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How One Dentist Found the “Perfect Fit” Practice—and What You Can Learn From It

Written by Stephen Trutter | Sep 10, 2015 4:04:15 PM

How One Dentist Found His Ideal Practice—And How You Can Too

If you’re in the thick of exploring practice acquisition, you know how it feels.

You scroll through listings. Crunch the numbers. Visualize your future inside someone else’s outdated op. And still—nothing clicks. Something always feels... off.

That was exactly where Dr. Shvartsman found himself not too long ago. He was doing what most dentists do: eyeing practices with aging equipment, outdated systems, and uncertainty baked into the foundations. The kind of acquisition that looks okay on paper… but leaves doctors questioning everything a year down the road.

He knew better than to settle. And fortunately, he didn’t.

Through a mix of sharp strategy, clear values, and a refusal to compromise, Dr. Shvartsman found a practice that felt tailor-made for him—and he didn’t have to outbid the masses or roll the dice to get there.

Practice Acquisition Isn’t About Luck—It’s About Strategy

On this week’s episode of the Ideal Practices Podcast, we walk through Dr. Shvartsman’s journey to his perfect-fit practice—and the specific moves that helped him get there without regrets.

This isn’t just another feel-good story. It’s a masterclass in how to approach practice ownership the right way.

From missteps to milestones, Dr. Shvartsman shares the unfiltered reality of what it takes to confidently step into ownership—with eyes wide open.

Here’s What You’ll Learn in This Must-Listen Episode

  • The two most important steps to take before you tour a single practice

  • How to spot a practice that aligns with your values (not just the broker’s spreadsheet)

  • A behind-the-scenes look at how Dr. Shvartsman discovered his practice before it ever hit the market

  • How to avoid overpriced practices, even in competitive areas

  • The reason he’s 100% confident the patient base was the right fit—and how you can vet this too

  • The now-famous “Surfer Test” he used to rule out the wrong opportunities

  • Four critical questions he wishes he had asked earlier

  • The real cost—financial and emotional—of getting this wrong

Buying a Dental Practice Is One of the Biggest Decisions of Your Career

And when it’s not the right fit? You don’t just lose money—you lose time. Momentum. Confidence. You spend years trying to make someone else’s dream practice work for you… and often, it never does.

The truth? Not all brokers or sellers have your best interests in mind.

That’s why hearing from dentists who’ve actually done it right is so powerful. Real doctors. Real decisions. Real lessons you can apply today.

Thinking About Buying a Dental Practice?

Whether you’re actively reviewing listings or still deciding if ownership is the right path, this podcast episode is essential listening.

Dr. Shvartsman’s story proves that the “perfect fit” isn’t a myth—it’s the result of smart moves, good questions, and a commitment to not settling.

Ready to learn how to buy the right dental practice, the right way?

Want more proven strategies for smart practice ownership? Learn how Ideal Practices helps dentists launch practices with clarity, confidence, and real-world support.