Closing the Deal: Dental Practice Sales

Elijah Desmond

Welcome to Closing the Deal: Dental Practice Sales—the fun, no-BS podcast where we break down the process of selling your dental practice in ways you can actually understand (and enjoy). We’re not your typical, stuffy brokerage firm, we’re here to shake up the world of dental practice sales. Are you a dental practice owner thinking about cashing out? Ready to retire, take on new adventures, or simply move on to the next phase of your life? You’re in the right place. Selling your practice is a BIG deal, and we’re here to help you nail the exit strategy that leaves you smiling—literally and financially. From maximizing your practice’s value to getting top dollar and negotiating the best terms, we’ll walk you through every step of the process with the energy and transparency you deserve. No more confusing jargon or boring sales tactics. We bring you real, honest conversations with industry experts, seasoned brokers, legal pros, and fellow dental practice owners who’ve been through it all. We dive into the nitty-gritty of what makes a great sale, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table. What You Can Expect: • Real Talk on Practice Valuation – Get the lowdown on what really affects your practice’s worth and how Buyers value your practice. We'll help you understand the numbers behind practice valuations, so you get the best deal possible when you sell. • Preparing for the Big Exit – Whether it’s cleaning up your books, getting your staff on board, or sprucing up your practice’s image, we’ll show you how to get everything ready for a smooth sale. • Understanding the Sales Process – Get a clear and honest understanding of what it is like to go through the process of successfully selling your practice, what is expected on your end and how long it normally takes from start to finish. • Legal & Tax Stuff You Actually Understand – We know, the legal and financial parts can be a snooze fest. But we’ll break it down for you so that when you’re signing on the dotted line, you know exactly what you’re getting into. • Seller Success Stories – Hear from dental practice owners who’ve been there, done that, and sold the t-shirt (or, well, their practice). They’ll share their best tips, tricks, and lessons learned so you don’t have to make the same mistakes. Who’s Going to Love This Podcast: • Dental Practice Owners Ready to Sell – If you’re itching to make your exit but want to make sure you do it the right way, this show is your roadmap to a successful sale. • Dentists Nearing Retirement – Whether you’re looking to retire and kick back or start a new chapter, we’ll help you get your practice ready for the best possible exit. • Dentists Tired of Running the Business – If you’re a dentist who’s worn out from the day-to-day grind of managing a business and just want to take some chips off the table to focus on the art of dentistry, this podcast is for you. We’ll show you how to make your exit and still leave with a great deal while rediscovering your passion for patient care. • Dentists with 3-5 Years to Plan Their Exit – If you know you’re 3 to 5 years out from considering a sale or retirement, we’ve got you covered. We’ll help you start the planning process early so that when the time comes, you’re ready to make your exit with confidence, and maximize your practice’s value. • Anyone Curious About the Business of Dentistry – From aspiring practice owners to investors, if you want a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into dental practice sales, this podcast is for you. Selling your dental practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming or dull. With Closing the Deal: Dental Practice Sales, we promise to make the process clear, exciting, and dare we say... fun. We’ll give you the confidence to walk away with a deal that works for you and the peace of mind to know you did it right. So, grab your fav

