✅ Free Tool

Deal Readiness Checklist

Assess how prepared you are to sell your dental practice and identify gaps before going to market.

Readiness Score
Complete the checklist below
0%
0 of 25 items checked 0 / 100 pts
💰
Financial Documentation
Buyers and lenders require clean, verified financials
✓
3 years of tax returns prepared and accessible
Federal business tax returns (Form 1120-S or Schedule C) for the last 3 fiscal years
8 pts
✓
Profit & Loss statements (YTD + 2 prior years)
Current year P&L through last month, plus two complete prior-year statements
6 pts
✓
Outstanding debt and liability schedule prepared
List of all loans, leases, and liabilities with balances and payoff amounts
5 pts
✓
Production reports by provider and procedure
Monthly production and collections data from your practice management software
4 pts
✓
Accounts receivable aging report current
Current A/R aging with insurance vs. patient breakdown
3 pts
⚖️
Legal & Operational Readiness
Clean legal status reduces buyer risk and accelerates closing
✓
Dental license is current and in good standing
No disciplinary actions, probation, or pending investigations with the state dental board
7 pts
✓
Office lease reviewed — assignable or transferable
Lease contains assignment clause or landlord has agreed to negotiate with buyer
6 pts
✓
No pending or active malpractice claims
Current malpractice insurance without open claims that could affect practice value
4 pts
✓
Employee contracts and staff agreements documented
Written employment agreements, non-competes, or offer letters for key staff
3 pts
✓
OSHA and HIPAA compliance documentation up to date
Current compliance manuals, training logs, and risk assessments available
2 pts
🦷
Practice Operations
Operational health signals to buyers that the practice can run without you
✓
Associate or hygienist can run the practice independently
The practice is not 100% dependent on the selling dentist's presence for revenue
6 pts
✓
Patient count and active patient list documented
Number of active patients (seen in last 18 months) clearly tracked in your PMS
5 pts
✓
Equipment inventory and condition list ready
Complete list of major equipment, age, condition, and any recent repairs or upgrades
4 pts
✓
Recall and hygiene systems are consistent and documented
Active recall rate, hygiene schedule utilization, and cancellation rate trackable
3 pts
✓
Insurance credentialing list current and transferable
Full list of accepted insurance plans with contact info; re-credentialing plan considered
2 pts
🧠
Personal & Strategic Readiness
Emotional and strategic clarity is critical for a smooth transaction
✓
Clear on your minimum acceptable sale price
You have a walk-away number based on valuation and personal financial needs
5 pts
✓
Transition plan defined (1 yr, 6 mo, or clean break)
You know whether you'll stay on as associate, taper off, or do a clean handoff
4 pts
✓
Accountant and attorney engaged for the transaction
You have a CPA and attorney who have experience with dental practice sales
3 pts
✓
Confidentiality plan in place (staff, patients, community)
Strategy to keep the sale confidential until closing is ready
3 pts
✓
Post-sale financial plan reviewed with advisor
Tax strategy for proceeds, retirement implications, and investment plan considered
2 pts
📊
Market Positioning
How your listing will appear to buyers and DSOs
✓
Practice valuation completed (independent or tool-based)
You have a realistic valuation from an independent broker or valuation tool
4 pts
✓
Photos of office interior and exterior ready
Professional or high-quality photos showing operatories, reception, and exterior
3 pts
✓
Practice description narrative drafted
2–3 paragraph narrative highlighting strengths, growth opportunity, and community presence
3 pts
✓
Target buyer type identified (individual, DSO, associate)
You know your preferred buyer type and have structured your deal accordingly
2 pts
✓
Non-disclosure agreement (NDA) template ready for inquiries
Standard NDA prepared to protect sensitive info before sharing financials with buyers
2 pts
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Your Deal Readiness Score

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