Selling a Specialist Practice vs General Dentistry
Specialist practices sell differently than general dentistry. Understanding these differences helps you position and price appropriately.
Valuation Differences
| Factor | General Dentistry | Specialist |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple of collections | 0.65-0.80x | 0.70-0.95x |
| EBITDA multiple | 3.0-5.0x | 3.5-7.0x |
| Patient base value | Broad, stable | Referral-dependent |
| Equipment value | Standard | Higher (specialized) |
Buyer Pool Differences
General Dentistry
- Larger buyer pool
- Recent graduates common
- DSOs very active
- Easier to finance
Specialist Practices
- Smaller, specialized buyer pool
- Must be same specialty
- Longer marketing period
- Higher buyer qualifications
Transition Differences
General Dentistry
- Direct patient relationship
- Shorter transition typical
- Associate can take over
Specialist Practices
- Referral network critical
- Longer transition needed
- Referring dentist introductions essential
Marketing Approaches
General Practice
- Broad marketing
- Dental school placement
- Online listings
- Broker networks
Specialist Practice
- Specialty society networks
- Residency programs
- Specialty-specific brokers
- Referring dentist referrals
Bottom Line
Specialist practices often command higher multiples but require longer marketing periods and more specialized transition planning.
Specialty practice sale? Contact DentalBridge.