Dental Practice Sales Blog

The broker listed on a dental practice for sale works for the seller. They are hired by the seller, paid by the seller, and legally obligated to get the seller the best outcome, which is not automatically your best outcome.

Many dentists buy a practice with no down payment on the practice itself. According to the ADA, depending on the practice, many banks are willing to cover 100% of the purchase price plus some working capital to carry you through the first few months

The terms that matter most in an associate employment agreement are the ones that decide what happens after you leave, not the pay number on page one. Restrictive covenants, ownership opportunities, notice requirements, patient relationships, and exit terms can have a much bigger impact on your long-term career than your starting salary. Understanding these provisions before you sign can help you avoid costly surprises later.

If you're searching for an associate dentist job, you've probably already got three tabs open: Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and maybe the ADA CareerCenter. That's a reasonable place to start. But after watching hundreds of dentists go through this in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and the Florida Panhandle, I can tell you the conversation around job boards vs. dental placement services is where things really start to matter because the job that ends up being the right one doesn't always come from where you'd expect.

You took on six figures of dental school debt, you finished your boards, and now you are staring at job offers across the Southeast trying to figure out which number is actually fair. The tricky part is that associate dentist salary data is genuinely messy, and the gap between what one website tells you and what another tells you can be the size of a second mortgage. So let's walk through what the real numbers look like in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida, where they come from, and why the smartest financial move in dentistry usually has nothing to do with negotiating a higher paycheck.

You've spent 20 years building a practice in Marietta, and now you're starting to wonder what it's actually worth. That number matters more than almost any other figure in your financial life, and the honest answer is that it depends on a lot more than what you collected last year. A proper dental practice valuation looks at how your practice earns, not just how much it brings in. Get that distinction right and you'll walk into a sale with realistic expectations

This article walks through how to find an associate position with a genuine ownership track, what to look for in the practice and the contract, where the strongest opportunities sit in the Southeast right now, and the mistakes that most often derail the deal.

Searching for associate dentist jobs in 2026 isn't what it was even five years ago. The market has shifted. Dental support organizations (DSOs) keep growing their share of postings, private owners are hiring associates with mentorship and ownership tracks attached, and rural practices in the Southeast are advertising starting packages that often outpace metro offers.

This guide walks through where to look for associate positions in the Southeast, why so many dentists are relocating from the Northeast, what to watch for in an offer, and how DDSMatch South fits in if you'd rather have someone with regional connections doing the introductions for you.

The best dental practice broker in Atlanta isn't the one with the loudest marketing. It's the one with verifiable experience selling dental practices specifically, current relationships with active buyers, and the kind of professional standing that doesn't have to be self-declared.

You've spent years building a dental practice in Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, or somewhere across Georgia, and now you're starting to wonder what it's actually worth. Getting a dental practice valuation in Georgia done right starts with understanding the methods involved and, just as importantly, the broker you trust to guide that process. Choose the wrong approach or the wrong professional, and you risk walking away with less than your practice deserves, or spending months pursuing buyers who were never a realistic match.

DDSMatch South dental practice broker Matt Poppert, MBA, CBI, served as a featured speaker at the 2026 Hinman Dental Meeting, held March 12–14 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Poppert addressed dental professionals on March 13 during a one-hour session focused on dental practice transitions.

You have spent decades building a dental practice. Maybe you are in Marietta or Murfreesboro, Huntsville or Pensacola. Now, with 2026 underway, you are realizing that the market for selling a dental practice in 2026 has changed in ways that could cost you real money if you go in unprepared.

For most dentists, selling a dental practice is a once-in-a-lifetime event and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. After decades of building something from the ground up, the stakes feel impossibly high. You've poured your heart into this practice, and now you're facing decisions that will shape your retirement, your legacy, and the futures of the people who depend on you.

If you've owned a dental practice in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, or the Florida Panhandle for any length of time, you've probably received unsolicited calls, emails, or letters from Dental Service Organizations DSOs looking to buy your practice. These approaches often come with an appealing message: "We can make this simple. No need to involve a broker."

That’s a question that comes up in almost every initial conversation with dentists thinking about selling. The worry makes sense. You’ve spent years building relationships with patients and staff, and the last thing you want is for word to get out prematurely and create chaos in your practice.

You’ve spent years building your practice, and now you’re thinking about selling. Maybe retirement is on the horizon, or you’re ready for a new chapter. Either way, working with a dental practice broker can take a mountain of work off your plate and help you get a fair price for what you’ve built.

You've spent 20 years building a thriving dental practice in Marietta. The equipment is paid off, your patient base is solid, and you're finally ready to think about your exit strategy. Then someone asks the question that stops you cold: "What are you doing with the building?"

