Buying, Selling & Transitions

A Dental CPA’s Financial Guide for Practice Owners By Spiro Leunes, CPA | CEO, MRL Advisory Group Hiring a dental associate too early can destroy a practice’s cash flow. Conversely, hiring an associate at the right time can dramatically increase production, improve your lifestyle, and significantly increase the long-term value of your practice. For many dentists, adding an associate is the first major transition from being a solo producer to becoming a true practice owner. Do

By Spiro Leunes, CPA | CEO, MRL Advisory Group New Jersey & New York Dental CPAs For many dentists, practice ownership is the single largest financial decision of their career. Eventually, every dentist who wants ownership reaches the same crossroads: do you buy an existing practice or start and build a practice from scratch? In New York and New Jersey, that decision carries significantly more financial risk than it does in lower-cost parts of the country. Aggressive competit

Something that comes up regularly in conversations with dental practice owners: the succession plan they built their practice around no longer fits the associate they’re actually working with. It’s not a crisis. But it’s a real shift, and for owners in New York and New Jersey who are within ten years of a transition, it’s worth understanding clearly. How Dentists Think About Ownership Has Changed For decades, the career path was straightforward. Graduate, associate for a few

Spiro Leunes, CPA, MS Succession planning is different today than a generation ago. For practice owners in the latter stages of their careers, understanding those shifts and planning accordingly can make a significant difference in who they sell to and the final outcome. Traditional Practice Succession Has Evolved Traditional practice succession had a familiar path. The physician or dentist built a practice, brought on an associate, and the associate bought the practice. I

Dental Associate Compensation Models Dental associate compensation models must be optimally designed for the practice type (private practice versus DSO) and to properly incentivize the dental associate, Dental associate compensation falls into one of these models: Percentage of Collections The associate is paid a percentage of what is collected, not produced. The typical range is 30 – 35% of collection This arrangement is seen in private practice. Owners like it because the

The dental profession is accelerating toward another major consolidation cycle, and far more dentists are selling to private equity–backed DSOs than forming their own organizations. But before any dentist considers selling, scaling, or staying independent, there is one universal truth for 2026: The dental profession is accelerating toward another major consolidation cycle, and far more dentists are selling to private equity–backed DSOs than forming their own organizations. Bu

How Much Should Associate Dentists Be Paid? General Dentists vs. Specialists Determining the appropriate compensation for associate dentists is a crucial step for any growing dental practice. Compensation must reflect both market standards and the value an associate brings to the practice. This article explores how compensation differs between associate general dentists and associate specialist dentists, highlighting the factors that influence these pay structures. The Basic

Whether you’re buying your first dental practice or selling a well-established one, the process can be both exciting and overwhelming. It’s a journey filled with financial decisions, legal requirements, due diligence, and emotional milestones. That’s where a dental practice broker becomes your most valuable ally. Let’s explore why using a dental practice broker is essential for a smooth and successful transition, whether you’re on the buying or selling side. For Buyers: Why Y

When it comes to buying or selling a dental practice, the appraisal process is the foundation of a fair and successful transaction. A well-conducted appraisal not only establishes the value of the practice but also uncovers key insights into its financial health, operational efficiency, and growth potential. Whether you’re a buyer looking to invest wisely or a seller aiming to maximize your return, understanding the nuances of dental practice appraisal is critical. Here are t

Launching a startup dental practice is an ambitious yet rewarding endeavor. With startup costs often ranging from $700,000 to over $1 million, many dentists continue working as associates in other practices to ensure financial stability during the initial stages. Here’s a detailed guide to navigating this process, from securing funding to deciding when to transition fully into your new practice. Whether to buy or to build, it is an individual decision. 1. Securing Funding fo

Starting your own dental practice is an exciting venture, but the first critical decision you’ll face is whether to buy an existing dental practice or build one from the ground up. Each option has its merits and challenges, and the right choice depends on your goals, resources, and vision. Let’s explore the advantages and disadvantages of both paths. Buying an Existing Dental Practice Advantages 1. Immediate Cash Flow: With an established patient base and revenue stream, you

When looking to buy or build dental practice, there is a lot of due diligence you need to consider. We will focus on the due diligence of purchassing a practice. You are making quite possibly the largest purchase of your life, and you need to make sure what you are purchasing is what is being presented. Here are just a few things to consider: Financial Review Profit and Loss Statements: Analyze at least 3–5 years of financial statements to assess revenue trends, expenses,