  1. 12/18/2025

    S2E10 - Season 2 Wrap Up: Insights and Takeaways from Successful Sales

    Season two of Closing the Deal featured nine guests who've completed the complex process of selling their dental practices. From strategic planning years in advance to managing the unexpected realities of life after the sale, each conversation revealed what it really takes to close a successful deal. Clear themes emerged throughout the season: the importance of early preparation, maximizing practice value before listing, and understanding what buyers actually want. Our guests shared what it’s like selling to DSOs, managing team transitions, and the operational changes that follow a sale. They also shared what they'd do differently, from engaging brokers sooner to preparing for the emotional side of letting go. This finale brings together the most powerful moments from all nine conversations, focusing on how to position your practice for success and the lessons our guests learned along the way. Whether you're considering a sale next year or just thinking ahead, these insights provide a practical roadmap for your own journey from dentists who’ve been through it all. In This Episode: Why mental readiness matters more than you think (Dr Glenn Vo)Tracking your numbers and the importance of transparency with your team (Dr Jeff Buske)Understand what buyers really look for and why scaling to multiple practices might make sense (Dr Uzma Ansari)Approaching the DSO relationship as a partnership, not a battle (Dr Steven Rasner)The value of thinking like a CEO and doing everything with intention (Dr Christopher Hoffpauir)Planning EBITDA better and the critical importance of knowing your contract (Dr Lou Chmura)Working with a team of people through the sale and trusting your gut (Dr Devinn Geeson)Managing your team through the sale and having one-on-one conversations (Christine Diehl)Ignoring outdated stigmas around DSOs and when to call a broker (Dr Tyler Brady) Resources: Listen and connect with Glenn: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e2-how-dr-glenn-vo-expanded-his-practice-to-land/id1786408189?i=1000716619178Listen and connect with Jeff: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e5-grow-your-practice-with-passion-reverse/id1786408189?i=1000724938621Listen and connect with Uzma: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e8-biggest-lessons-from-selling-my-dental-office/id1786408189?i=1000735521278Listen and connect with Steven: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e4-would-i-do-it-again-a-dentists-honest-take-on-selling/id1786408189?i=1000721911232Listen and connect with Christopher https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e7-life-after-the-sale-a-dentists-journey/id1786408189?i=1000732099725Listen and connect with Lou: a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2e3-the-biggest-lessons-learned-from-selling-a-practice/id1786408189?i=1000718783536" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    30 min
  2. 12/04/2025

    S2E9 - Closing with Confidence

    Dr. Tyler Brady opened Haven Dental in 2018 in Southlake, Texas as a general practice. As he specialized in cosmetic dentistry and built a presence on social media, the practice grew to something he’d dreamed about in dental school. But that growth brought complexity many dentists are all too familiar with. In this episode, Tyler shares what led him to consider selling, the mental shift that helped him make the decision, and how he evaluated potential buyers. He talks about what actually changed after selling to Lumio, the financial reality of the transition, and the operational adjustments that came with it. He also opens up about what he’d do differently if he could go back, the mistakes he nearly made by going it alone, and how selling created opportunities to pursue teaching cosmetic dentistry and launching his own product line. In This Episode: Tyler's background and journey building Haven DentalHow cosmetic dentistry and social media shaped his practice growthWhy he initially resisted selling and what changed his mindHis experience with Lumio so far and what the first month of transition looked likeThe financial and operational reality after the saleWhat he'd do differently: calling a broker soonerThe risks of selling without professional guidanceHow his team and patients reacted to the newsNew opportunities: teaching courses and launching a toothpaste brandHis advice for dentists considering a sale Resources Follow Haven Dental on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haven.dental/Connect with Tyler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-brady-30641435/Visit Haven Dental’s website: https://www.haven-dental.com/Follow Dental Pitch Brokerage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentalpitch/Visit our website: https://dentalpitchbrokerage.com/                                 Download The Dental EBITDA Handbook: https://link.dentalpitchbrokerage.com/widget/form/x45Iy9iZhayIriHmfNfb