If you own a dental practice where half or more of your patients rely on Medicaid, you already know the financial tightrope you walk every day. What you might not know is how these low reimbursement rates affect your practice's value when it's time to sell.

If you own a dental practice in a smaller town anywhere from the Florida Panhandle up through Tennessee, you've probably noticed something: the practice sale landscape looks different than it does in Atlanta or Nashville. Rural areas have about 24 practicing dentists for every 100,000 people, compared to almost 37 dentists per 100,000 in urban areas. That shortage means something different depending on whether you're looking from the patient side or trying to sell your practice.

You've spent years building your dental practice in Atlanta or Birmingham. The patient base is solid, the team runs smoothly, and the revenue looks good on paper. So why are you seriously considering selling?

You’ve built your dental practice from the ground up. Years of early mornings, late nights, and countless patient relationships have created something valuable. Now you’re thinking about selling, and the process feels overwhelming. Working with an experienced dental broker can help you navigate the sale confidently, ensuring you get the value you’ve earned for all your hard work.

You've made the decision. You're ready to sell your dental practice, and you've been on the market for months now. Maybe you've had a few tire-kickers, some lowball offers, or worse—complete radio silence. You're starting to wonder if something's wrong with your practice, or if you're asking too much, or if you'll ever actually close this deal.

When you're ready to sell your dental practice in Alabama, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is choosing between a Dental Support Organization (DSO) and a private buyer. Both options have their place, but the right choice depends on your personal goals, timeline, and vision for your practice's future.

You've spent years building your dental practice in Alabama, and now you're thinking about selling. Maybe you're eyeing retirement or considering a new opportunity. The thought crosses your mind: "Why pay a broker when I can handle this myself?"

If you're wondering what your dental practice might be worth in today's Alabama market, you're asking the right question at an interesting time. Whether you're in Birmingham's medical district, Huntsville's tech corridor, or serving patients along the Gulf Coast, the valuation landscape has shifted dramatically from what many dentists have been told for years.

ATLANTA, GA – August 24, 2025 – DDSMatch South, a premier dental practice brokerage firm, has received exclusive endorsement from the Georgia Dental Association (GDA) as their trusted dental practice broker. This prestigious recognition highlights the company's commitment to providing exceptional service to dental professionals throughout Georgia.

You've spent years building your Tennessee dental practice, and now you're thinking about selling. Maybe you're wondering if you can handle the sale yourself and save on broker fees. While it's tempting to go the DIY route, there are some significant challenges that many dentists don't anticipate until they're knee-deep in the process.

When you're ready to sell your Tennessee dental practice, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is choosing between a DSO (Dental Support Organization) and a private buyer. Both options have their place, but the right choice depends on your personal goals, timeline, and what matters most to you.

Selling your dental practice is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make. The broker you choose can mean the difference between a smooth, profitable sale and months of frustration. But how do you know if you're talking to the right person? After helping hundreds of dentists through practice transitions, we've noticed the most successful sales happen when dentists ask the right questions upfront. Think of interviewing dental practice brokers like interviewing a new associate - you want someone who understands your vision and has the skills to make it happen.

You've spent years building your dental practice, and now you're thinking about selling. The big question on your mind? Whether to tackle this massive undertaking yourself or bring in a dental practice broker to handle the complexities. It's a decision that could impact not just your final sale price, but your stress levels, time commitment, and the ultimate success of your transition.

If you're a dentist in Knoxville thinking about selling your practice, you're probably feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Maybe you're ready to retire after decades of serving the East Tennessee community, or perhaps you're looking to relocate closer to family. Whatever your reason, selling a dental practice is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make in your career.

The Alabama dental practice market presents unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers in today's evolving healthcare environment. With over 2,400 active dentists serving a population of nearly 5 million residents, Alabama maintains a dentist-to-population ratio of approximately 49 dentists per 100,000 people, which falls below the national average of 61 per 100,000 according to data from the American Dental Association. This shortage creates significant opportunities for practice growth and expansion throughout the state.

If you're a dental practice owner in Georgia wondering "What is my dental practice worth?", you're asking one of the most important financial questions of your career. Your practice represents years of dedication, patient relationships, and business development. Getting an accurate valuation helps you make informed decisions about your future, whether you're planning to sell, bring on a partner, or simply want to understand your financial position.

The Tennessee dental practice market has experienced significant growth over the past five years, with Nashville, Chattanooga, and Knoxville emerging as distinct markets with unique valuation characteristics. Understanding these differences is essential for both buyers and sellers looking to make informed decisions in 2025.

