A Dentist’s Guide to Buying a Practice in the Midwest
Thinking about buying a dental practice? Our expert guide explains how to find the right opportunity and avoid common pitfalls.
Owning a dental practice is a major career milestone that offers professional independence, financial growth, and the ability to shape patient care your way. For dentists in the Midwest, buying a dental practice can be a smart investment — but it requires careful planning, due diligence, and guidance from experienced professionals.
As a trusted Midwest dental broker, Lakeshore Dental Brokers helps dentists navigate every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful acquisition.
Understanding Practice Types: FFS vs. PPO
When exploring dental practice opportunities, it’s important to understand the difference between Fee-for-Service (FFS) and PPO practices:
FFS Practices: Revenue comes directly from patients for services rendered. These practices often offer higher profitability and greater control over treatment plans.
PPO Practices: Revenue is influenced by insurance reimbursement rates and network restrictions. While these practices may have a stable patient base, profit margins can be lower.
Knowing the type of practice you prefer will help narrow your search and identify opportunities that align with your goals.
Key Considerations When Buying a Practice
Location
Assess demographics, local competition, and community growth.
Proximity to your desired living area is important for work-life balance.
Patient Base
Look at active patient numbers, retention rates, and treatment history.
A loyal and growing patient base increases practice stability and value.
Growth Potential
Evaluate opportunities to expand services, add staff, or increase hours.
Identify whether the practice has underutilized potential, such as hygiene or specialty services.
Financing and Lender Partnerships
Financing is often a critical factor in acquiring a practice. Through established lender partnerships, Lakeshore Dental Brokers helps buyers:
Get pre-qualified for loans
Structure financing to fit their goals
Negotiate favorable terms for both purchase price and equipment/real estate
Having financing in place early makes your offer more competitive and accelerates the closing process.
How Lakeshore Dental Brokers Helps Buyers
Early Access: See high-quality, vetted practices before they hit the open market.
Expert Guidance: Navigate the purchase process from initial offer to post-sale transition.
Negotiation Support: Secure favorable purchase terms and protect your investment.
Post-Acquisition Planning: Ensure a smooth transition for staff, patients, and operations.
Buying a dental practice is a major decision — and the right guidance can make all the difference. Explore exclusive Midwest dental practice opportunities with Lakeshore Dental Brokers today.