    34 min
  3. 11/06/2025

    S2E8 - Biggest Lessons from Selling My Dental Office

    Dr. Uzma Ansari has built dental practices with intention. As the first Pakistani female to graduate from the University of Alabama in 1998, she joined the U.S. Air Force before 9/11, then partnered with colleagues to create a successful practice that she eventually sold to Guardian. In this episode, Uzma shares the practical steps she took to maximize her practice value, from optimizing production per chair to understanding what buyers really look for. She talks about what actually changed after selling to Guardian, the support systems that opened up, and the value of meeting with wealth advisors before the sale.  She also opens up about what she'd do differently if she could go back, including exploring the possibility of scaling to multiple practices, and how selling created space for her to pursue coaching and mentoring other dentists. In This Episode: Uzma's background and journey into dentistryHow she partnered with like-minded entrepreneurs to build her practiceWhy she chose to sell to Guardian and what that decision allowedKey strategies for maximizing practice value before a saleWhat she'd do differently: thinking about scale earlierThe operational changes that came with selling to a DSOBenefits she didn't expect: team growth opportunities and centralized supportWhy working with wealth advisors matters when preparing to sellHow the sale opened doors to coaching and consulting work Resources: Follow Uzma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/uzma-ansari-b6454938/Visit Lowes Island Dentistry’s website: https://www.lowesislanddentistry.com/Visit Guardian Dentistry Partners’ website: https://www.guardiandentistry.com/Visit Smile Concierge Services’ website: https://www.smileconciergeservices.com/Follow Dental Pitch Brokerage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentalpitch/Visit our website: https://dentalpitchbrokerage.com/                                 Download The Dental EBITDA Handbook: https://link.dentalpitchbrokerage.com/widget/form/x45Iy9iZhayIriHmfNfb

    32 min
  4. 10/16/2025

    S2E7 - Life After the Sale: A Dentist’s Journey

    Most dentists dream of building a practice they can eventually sell. But Dr. Chris Hoffpauir? He built his practice knowing he'd sell it from day one - and that made all the difference. Chris opened Winning Smiles in 2013 as a scratch startup in rural Texas with just three operatories. Fast forward to 2020, and he sold 70% of his practice to MB2 Dental while producing $1.58 million annually working just three days a week. Chris had three things they couldn't ignore: impeccable systems, sky-high profitability, and a practice built to thrive without him. In this episode, Chris breaks down exactly how he engineered his practice for maximum value, the creative marketing tactics that slashed overhead while boosting patient acquisition, and the honest truth about what it's really like to sell to a DSO. In This Episode: Doc Hoffpauir’s unconventional path from academic struggles to successful dentist and entrepreneurWhy he built Winning Smiles with an exit strategy from day oneThe 2019 white paper that triggered his decision to sellHis formula for practice value: the levers and dials that actually matterCreative marketing tactics that slashed overhead and boosted referralsHow he produced $1.58 million from three operatories working three days a weekWhy MB2 Dental stood out from other DSOsThe $150K mistake sitting in his "closet of regrets"His top advice: think like a CEO, not just a clinician Resources: Doc Hoff Investments: https://www.dochoffinvestments.comFollow Dental Pitch Brokerage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentalpitch/Visit our website: https://dentalpitchbrokerage.com/Download The Dental EBITDA Handbook: https://link.dentalpitchbrokerage.com/widget/form/x45Iy9iZhayIriHmfNfb

    42 min
  5. 09/25/2025

    S2E6 - The Emotional Side of Selling a Dental Practice

    Building and selling three practices for a 10x multiple in just five years is a gigantic success. By industry standard, Dr. Devinn Geeson aka Dr. G, the CEO of Smiles at Sea, had made it. But the real story of success came after the champagne had been popped and the speeches had been made. It was then that Dr. G discovered the opportunities that lay ahead of her after the deal was closed. She joins this episode to share her story on the emotional rollercoaster that comes with selling a dental practice. Dr. G talks about the identity crisis that hit after the sale, what she’d change if she could go back, and why she coaches others like her on maintaining work-life boundaries. Dr. G's is about how selling her practices ultimately opened doors to new passions and paths she never could have imagined, proving that sometimes the most challenging transitions lead to the most rewarding chapters of our lives. In This Episode: Devinn gives us the backstory on setting up and growing her practicesWhy she decided to sellWhy selling felt like a “breakup”How to prepare for the emotion of sellingWhy she walked away from the final 25% of her selling figureHer expert advice for anyone sellingHow selling ultimately opened up new opportunities Resources Smiles at Sea: https://smilesatsea.com/The PEP Talk Doc on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeptalkdoc/?hl=enFollow Dental Pitch Brokerage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentalpitch/Visit our website: https://dentalpitchbrokerage.com/                                 Download The Dental EBITDA Handbook: https://link.dentalpitchbrokerage.com/widget/form/x45Iy9iZhayIriHmfNfb