Georgia dental practice market presents unique opportunities across its major metropolitan areas. Each region offers distinct advantages and challenges that directly impact practice valuations and investment potential. Understanding these market dynamics helps practice owners and potential buyers make informed decisions about their dental practice investments.

When selling your dental practice, a broker can be an invaluable asset. Dental brokers specialize in facilitating transactions between buyers and sellers in the dental industry. They provide services including practice valuation, marketing, negotiation, and transition planning. However, not all brokers offer the same level of expertise or service. Before hiring a dental broker, you need to ask specific questions to find the right match for your needs.

Selling a dental practice represents one of the most significant financial transactions in a dentist's career. In the Florida Panhandle, where market dynamics and practice valuations have unique characteristics, working with a specialized dental practice broker can make a substantial difference in your sale outcome. The decision to sell your practice involves complex considerations beyond just the financial aspects, including patient care continuity, staff transitions, and your personal legacy.

When using a dental broker to sell your dental practice, the broker fees you will pay range from 8% to 15% of the final sale price. This percentage varies based on practice size and complexity. Smaller practices producing less than $400,000 annually often face higher commission rates of 10-15% due to marketing expenses and additional work required. Larger practices generally see fees in the 10-15% range.

If you're considering selling your dental practice in Atlanta, you’re entering a dynamic market with unique opportunities. The dental industry in this vibrant metropolitan area continues to show strong demand, with practice valuations averaging 70-80% of annual collections. Whether you're retiring, relocating, or transitioning to a new career, working with an experienced dental practice broker can help you navigate the complexities of the sale process, ensuring you achieve the best possible outcome.

Selling a dental practice in tennessee represents a major life and career milestone. Whether you're planning for retirement, relocating, or simply ready for a new chapter, a successful practice sale requires careful planning and expert guidance. The dental practice market in tennessee has its own unique characteristics, and understanding them will help you maximize your practice's value and create a smooth transition.

Dental practice brokers serve as intermediaries in dental practice transitions, helping to connect buyers and sellers while managing the complex process from start to finish. These professionals guide you through practice valuation, negotiations, contracts, and the transition period from one owner to another. In Tennessee, where the dental market has its own unique characteristics, having a knowledgeable broker can make the difference between a successful transaction and a problematic one.

Selling a dental practice represents one of the most significant financial transactions in a dentist's career. The Georgia dental market has its own distinct characteristics that affect practice values and sale processes. Dental practice brokers specialize in facilitating these transitions, acting as intermediaries between sellers and buyers.

Dental practice brokers serve as intermediaries who facilitate the buying and selling of dental practices. They guide dental professionals through every step of the transition process, including practice valuation, negotiations, contract preparation, and the final handover from one owner to another. A qualified dental broker possesses specialized training that makes them experts in dental practice transitions.

Selling your dental practice represents one of the most significant financial decisions of your career. The way you handle confidentiality during this process can impact the final sale price and the smooth transition of your practice. Here's what you need to know about keeping your practice sale private until the right moment.

A dental practice broker in Nashville serves as your guide through buying or selling a dental practice. These professionals help you understand the Nashville dental market, determine accurate practice valuations, and connect buyers with sellers. They handle negotiations, paperwork, and the transition process from start to finish.

Finding the right dental practice broker in Atlanta requires careful consideration and research. The broker you select will play a significant role in the sale or purchase of your dental practice, making this decision important for your professional future.

Why Selling Your Practice Alone Isn't the Best Option | Alabama Dental Practice Broker Fain Casey

Understanding AR and Patient Credits | Alabama Dental Practice Broker Fain Casey

Planning Ahead for Your Dental Practice’s Future | Georgia Dental Practice Broker John Tressler

Mastering Dental Practice Transition | Georgia Dental Practice Broker John Tressler

Managing Emotions in Dental Practice Sales | Georgia Dental Practice Broker Matt Poppert

Understanding Lease Assignments | Georgia Dental Practice Broker Matt Poppert

Why Early Exit Preparation is Key for Dentists | Georgia Dental Practice Broker Matt Poppert

Why You Shouldn't Sell Your Dental Practice Alone | Georgia Dental Practice Broker John Tressler

Maximize Your Dental Practice Sale | Georgia Dental Practice Broker John Tressler

The Emotional Side of Selling Your Dental Practice | Georgia Dental Practice Broker Matt Poppert

Selling to a DSO vs. Individual Buyer | Tennessee Dental Practice Broker Ryan LaPrad

How to Prepare for Selling Your Dental Practice | Tennessee Dental Practice Broker Ryan LaPrad

Plan Your Dental Practice Transition Early | Tennessee Dental Practice Broker Ryan LaPrad

Lease Tips for a Smooth Dental Practice Transition | Tennessee Dental Practice Broker Ryan LaPrad

A dental practice broker serves as your guide through the process of buying or selling a dental practice. In Alabama, these professionals understand the local market dynamics and help facilitate successful practice transitions. They bring specialized knowledge in practice valuations, negotiations, and the complex legal requirements specific to Alabama dental practices.

