If you’re a dentist thinking about selling your practice, you may be wondering: Do I really need to hire a dental practice broker?

It’s a fair question—and one we hear often. After all, you’ve spent your entire career building a successful practice. You may assume that finding a buyer, agreeing on a price, and signing on the dotted line is something you can handle on your own.

But here’s the truth: selling a dental practice is one of the most complex financial transactions you’ll ever navigate—and going it alone could cost you far more than the broker’s commission.

At Legacy Practice Transitions, we specialize in helping dentists just like you sell their practice with clarity, confidence, and maximum value. In this blog, we’ll walk through what a dental broker actually does, why sellers benefit from professional representation, and how working with the right team can make or break your transition.

What Does a Dental Practice Broker Do?

A dental practice broker is a licensed professional who guides dentists through the practice sale process from start to finish. While their roles can vary depending on your goals, a trusted broker typically helps with:

• Practice Evaluation: Determining a fair market price based on financials, location, goodwill, and more.
• Marketing: Confidentially marketing your practice to qualified buyers—including private buyers and DSOs.
• Negotiation: Structuring deal terms that protect your interests and maximize your return.
• Due Diligence Support: Helping gather and organize documents for buyers and lenders.
• Transition Planning: Guiding timelines, staff communications, contracts, and handoffs.

Put simply, a broker helps you get the most from your practice while avoiding costly mistakes.

5 Reasons Why Dentists Shouldn’t Sell Alone

1. Selling Requires a Different Skill Set Than Running a Practice

You may be a seasoned clinician and business owner—but negotiating a sale is a different game entirely. From complex financial modeling to contract law to deal structuring, selling a practice requires skills most dentists simply haven’t had to develop.

A dental broker brings the experience, insight, and network to ensure you don’t leave money on the table—or get blindsided later.

2. You Need an Accurate, Defensible Valuation

Overpricing your practice can scare off buyers. Undervaluing it leaves your hard-earned equity on the table. Brokers use detailed valuation methods based on industry standards, market comps, and your unique financials to provide an accurate, credible value.

At Legacy, our valuations are clear, evidence-based, and respected by both buyers and lenders.

3. Confidentiality Matters—More Than You Think

Listing your practice publicly or spreading the word too soon can cause panic among staff, patients, or competitors. A broker protects your confidentiality by discreetly screening buyers, using NDAs, and managing communications carefully—so your business continues smoothly until closing.

4. Buyers Come With Representation—So Should You

Whether your buyer is a private dentist or a corporate DSO, they will have attorneys, CPAs, and advisors in their corner. Selling without a broker is like showing up to a chess match without your queen. You need a professional looking out for your best interest at every step.

5. A Broker Maximizes Your Return—Not Just Your Price

Price is just one part of the deal. What about the payment structure? Taxes? Real estate? Employment agreements? A broker helps you negotiate not just a number, but a transition plan that supports your retirement, protects your team, and honors your legacy.

At Legacy, we often increase sellers’ final take-home value by structuring smarter, tax-efficient deals.

What About the Commission?

Some dentists hesitate to hire a broker due to the commission fee—typically a small percentage of the sale price. But when you consider the added value, reduced risk, and time savings a broker provides, most sellers find that their net result is significantly better with representation.

Think of it this way: your practice is likely your most valuable asset. Isn’t it worth protecting with expert help?

Don’t Sell Your Legacy Short

Selling your practice is more than a financial transaction—it’s a once-in-a-career transition that deserves expert care. At Legacy Practice Transitions, we’ve helped hundreds of dentists navigate the sale of their practice with honesty, professionalism, and personal attention.

Whether you’re ready to sell soon or just starting to explore your options, our team is here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.

Ready to take the next step?

Contact us to speak with our team or request a free consultation to see how we can help you sell smarter—with no pressure and no obligation.

States Serviced by Legacy Practice Transitions

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