Are You a Dentist Preparing to Acquire Your Own Practice? Here’s What You Need to Know

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Are You a Dentist Preparing to Acquire Your Own Practice? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you're preparing to open your own dental practice—first off, congratulations. You’re stepping into one of the most rewarding chapters of your career. But with that excitement comes big decisions, and one of the biggest is how you’re going to acquire your practice.

Should you build from scratch or buy an existing practice? At Ideal Practices, we’ve helped launch over 900 successful practices, and we’ve walked countless dentists through this very decision. If you're considering acquisition, here's what you need to know to make the smartest move for your future.

Why Acquisition Might Be the Right Move

Let’s address the obvious question: Why acquire instead of build from the ground up?

There are some compelling reasons:

• Established patient base: You’re not starting from zero. You step into a practice with active patients.

• Built-in team and systems: In many cases, you inherit staff, equipment, and office infrastructure.

• Potential cost savings: While startups offer more freedom, an acquisition can reduce some of the initial build-out and marketing expenses.

That said, acquisition isn’t without its risks. That’s why it’s so important to go in with the right plan—and the right support.

Key Steps for a Smart Practice Acquisition

1. Conduct a Thorough Valuation

Don’t just go with your gut. Take the time to evaluate:

• The practice’s financial health

• Collections and production data

• Active patient base (hint: ask how many were seen in the last 18 months)

• Location, competition, and community growth

• Equipment age and lease terms

• Online reputation and local brand presence

A strong valuation protects you from overpaying—and helps you see red flags before they become your problem.

2. Consider the Power of Publicity

Here’s something most dentists overlook: You can leverage free media to position your practice from day one.

We recently interviewed Andrew O’Brien, a nationally recognized publicity expert, who shared how dentists can:

• Get featured in local news outlets

• Land interviews on TV and podcasts

• Attract new patients with zero ad spend

Whether you’re acquiring or building, media attention can set you apart fast. It’s one of the most underused strategies in dentistry—and one of the most effective.

3. Explore Merger Opportunities

Not quite ready for full practice ownership? Consider a merger.

Merging with another practice can be a smart stepping stone. You gain infrastructure, patients, and mentorship without carrying the full burden on day one. Done right, a merger creates a win-win for both sides—and expands your reach in the process.

4. Get Expert Guidance

This is a complex process, and it’s not the time to wing it. The best outcomes we’ve seen come from dentists who don’t go it alone.

At Ideal Practices, our team walks dentists through every step—valuation, strategy, financing, team transition, and brand repositioning—so you don’t just acquire a practice… you elevate it.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re just starting to explore acquisition or already have a practice in your sights, we’re here to help you navigate every step with confidence.

Want to learn more?

• Subscribe to The Startup Dentist Podcast for real-world advice from dentists and startup experts.

• Join our Facebook community where practice owners and associates exchange tips, lessons, and support.

• Check out our bonus interview with Andrew O’Brien to learn the exact strategies for getting free publicity for your new practice.

Owning a dental practice is a huge milestone—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right plan, it can be one of the most empowering, profitable, and fulfilling decisions of your career.

Let’s make it happen—together.

Best,
Stephen Trutter
Ideal Practices