Can I Sell My Practice and Continue Working There?
Yes, you can sell your practice and continue working as an employee or associate. This arrangement is common and can benefit both seller and buyer.
Why Sellers Stay On
- Gradual transition: Introduce patients to new doctor slowly
- Continued income: Salary or production percentage
- Staff retention: Maintain team stability
- Legacy preservation: See practice continue successfully
- Buyer preference: Many buyers want transition support
Common Employment Arrangements
Transition Period (3-12 months)
- Part-time clinical work
- Patient introduction support
- Referring dentist meetings
- Consulting on complex cases
Long-Term Associate
- Ongoing clinical role
- Employee status
- No ownership responsibilities
- Flexible schedule
Employment Terms to Negotiate
| Element | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Compensation | Percentage of production or salary |
| Schedule | Days/hours per week |
| Duration | Transition period length |
| Non-compete | Geographic and time restrictions |
| Benefits | Health, retirement, CE |
Benefits of Staying On
- Additional income stream
- Patient retention support
- Maintain professional identity
- Flexible semi-retirement
- Reduced stress (no ownership)
Potential Challenges
- Working for someone else
- Loss of clinical autonomy
- Schedule constraints
- Staff relationship changes
Structuring the Agreement
- Define transition timeline clearly
- Specify compensation structure
- Address patient handoff protocols
- Include performance expectations
- Plan exit strategy
Bottom Line
Selling and staying on is common and often beneficial. Structure clear employment terms, define the transition period, and maintain open communication with the new owner for best results.
Transition planning help? Contact DentalBridge.