Guide · Updated July 2026
Selling a dental practice: a practical guide
To sell a dental practice well, start preparing 12 to 24 months ahead: reduce how much the practice depends on you, clean up the financials, secure the lease, and go to market with an independent valuation. The groundwork is what maximises the price — not the listing.
1. Prepare — the value levers
Buyers pay for certainty. The most effective things you can do before selling all reduce their risk:
- Reduce owner reliance — build associate and hygiene revenue so the practice isn't you.
- Secure the lease — a long, assignable lease on fair terms protects value.
- Clean up the financials — documented, normalised accounts a buyer's adviser can trust.
- Retain key staff and keep equipment current.
These are the same factors that lift your sale multiple.
2. Get an independent valuation
Know what your practice is genuinely worth before you talk to buyers or brokers. An independent valuation sets a defensible asking price and lets you assess offers objectively — rather than accepting the first number put to you. Start with a free estimate, then commission a formal valuation.
3. Understand the process and timeline
Beyond preparation, a sale typically involves marketing (or a direct approach), buyer due diligence, negotiation of price and terms, a contract, and settlement. Due diligence is where unprepared practices unravel — clean records and a defensible valuation keep the process on track.
4. Know your buyer
Private buyers — often associates or dentists seeking ownership; can suit smaller practices and value cultural fit. Corporates / DSOs — can pay strong multiples for larger, systemised practices that fit their model. Weigh price against terms, earn-outs and what happens to your team.
5. Plan for tax
A sale has capital gains tax consequences, and you may be eligible for the Small Business CGT concessions. Speak to your accountant early — the structure of the sale can materially change your after-tax outcome.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start preparing to sell my dental practice?
Ideally 12 to 24 months ahead. The levers that lift value — reducing owner reliance, cleaning up financials, securing the lease — take time to work, and rushed sales usually leave money on the table.
How do I get the best price for my dental practice?
Reduce reliance on yourself by building associate and hygiene revenue, secure a long assignable lease, present clean documented financials, retain key staff, and go to market with an independent valuation that buyers can trust.
Should I sell to a private buyer or a corporate/DSO?
It depends on your practice and goals. Corporates may pay strongly for larger, systemised practices; private buyers often suit smaller ones and can be a better cultural fit. An independent valuation helps you compare offers on a like-for-like basis.
General information only, not financial, tax or valuation advice.