If you own a dental practice, you've likely poured years of time, energy, and financial investment into building it. But have you taken time to plan how you'll eventually step away from it? Whether you're thinking of retiring in five years or just starting your practice, having a clear transition strategy is essential.
We spoke with Fred Heppner of Arizona Transitions, an experienced dental transitions specialist, who shared expert insights on why transition planning is critical—and how to approach it proactively. Here's what dentists should be thinking about now to prepare for a strong future, whether that's a sale, a partnership, or an unexpected life change.
Start With the End in Mind
"The moment you take ownership of a practice, you should begin thinking about your exit plan," Fred advises. That doesn’t mean you're selling tomorrow—it means you're planning for long-term security, flexibility, and peace of mind.
A transition plan isn't just about listing your practice. It's about defining what life looks like after dentistry:
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Will you fully retire?
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Do you want to work part-time?
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Will you stay involved as a mentor, teacher, or consultant?
The clearer you are about your goals, the easier it becomes to structure the right strategy.
Plan for the "What Ifs"
Life happens. Illness, disability, or family emergencies can force an unplanned exit. Fred recommends every dentist have a contingency plan in place—especially younger doctors who may not see the urgency.
One idea: create or join a local coverage group with other trusted dentists who can step in temporarily if something happens. "It's one of the most valuable things a dentist can do to protect their practice and their family," Fred says.
Know Your Numbers
Many dentists rely on the sale of their practice as part of their retirement plan, but few understand the value of their business. Getting a professional valuation helps you know what your asset is truly worth—and what you may need to improve to maximize the value.
You should also speak with your financial advisor and tax expert about:
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When you want to retire (by age, financial target, or life event)
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Your current debt and investment strategy
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Tax implications of a practice sale
The earlier you begin this financial planning, the more options you'll have.
3–5 Years Out? Time to Get Serious
Fred recommends connecting with a dental transition expert 3 to 5 years before you plan to sell or retire. This gives you time to:
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Improve profitability and efficiency
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Shore up systems and staffing
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Evaluate associate buy-in or partner options
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Decide if you want to sell to a DSO or a private buyer
You’ll also want to make sure your practice is appealing: a clean office, strong patient base, and clear financial records go a long way.
Unsure What You Want? That’s OK.
Not everyone has a clear vision of post-practice life. Fred encourages dentists to take time to explore possibilities. "Think about what lights you up outside of the office. Do you want to travel, volunteer, sculpt, teach? You don’t need all the answers now—just start thinking."
Even if you're not planning to transition soon, it's never too early to start setting the stage.
Whether you're 35 or 65, the best time to start planning your dental practice transition is now. Life, business, and dentistry are unpredictable. But with a smart transition plan, you gain control, confidence, and peace of mind—for yourself, your patients, and your team.
Need help getting started? Contact Fred Heppner at ArizonaTransitions.com. He works nationwide and is passionate about helping doctors transition with confidence!
And if you're ready to create systems, strategy, and scalability before your exit—schedule a call at TheDentalATeam.com/growth. Let's make your practice work for your long-term goals!
