Selling a Dental Practice: Plan the Exit Before the Offer

If retirement is 3 to 10 years away, now is the right time to think about the sale. For many dentists, the practice is the largest asset they own, yet the exit often gets treated like a last-minute deal. That can lead to avoidable taxes, weak negotiating power, and a lower sale price than the practice deserves.

Dentist planning practice succession with advisor

Start with the right structure

The entity you use today can affect the deal later. Corporation, S corporation, partnership, and LLC structures can all create different tax results when the practice is sold. A review years before a sale helps determine whether a change in structure makes sense and whether the practice is ready for a buyer’s due diligence.

Plan the tax side before the purchase agreement

One of the biggest questions in a sale is how much of the price is allocated to goodwill versus other assets. That allocation can shift the tax bill for both sides. Dentists who plan ahead usually have more room to negotiate the terms and more time to coordinate with their CPA, attorney, and financial planner. Retirement plan funding can also play a role here, since deductible contributions may help reduce current taxable income while building a stronger retirement cushion.

Retirement planning for a dental practice exit

Know who might buy the practice

  • A partner may offer a smoother transition if ownership is already shared.
  • An associate can be a strong successor, but financing and timing matter.
  • A corporate buyer or DSO may bring speed and liquidity, but the contract terms can be more demanding.

A simple example tells the story

Two dentists run similar practices. One waits until a buyer appears, has no succession plan, and accepts the first offer. The other prepares early, updates the entity structure, cleans up the books, builds retirement savings, and lines up a transition option. Same size practice, very different outcome.

A well-timed exit is not just about leaving. It is about protecting value, managing taxes, and making sure the final chapter of your practice is the most rewarding one.

If you are thinking about retirement or a sale in the next few years, start the conversation now. The earlier the plan begins, the more options you have when it is time to move on.

Share this article...

Want our best tax and accounting tips and insights delivered to your inbox?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .

Get in touch

5101 E La Palma Ave. Ste 104
Anaheim, California 92807