Selling your dental practice in Tennessee marks a significant milestone in your professional life. Selecting the right dental practice broker can make the difference between a profitable sale and a challenging experience. Here are five key criteria to help you select a qualified broker for your Tennessee dental practice sale.

When you want to sell your dental practice fast, proper planning and execution make all the difference. This guide walks you through the key steps to speed up the sale process while maintaining value.

Planning to sell your dental practice? In this video, Ryan LaPrad, Tennessee dental practice broker dives deep into the essential steps and considerations to ensure a smooth and profitable transition. From evaluating your practice's value to navigating lease agreements and understanding the impact of DSOs (Dental Service Organizations), our experts share actionable advice for dental professionals.

Thinking of selling your dental practice on your own? Watch this before you make that decision! In this video, Fain Casey, Alabama dental practice broker dives deep into the common challenges dentists face during the practice transition process, why time and expertise matter, and the risks of handling it solo.

Life Lessons From A Marine Turned Entrepreneur | Ever Upward Podcast

Selling a dental practice is not just a financial transaction—it’s an emotional journey for many dentists. After dedicating decades to their practice, building relationships with patients, and creating a loyal team, the decision to transition can feel deeply personal. It's akin to walking a child down the aisle—filled with a mix of pride, nostalgia, and the hope of passing the legacy into the right hands.

A successful dental practice transition requires early planning, optimizing operations, and organizing financials. Engaging professionals like brokers and advisors ensures a smooth sale. Effective staff management, patient communication, and clear transition strategies are key to maintaining practice stability and value.

Transitioning a dental practice—whether you’re buying or selling—can feel like navigating a maze. There are countless considerations, from finances to patient care, and that's where dental practice brokers step in. Think of them as matchmakers, but instead of romance, they're focused on connecting sellers with the right buyers. Their expertise can make the difference between a smooth transition and a stressful ordeal, especially when ensuring that your patients continue to receive top-notch care during the process.

Navigating the process of buying or selling a dental practice can be tricky, and that’s where dental practice brokers come in. These professionals act as middlemen, guiding both buyers and sellers through the process. With deep expertise in both the dental field and Georgia’s market, they help ensure a smooth transition between practice owners.

The sale of a dental practice is a significant decision that will affect the owner's professional life and future financial success. Transitioning ownership is complex and multidimensional; it requires a combination of industry experience, business acumen, and people skills. While many practitioners may contemplate taking a do-it-yourself approach, the complexity most often requires professional assistance. That is where the dental broker comes in: an ultra-specialized intermediary primed for the overwhelming task of selling your practice. In the following article, we identify six key reasons why hiring a dental broker is a plus and a must for an effective and gainful practice sale.

DDSMatch South's own Matt Poppert was recently featured on the Dental Nachos Podcast to discuss selling your dental practice to private sellers or DSOs.

In this episode, guest Ryan LaPrad, an experienced dental practice broker from DDS Match South, explores the important but often intimidating process of dental practice transitions and shares key insights every dentist should consider whether buying or selling a practice. He details the complexities of negotiating with corporate groups and how working with a specialist can significantly impact the financial outcome. Learn how Ryan got an additional $5MM in value for one seller in his practice sale!

Selling your dental practice in Tennessee can be a big decision, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to capitalize on years of hard work. Whether you plan to retire, move on to a new venture, or simply pass the torch, the process can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate the most important aspects of selling your practice, breaking down the five critical things you need to consider to ensure a smooth and successful sale.

Selling your dental practice is one of the biggest milestones in your professional life. It's not just about moving on; it’s about transitioning a legacy you’ve built over the years with hard work, dedication, and trust from your patients. If you're based in Georgia, navigating the process involves understanding the market, legalities, timing, and much more. This guide walks you through five critical areas that will help you make informed, confident decisions as you prepare for this big step.

The decision to sell a dental practice is a significant career move for a dentist. It's the result of years of dedication & patient care. However, selling a practice comes with risks that can alter the outcome. This article examines five common mistakes dentists make when selling their practice and offers tips for helping practitioners transition.

Published 06/28/24 Written by DDS Match South, a dental practice broker operating in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Florida Panhandle. Introduction to How to Sell Your Dental Practice Selling a dental practice is a significant milestone in a dentist’s career. Knowing how to sell your dental practice will give dentists an advantage. It’s a complex…