you money on supplies and services. Charles and Brett Pierce, ELITE Dental Alliance President and CEO, discuss what options are out there, how to utilize them to the fullest an...

Working alongside doctors through major milestones brings an abundance of rewarding moments. From witnessing their teachings come to life to seeing the full evolution of a dentist’s career, Christy and Charles reflect on gratifying memories from the past.

Many doctors begin their career by building experience as an associate. This stepping stone to practice ownership can help you gain insights to the decisions you’ll eventually face in your own practice. In this new episode, Christy and Charles discuss growing your clinical speed and productivity, building liquidity and several other action items to consider during your associateship.

Dental valuations are complex, and finding the right time to value a practice can be intricate in itself. There isn’t a universal timeframe, but the timing is incredibly unique to the buyer and seller’s specific situation. Christy and Charles walk through several scenarios, illustrating when it’s appropriate to value, when it’s not and the implications behind the timing.

Ensuring compatibility and laying out expectations early is key to getting your partnership started off on the right foot. From mentally, clinically and financially preparing yourself to understanding the other doctor’s vision, this episode dives into the groundwork needed to know if this is the right career and personal step for you.

Just like dating, dental partnerships not only require a collaborative and cohesive dynamic, but it’s important to understand all of the details for a relationship to thrive. If a partnership opportunity is on the horizon for you, engaging in key conversations and asking the seller the right questions can build a foundation for success. This episode outlines the important questions to ask your fut...

Knowing the right questions to ask is a powerful tool, especially when it comes to asking your dental transition advisor for insight and advice. Good questions can make conversations more productive, maximize your time and further your overall progress in your practice purchase or sale. Christy and Charles walk through the most productive questions from clients and why some questions can be more b...

With the Federal Trade Commission pushing to ban non-compete agreements, questions and confusion are escalating among practice owners and associates. While the U.S. District Court has blocked the ruling for now, attorney Ali Oromchian offers clarity on the current developments and shares considerations to make if the rule does go into effect.

When the documents are signed and you’ve officially closed on your practice purchase, you’re likely eager to now jump into the job head on. To help new owners financially thrive post-close, Charles and Cain Watters & Associates Financial Planner Zane Harris lay out some key considerations. They touch on marketing strategy, curating your vendors, equipment and technology, tax planning, depreciation...