Dental Practice Acquisition Consulting
Complete guidance from target identification through closing. We ensure you buy the right practice at the right price.
What You're Really Buying When You Acquire a Dental Practice
Buying a dental practice is the most significant professional investment most dentists make. You're not just acquiring equipment and patient records.
You're inheriting systems, team dynamics, patient relationships, clinical workflows, financial patterns, and operational culture. Too many dentist-buyers focus exclusively on production numbers and purchase price, then discover after closing that they've bought operational nightmares disguised as opportunities.
The hygienist who left after six months. The patient base that didn't follow the previous owner. The equipment that breaks down constantly. The insurance contracts that limit profitability more than expected.
Our acquisition consulting prevents these costly surprises by evaluating acquisitions the way successful practice owners think about ownership: clinically, operationally, financially, and culturally.
"JoAnne identified three critical issues in the practice I was about to buy that no one else caught. Her guidance saved me from what would have been a devastating financial mistake."
How the Acquisition Consulting Process Works
Every engagement follows a proven methodology refined over 100+ acquisitions. We work alongside you through four phases, each designed to protect your investment and set you up for long-term success.
Phase 1: Target Assessment & Initial Screening
Not every available practice is worth your time. We help you identify acquisition targets that match your clinical interests, financial capacity, and geographic preferences.
We review the practice's financials, patient metrics, clinical focus, and market position. We identify red flags early so you don't spend six months pursuing the wrong opportunity.
What we assess:
- Production numbers and collection rates
- Patient demographics and insurance mix
- Market position and competitive landscape
- Initial financial viability
Phase 2: Clinical, Operational & Financial Deep Dive
This is where we differentiate from typical broker-focused acquisition guidance. We conduct a thorough assessment of how the practice actually operates — not just what the numbers say on paper.
Clinical Systems
Standard operating procedures, clinical protocols, treatment case mix, quality consistency across operatories and team members.
Operations
Schedule management, patient flow, supply chain, documentation systems. We look for strong operational fundamentals that serve new owners well.
Team Assessment
Staff tenure, turnover history, compensation structure, culture. We identify who's likely to stay and who represents a transition risk.
Practice Management Data
Production by provider, collection patterns, accounts receivable aging, procedure mix, and insurance concentration. The data that shows how the practice actually performs.
Phase 3: Deal Structure & Due Diligence
We help you evaluate the proposed deal structure — whether the asking price is realistic, what terms are being offered, and what contingencies you should require.
We also help you understand earnout structures, seller financing, and other deal mechanics that affect your actual cost of acquisition.
Once terms are set, we coordinate formal due diligence across your CPA, attorney, and other advisors — ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
We help you understand the difference between what the owner reports and what you'll actually experience as the new owner. Owners often have personal expenses mixed into business expenses, or they've built the business around referral networks that won't transfer.
We develop realistic financial projections for your ownership — anticipated expenses, expected patient attrition, required changes and their costs.
Phase 4: Integration Planning & Transition Support
Buying the practice is only half the battle. Integrating it into your ownership and making necessary operational changes is where acquisition value actually gets realized.
We help you develop a transition plan covering your first 30, 60, and 90 days. How to communicate changes to staff and patients. How to implement your clinical standards while maintaining continuity. What training is needed.
We provide ongoing support through the integration period to ensure the practice transitions to profitability under your leadership.
What Makes Our Acquisition Consulting Different
Operational Fit, Not Just Financial Numbers
Most acquisition advisors focus on production numbers and deal structure. We assess how the practice operates clinically and administratively, and whether those operations will work for you.
Long-Term Success, Not Just Closing Deals
We're not incentivized by commissions on deal closing. We sometimes advise against acquisitions that look good on paper but have fundamental problems. Your long-term interests always come first.
30+ Years of Direct Experience
JoAnne Tanner has personally guided over 100 dentists through successful acquisitions. She's seen the patterns that separate thriving acquisitions from struggling ones.
Specialist Coordination
We work with CPAs, attorneys, dental practice appraisers, and other specialists. You get expert guidance on technical aspects while maintaining one point of contact for overall strategy.
The Hidden Costs That Surprise New Owners
Most acquisition budgets focus on the purchase price, but other costs catch new owners by surprise. We help you anticipate and plan for these:
Transition Staffing Costs
Some staff leave after you take over, requiring accelerated hiring and training.
System Changes and Implementation
Implementing your preferred practice management system, EMR, or scheduling system takes time and disrupts revenue.
Equipment Replacement
Equipment often needs replacement sooner than expected after ownership change.
Working Capital Gaps
If collection patterns change or patients leave, you may face cash flow challenges.
Marketing and Patient Acquisition
Rebuilding the patient base if significant patient attrition occurs requires investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Evaluate Your Next Acquisition?
Whether you're considering your first acquisition or adding to an existing portfolio, let's discuss your goals and timeline.