Dental Practice Seller FAQs

1Do I need a broker? Can I sell the practice myself?
There are no state or federal laws that require you to hire a broker, so legally you can sell the practice yourself. However, many dentists choose to hire a broker for a myriad of reasons. Selling a practice takes about 200 hours. This process includes the following:

  • Valuing the practice
  • Preparing a practice prospectus or offering memorandum
  • Placing ads in national publications
  • Organizing documents, fielding calls and questions, & sending non-disclosure agreements
  • Showing the practice, reviewing letters of intent & conducting due diligence
  • Answering questions from CPAs, advisors, consultants & other interested parties
  • Negotiations and closing
2When dentists sell on their own, is it usually successful?
According to bankers and attorneys, when a dental practice is sold without a broker, the sale falls through about 50 percent of the time, meaning the process has to be done more than once and is almost always sold for less money.
3What value does a broker add?
A broker takes care of everything for the seller, which saves about 200 hours. Brokers also bring qualified buyers, offer advice for maximum results, and handle negotiations. They are knowledgeable in accounting, financial analysis, taxes, state and federal laws, practice management, real estate and human resources. According to dental attorneys and practice finance specialists, when a broker is involved in a transition, the sale goes much more smoothly with an easier transition and a more guaranteed final sale.
4What can I do now to prepare my practice for a sale?
You should start thinking about your transition at least three years before you plan to sell. Menlo has put together a comprehensive step-by-step plan for dentists considering a transition.
5What is the first step when I am ready to sell?
The first step is to have your practice valued. A valuation requires quite a few documents that an appraiser will need access to, including: three years of tax returns, payroll reports and a few practice management reports. With these documents and an after-hours site visit, one of our credentialed practice value analysts can determine the value of your practice.
6How long will it take to sell my dental practice?
On average, selling a dental practice takes between four and eight months. However, some may take longer while others are under contract in 30 days. Practices in metropolitan markets sell faster than those in secondary markets. Specialty practices (with the exception of orthodontics and pediatrics) tend to take longer to find a buyer and longer to transition. One way Menlo ensures a timely sale is by correctly pricing the practice. Incorrect pricing leads to decreased traffic, a longer sales cycle, fewer options, and ultimately a lower price.
7Will I be required to work at the practice after closing?
A: In general, most buyers require the previous owner to stay around to assist with the transition. Doing so makes patients and staff more comfortable with the new doctor. The length of time that is required ranges from a few days up to six months. This requirement is negotiated in the contract.
8How is my confidentiality maintained during a sale?
A: Menlo conducts all its business carefully and confidentially. We begin by identifying buyers who may be a good fit. We are routinely approached at speaking engagements at study clubs, dental schools, AzDA conventions and industry podcasts and have a pool of intrinsically motivated buyers.

We then advertise general terms of your practice (see our practice listing page) in local dental outlets and channels. We have ties and connections with dental CPAs, attorneys and lenders and spend significant advertising dollars on other various proprietary marketing avenues to ensure optimum and maximum buyer contact.

Prospective buyers are required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, provide a current resume and provide proof of pre-approval financing from a dental lender. Once these pre qualifications are met, we then provide your identity and practice details. If the buyer feels your practice is a good fit, he or she will schedule a showing on a weeknight or weekend when the practice is empty; the seller is not required to be present. Other than the buyer, their attorney, lender, and CPA, no other parties should be informed of the practice sale.

It is the seller’s sole discretion and prerogative when to tell their employees of an impending sale. We counsel with every seller individually to determine a personally tailored plan that is best for you and your business when it comes to confidentiality.
9Will my patients accept a new dentist?
A: Your patients will accept a new doctor if the introduction and transition are handled the right way. Your endorsement, coupled with staff acceptance and enthusiasm, is key.