4 Questions to Ask a Dental Support Organization
You likely have many questions if you’re contemplating selling your dental practice to a dental support organization. The decision to sell your dental practice is a big career move and can pay big dividends for your career.
However, not all dental support organizations are equal, and we encourage you to consult with multiple dental support organizations as you weigh selling. Transitioning your practice is a big decision, and you want to ensure you have the right buyer before you lock yourself into the biggest deal of your professional life.
As dental brokers, we’ve spent a lot of time consulting with dentists and dental support organizations and have unique insight into the goals and needs of each. To help you decide, we recommend asking your dental support organization these questions.
What Changes Can I Expect to See?
Dental support organizations support dentists who want their nights and weekends back. However, this often comes with a tradeoff. You might not be responsible for every facet of your practice anymore, but that comes with a partner who will weigh in on decision-making and have processes for calls that used to be yours.
You must ask any prospective dental support organization partner how your practice will change. This will vary from DSO to DSO, but be prepared to understand:
- Will my staff stay on?
- Will practice software change?
- Will my practice be rebranded?
- What does supplying the practice look like?
- Will my feedback be taken into consideration when addressing potential changes?
Will I Need to Stay On for a Certain Period of Time?
Some DSOs expect the seller to stay on for a few months while the practice transitions. Others are flexible about whether the dentist needs to stay on and might be a good fit for a dentist looking to make a quick exit. Other dental support organizations are open for longer-term commitments where the seller stays on as a practicing dentist for an extended period.
Whatever your unique situation, there’s a dental support organization for you. However, it is imperative to understand the terms of the deal before you make any commitments. If you expect to leave dentistry as soon as possible for another venture, nothing is as debilitating as needing to stay and help transition the practice for a few months. Be sure to ask up front to understand if this potential dental support organization is a viable partner.
Be sure to ask:
- Will I need to stay on post-close?
- What does compensation look like post-close?
- What would my responsibilities be post-close?
What Are the Terms?
Dental transitions can be complicated, and you need to understand the terms of your deal before you make any commitments. Contracts can be structured in very different ways, so don’t assume anything, and be sure to ask the DSO.
- Is the purchase price paid out in cash?
- Will part of the deal be stock?
- Is there an earn-out clause?
- If work is required post-close, what does compensation look like?
- Are elements of the deal based on performance?
What Would Others Say?
If you’re considering selling, see if the DSO has testimonials from other dentists. Selling your practice is a big decision; you want to ensure you choose the right partner. If possible, get in contact with past sellers and ask:
- Did the DSO hold up its end of the deal?
- How was the transition process?
- What changed about the practice post-sale?
- Have past sellers retained their autonomy?
Protect Your Interests with a Dental Broker
These questions are great to have on hand when fielding inquiries from dental support organizations. However, first-hand insight and knowledge of the dental support organization’s history is invaluable, and that’s one of the many reasons dentists consider partnering with a dental broker.
The right dental broker can significantly help as you attempt to qualify dental support organizations. An excellent dental broker is only there to represent the seller’s interests and will have industry knowledge about whether any given DSO is a good fit. The right dental broker will also have access to industry contacts you can consult with if needed.
That’s where Triumphant Transition Partners enters the picture!
We’re here to help you:
- Evaluate your practice
- Discuss your goals
- Present your practice to our private buyers’ network
- Qualify buyers
- Equip your attorneys with pertinent documentation and data
- Negotiate the final sale on your terms and price
Contact Triumphant Transition Advisors for Your Courtesy Consultation!