    37 min
  6. 09/04/2025

    S2E5 - Grow Your Practice with Passion & Reverse Engineered Production

    Loving practice work and running a business for it are two entirely different beings, and it can take a lot of adjustment to get to a good place. But when Dr. Jeff Buske was close to throwing the towel in, a chance meeting with his future practice partner changed everything. Jeff partnered up with Dr. Bruce Baird at Granbury Dental Center, growing the small-town practice in Texas into a highly popular spot, pulling in patients from Dallas, Fort Worth, and even Oklahoma. So, what was the secret ingredient that made it work? A unique blend of genuine passion and reverse-engineered production. In 2012, they sold to Heartland Dental. But 13 years later, Jeff still practices there a few days a week. When he’s not working on teeth, he runs The Limitless Dentist Academy, a coaching business that helps dentists like him maximize their practice’s potential with great wellbeing strategies. In This Episode: Jeff’s background of 28 years practicing dentistry and how he became a “super GP”How meeting his future practice partner Bruce Baird changed his lifeWhy they chose to sell and how they maximized production beforehandJeff’s approach to niche marketingWhy Jeff opted to be fully transparent about the sale with his teamJeff’s advice for anyone thinking of sellingWhy Jeff built a coaching business after a tough time in his life Resources: Follow Jeff on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jeffbuske/Follow Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jeff-buske-12201010a/Visit The Limitless Dentist Academy website: https://limitlessdentistacademy.com/Follow Dental Pitch Brokerage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentalpitch/Visit our website: https://dentalpitchbrokerage.com/                                 Download The Dental EBITDA Handbook: https://link.dentalpitchbrokerage.com/widget/form/x45Iy9iZhayIriHmfNfb

    43 min
  7. 08/14/2025

    S2E4 - Would I Do It Again? A Dentist's Honest Take on Selling

    A simple breakfast meeting with a DSO rep opened Dr. Steven Rasner’s eyes to the possibilities of growing his practice. He knew he wanted to sell one day, but at that moment, he knew he wasn’t ready and would be leaving millions of dollars on the table if he went through with it. Fast-forward to today. After growing it across two locations and pulling in around $5 million a year in a tricky rural area, he decided to sell to a DSO. What makes Steven’s story interesting is that he was a little anti-DSO for years before the sale. While his perspective has changed, Steven reveals the good, the bad, and the ugly of selling your practice to a DSO in this episode.  You’ll get an honest look at the realities of selling your practice, what he’d do differently, and how selling opened the door for new opportunities that keep him busy alongside practicing today. In This Episode: How Steven grew his practice and why he decided to sellWhy he's stayed 3+ years past his exit dateHow his team reacted after hearing about the saleHis biggest regret: not giving key employees raises BEFORE the saleWhy having a "partnership mindset" instead of an "us vs. them" mentality made all the differenceThe operational changes he likes and dislikes Resources: Rasner Institute: https://www.rasnerinstitute.com/Connect with Steven on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenrasner/Contact Dr. Rasner at drrasner@rasnerinstitute.comFollow Dental Pitch Brokerage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentalpitch/Visit our website: https://dentalpitchbrokerage.com/                                 Download The Dental EBITDA Handbook: https://link.dentalpitchbrokerage.com/widget/form/x45Iy9iZhayIriHmfNfb

