Finding the Right Dental Practice with Chris Marshall

Finding the Right Dental Practice with Chris Marshall

3/26/2026 5:16:11 AM   |   Comments: 0   |   Views: 59

Finding the Right Dental Practice with Chris Marsh

View More Episodes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dental-boardroom/id1518344747

In this episode of the Dental Boardroom Podcast, host Wes Read, CPA and financial advisor at Practice CFO, and Chris Marshall break down some of the most important warning signs dentists should watch out for when evaluating a dental practice for purchase. Drawing from real client cases and common deal-flow patterns, they discuss the financial, operational, and clinical red flags that often hide beneath the surface of seemingly attractive listings.

Listeners will learn how to interpret declining numbers, inconsistent hygiene schedules, sudden production increases, PPO manipulations, risky seller behaviors, and gaps in patient flow. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand how to look past broker language and identify the true health or weakness of a prospective practice.

Key Takeaways

1. Declining Production or Collections Are a Major Red Flag
If collections or production drop year-over-year even slightly it signals deeper issues.
This could mean a declining patient base, ineffective ownership, poor systems, lack of demand, or mismanagement.

2. Hygiene Department Instability Signals Deeper Problems

  - Large swings in hygiene revenue
  - Inconsistent recall schedules
  - Declining hygiene visits
    These typically indicate poor systems, weak re-care, or a lack of organization affecting long-term revenue.

3. Sudden, Unexplained Production Increases Are Often Artificial
A seller spiking numbers in the year before the sale is a common tactic.
Examples include:

  - Over-treatment

  - Running unnecessary procedures
  - Pre-billing treatment
    A buyer should be cautious: inflated numbers ? sustainable revenue.

4. PPO / Insurance Manipulation Is a Growing Concern
Practices sometimes:
  - Drop PPOs before selling
  - Switch PPO participation
  - Adjust fee schedules to appear more profitable
    Understanding the insurance environment is essential to projecting true cash flow.

5. Seller Behavior Tells You Almost Everything
Pay attention if the seller:
  - Wants to leave immediately
  - Avoids answering questions
  - Has incomplete records
  - Shows disorganized systems
    These behaviors often align with financial or operational decline.

Want more podcasts from The Dental Boardroom? - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dental-boardroom/id1518344747
Want more podcasts from The Dental Sales? - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dental-practice-sale/id1677648235

Discover Your Complete Financial Team: https://practicecfo.com/
Discover The Best Marketplace to Buy or Sell a Dental Practice: https://practiceorbit.com/

PracticeOrbit:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559125754834
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/practiceorbit/

PracticeCFO:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PracticeCFO
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/practicecfo
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