By Polaris Healthcare Partners

If you’re a dental practice owner thinking about selling your business in the next 12 to 24 months, you’re entering a pivotal chapter, one that deserves thoughtful planning, not just a handshake and a valuation.

The market is consolidating. Buyers are becoming more selective. And the practices that command the highest valuations aren’t just profitable, they’re operationally sound, margin-aware, and built for continuity.

At Polaris Healthcare Partners, we specialize in helping founder-led practices prepare for and navigate the sale process. This isn’t about hype. It’s about helping you understand what drives value, and how to capture it.

The Market Is Changing – Are You Ready?

Consolidation in healthcare is accelerating. Private equity-backed groups and DSOs are actively acquiring practices, but they’re not buying just anything. They’re looking for businesses that are well-run, scalable, and clinically consistent.

If you’re thinking about selling, you need to start preparing now. Not six months before you want out. Not after a buyer shows interest. Now.

Understand Your Margins And Improve Them

One of the first questions a buyer will ask is: “What’s your EBITDA margin?” If you don’t know, or if it’s lower than industry benchmarks, that’s a red flag.

Improving margins isn’t about slashing costs, it’s about running smarter. That means:

  • Reviewing your financials monthly and understanding where your money goes
  • Evaluating staffing levels and productivity
  • Negotiating better rates with suppliers and labs
  • Optimizing your schedule to reduce downtime and cancellations

Every percentage point of margin improvement can translate into tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in added value.

Continuity of Care Matters More Than You Think

Buyers aren’t just buying your numbers. They’re buying your reputation, your team, and your patient relationships. Continuity of care is critical.

Ask yourself:

  • Will your associates stay after the sale?
  • Is your hygiene program strong and consistent?
  • Are your clinical protocols documented and repeatable?

If the answer to any of these is “I’m not sure,” it’s time to shore things up. Buyers want to know that patients will continue to receive excellent care and that your team is aligned with the future.

Operational Readiness Drives Valuation

When a buyer looks at your practice, they’re asking: “Is this business ready to scale?” That means:

  • Clean, organized financials
  • Documented systems and processes
  • A team that understands their roles
  • A clear growth story

These aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re value drivers. Practices that are operationally ready command higher multiples period.

Why Polaris Healthcare Partners?

We’re not just advisors. We’re operators. We’ve built, scaled, and sold dental businesses ourselves. We understand the clinical, financial, and emotional complexities of selling a practice.

When you work with us, we help you:

  • Benchmark your performance
  • Identify and implement margin improvements
  • Prepare for diligence
  • Navigate buyer negotiations
  • Maximize your valuation

Selling your practice is a once-in-a-lifetime event. You deserve a partner who understands what’s at stake and knows how to help you win. Let’s chat.