After decades of patient care, practice growth, and building strong community relationships, many dentists look forward to retirement. But when it comes time to sell the practice and step away, there’s one big question many ask: Do I need a dental broker to help with my transition?

The answer? Absolutely – yes. Especially if you’re planning to retire within the next few years.

At Legacy Practice Transitions, we specialize in guiding dentists through the sale of their practice with clarity, professionalism, and peace of mind. In this post, we’ll explain why working with a dental transition broker is essential for a smooth and profitable retirement – and how it helps preserve your legacy.

Retiring from Dentistry Is a Business Decision—Not Just a Personal One

Selling your dental practice isn’t like selling your house or turning in your keys at work. Your practice is a complex asset – one with staff, patients, contracts, equipment, real estate, and long-standing goodwill.

A dental broker brings both industry knowledge and emotional distance to help you approach your retirement as a strategic business decision. Their role is to protect your interests while helping you maximize the value of what you’ve worked so hard to build.

5 Reasons Retiring Dentists Should Partner With a Dental Broker

1. Accurate, Strategic Valuation of Your Practice

Most dentists don’t know what their practice is truly worth – and the number can change dramatically depending on the market, buyer type, and how your financials are positioned.

A broker:

• Evaluates your practice based on industry standards
• Assesses production, collections, overhead, and goodwill
• Helps improve the value by identifying strengths (and weaknesses) in advance
• Delivers a credible third-party valuation that stands up to buyer and lender scrutiny

At Legacy, our valuations are specifically designed to support successful, fair transitions – not inflated numbers that scare off qualified buyers.

2. You Only Get One Shot to Sell It Right

This is your retirement plan, your legacy, and your last major business decision in dentistry. Most dentists will only sell one practice in their lifetime. You don’t get a do-over.

A dental broker ensures:

• You don’t undervalue or overprice the practice
• You find the right type of buyer (individual vs. DSO)
• The terms of the deal align with your financial and lifestyle goals
• You avoid legal or tax mistakes that could haunt you post-retirement

3. Confidential Marketing to Qualified Buyers

You may worry that listing your practice for sale will cause uncertainty among staff or patients. A dental transition broker handles marketing confidentially, ensuring your team and your reputation are protected throughout the process.

Brokers also bring a network of vetted buyers, including private individuals and DSOs, who are actively seeking practices like yours. This means more serious interest, faster deals, and better offers.

4. Deal Structure That Supports Your Retirement Goals

Selling your practice isn’t just about the price – it’s about how the deal is structured:

• Will you stay on post-sale?
• Will you sell the real estate or lease it back?
• How will taxes affect your take-home amount?
• What’s the timeline for payment?

A dental broker helps you structure the deal in a way that’s tax-efficient, fair, and aligned with your retirement vision – whether that’s total freedom or part-time work during the transition.

5. Support Through Every Step of the Transition

From the moment you decide to sell to the day you hand over the keys, a broker is there to guide the process. That includes:

• Handling due diligence and document requests
• Working with your CPA and attorney
• Coordinating with lenders
• Managing buyer communications
• Ensuring a smooth transition for your patients and staff

At Legacy, we understand that this is more than a sale – it’s a life transition. We walk alongside you through every stage, offering honest advice and personalized service to make the process feel less overwhelming.

Start Planning Now – Even If Retirement Feels Far Off

Here’s something most dentists don’t realize: you don’t need to be ready to sell tomorrow to benefit from a broker today.

In fact, the sooner you start planning your transition, the better your outcomes will be. Working with a broker 2–5 years ahead gives you time to:

• Strengthen your practice’s financials
• Reduce overhead
• Increase curb appeal
• Address any red flags
• Improve valuation and negotiation power

Whether you’re retiring next year or just starting to think about it, now is the right time to explore your options.

Your Legacy Deserves a Strategic Transition

You’ve spent your life serving others – it’s time to plan a retirement that honors your hard work and allows you to exit on your terms. At Legacy Practice Transitions, we help dentists like you sell with confidence, maximize value, and walk away with peace of mind.

Ready to talk about your next chapter?

Contact us to speak with our team or request a free consultation to start planning your transition today – no pressure, just expert guidance.

States Serviced by Legacy Practice Transitions

• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Missouri
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• South Carolina
• Tennessee
• Wisconsin