Sell Your Dental Practice for Maximum Value
With 290+ successful transitions and $125M+ in total sales, Lakeshore Dental Brokers helps Midwest dentists sell quickly, confidentially, and for top dollar — all while protecting your legacy, staff, and patients.
Your Trusted Partner in Practice Transitions
We understand that selling your dental practice is one of the biggest financial and professional decisions you’ll ever make.
Whether you’re preparing for retirement, exploring new opportunities, or ready for a lifestyle change, our team provides end-to-end guidance — from valuation to closing.
With deep knowledge of the Midwest dental market, industry-specific expertise, and a network of pre-qualified buyers,
We help you ↓
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Maximize your practice’s market value
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Sell confidentially and efficiently
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Protect your professional reputation and patient relationships
How Selling Your Dental Practice Works
We’ve organized the process into three clear phases so you always know what’s next. We handle valuation, marketing, and buyer vetting to ensure strong offers from qualified buyers.
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Phase 1
Determining Your Practice’s Value
Intro Call
Schedule a conversation with a transition advisor to discuss your goals.Seller Profile
Complete a brief intake form to capture your practice details.Valuation Questionnaire
Provide basic operational and financial data.Confidential Agreement & Listing Setup
We protect your identity and gather marketing materials.Broker Opinion of Value (BOV)
Receive a comprehensive, data-backed valuation of your practice.
Phase 2
Taking Your Practice to Market
We actively connect your practice with qualified individual buyers, groups, and DSOs across the Midwest.
Our marketing approach includes:
Direct outreach to pre-qualified buyers
Email marketing and targeted communications
Features in dental journals and industry events
Local branch meetings, luncheons, and regional networking
Phone and text outreach to prospective buyers
This ensures a confidential yet highly effective exposure strategy — bringing you the right buyers, faster.
Phase 3
Facilitating the Closing and Transition
We coordinate all aspects of your transaction through trusted industry partners:
Dental attorneys experienced in healthcare transitions
CPAs and wealth advisors who understand practice structures
Lenders familiar with dental industry financing
Our goal: a smooth, compliant closing and a transition that protects your patients, staff, and reputation.
What Drives Practice Value
When preparing to sell, even small operational factors can significantly impact valuation.
Some key elements buyers look at when determining value →
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A balanced PPO and fee-for-service mix leads to stronger reimbursement rates and predictable cash flow — two things buyers love. Heavy discount plan reliance, however, can push valuations down because revenue per patient is lower. Showing a thoughtful payer strategy builds buyer confidence.
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Healthy hygiene production (often 25–35% of total revenue) signals a strong recall program and loyal patient base. It tells buyers that future production isn’t solely dependent on the selling doctor. This reduces risk and supports a higher multiple.
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Buyers look for practices with strong demand and smart scheduling — not empty chairs. High utilization and same-day treatment capability show room to grow without major investment. It’s a direct indicator of revenue efficiency and scalability.
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Lease security matters. Favorable rent, remaining term, and renewal options protect buyers from relocation risks and unexpected cost jumps. If you own your building, fair rent and a willingness to negotiate can further improve deal terms.
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Clean, current A/R shows disciplined billing and collections — and that buyers won’t inherit old, uncollectible balances. A strong policy also reflects trustworthy financial operations. Practices with bloated or aged A/R often face downward valuation pressure.
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Stability among hygienists, assistants, and associates is a major selling point. A cohesive, committed team reduces transition risk and maintains patient trust after the sale. Buyers pay a premium when they believe the staff will stay long-term.
Typical Sale Timeline (3–6 Months)
While every practice is unique, most sales follow this general timeline:
Estimated Duration
Key Milestones
Valuation & Prep
2–4 weeks
Confidential valuation, listing prep, and marketing materials
Buyer Outreach
4–8 weeks
Targeted promotion and qualified buyer introductions
Offer & LOI
3–4 weeks
Offer evaluation, deal term negotiation, and Letter of Intent execution
Diligence & Financing
4–6 weeks
Buyer review, lender approval, and contract prep
Closing & Transition
4–6 weeks
Final contracts, staff and patient communication plan, and handoff
Start the process
With proven expertise, full confidentiality, and a track record of successful transitions, we make the process seamless and stress-free.
Whether you’re selling your dental practice for maximum value or searching for the perfect opportunity to buy, Lakeshore Dental Brokers is here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The most costly mistake is selling after production has already dipped — when production drops, so does valuation. Other common mistakes include publicizing the sale too soon, disorganized financials, and entertaining unqualified buyers, which can all reduce leverage, slow down the process, and ultimately lower your sale price.
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Every practice and every transaction is unique. Our goal is to close within 3–6 months, depending on market demand and seasonality. Spring and summer typically yield faster timelines.
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Yes — many transitions are structured so the seller continues working part-time during a defined handoff period. This helps maintain patient relationships and can increase your sale price if buyers see continuity and production stability.
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Buyers expect 3 years of tax returns, production/collection reports, A/R aging, fee schedules, and lease details. Preparing this early shortens diligence and strengthens your negotiating position.
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Some buyers offer phased transitions where you stay on as an associate temporarily or retain partial ownership. This can increase total compensation if the practice grows post-sale — but terms must protect your interests.
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Selling independently limits you to whoever you can personally reach — which often means fewer offers and weaker leverage. A dental-focused broker brings a ready pool of qualified buyers, maintains strict confidentiality, and uses specialized negotiation expertise to secure stronger terms and a higher net outcome.