    54 min
  8. 07/24/2025

    S2E3 - The Biggest Lessons Learned from Selling a Practice

    The top fear we hear from dentists looking to sell is “what if everything changes?” Well, some change is inevitable and at times surprising, but it doesn’t have to be scary. In this episode, we hear Dr. Lou Chmura’s story. He sold his practice, Chmura Orthodontics, a couple of years back after building it from the ground up. Now, he runs an orthodontics coaching company called Egghead Ortho to help orthodontists and dentists live a balanced, fulfilling life both in and out of the office. While his sale worked out well in the end, Lou doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of selling your practice. He gets super honest about what he would have done differently if he could do it all again and shares some great advice for dentists looking to sell. In This Episode: Lou shares the background on his orthodontics practice and its unique approach to proactive careWhy he decided to sell despite his love for practicing orthodonticsWhy getting into the “mode of more” makes dentists burn outThe top things Lou would have done differently if he could go back in timeHow his team and patients reacted to the saleHow Lou is spending his free time now coaching other orthodontists Resources: Connect with Lou on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-chmura-dds-ms-a624456/Follow Egghead Ortho on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eggheadortho/Follow Dental Pitch Brokerage on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dentalpitch/Visit our website: https://dentalpitchbrokerage.com/                                 Download The Dental EBITDA Handbook: https://link.dentalpitchbrokerage.com/widget/form/x45Iy9iZhayIriHmfNfb

    36 min

About

Welcome to Closing the Deal: Dental Practice Sales—the fun, no-BS podcast where we break down the process of selling your dental practice in ways you can actually understand (and enjoy). We’re not your typical, stuffy brokerage firm, we’re here to shake up the world of dental practice sales. Are you a dental practice owner thinking about cashing out? Ready to retire, take on new adventures, or simply move on to the next phase of your life? You’re in the right place. Selling your practice is a BIG deal, and we’re here to help you nail the exit strategy that leaves you smiling—literally and financially. From maximizing your practice’s value to getting top dollar and negotiating the best terms, we’ll walk you through every step of the process with the energy and transparency you deserve. No more confusing jargon or boring sales tactics. We bring you real, honest conversations with industry experts, seasoned brokers, legal pros, and fellow dental practice owners who’ve been through it all. We dive into the nitty-gritty of what makes a great sale, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table. What You Can Expect: • Real Talk on Practice Valuation – Get the lowdown on what really affects your practice’s worth and how Buyers value your practice. We'll help you understand the numbers behind practice valuations, so you get the best deal possible when you sell. • Preparing for the Big Exit – Whether it’s cleaning up your books, getting your staff on board, or sprucing up your practice’s image, we’ll show you how to get everything ready for a smooth sale. • Understanding the Sales Process – Get a clear and honest understanding of what it is like to go through the process of successfully selling your practice, what is expected on your end and how long it normally takes from start to finish. • Legal & Tax Stuff You Actually Understand – We know, the legal and financial parts can be a snooze fest. But we’ll break it down for you so that when you’re signing on the dotted line, you know exactly what you’re getting into. • Seller Success Stories – Hear from dental practice owners who’ve been there, done that, and sold the t-shirt (or, well, their practice). They’ll share their best tips, tricks, and lessons learned so you don’t have to make the same mistakes. Who’s Going to Love This Podcast: • Dental Practice Owners Ready to Sell – If you’re itching to make your exit but want to make sure you do it the right way, this show is your roadmap to a successful sale. • Dentists Nearing Retirement – Whether you’re looking to retire and kick back or start a new chapter, we’ll help you get your practice ready for the best possible exit. • Dentists Tired of Running the Business – If you’re a dentist who’s worn out from the day-to-day grind of managing a business and just want to take some chips off the table to focus on the art of dentistry, this podcast is for you. We’ll show you how to make your exit and still leave with a great deal while rediscovering your passion for patient care. • Dentists with 3-5 Years to Plan Their Exit – If you know you’re 3 to 5 years out from considering a sale or retirement, we’ve got you covered. We’ll help you start the planning process early so that when the time comes, you’re ready to make your exit with confidence, and maximize your practice’s value. • Anyone Curious About the Business of Dentistry – From aspiring practice owners to investors, if you want a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into dental practice sales, this podcast is for you. Selling your dental practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming or dull. With Closing the Deal: Dental Practice Sales, we promise to make the process clear, exciting, and dare we say... fun. We’ll give you the confidence to walk away with a deal that works for you and the peace of mind to know you did it right. So, grab your fav