Buying or Selling: Conversation with Transition Specialists

Episode Description Join us for a practical and eye-opening conversation with Dr. Rod Strickland and Jimmy Studzinski from Legacy Practice Transitions and Excite Realty. In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of dental practice sales—from navigating DSO offers to preparing your practice for maximum value. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or simply plan for the future, this discussion breaks down what matters most: timing, valuation, and building the right team.

Episode Navigation

01:05 – Jimmy's career shift from cardiology to dental transitions 03:56 – Rod's background as a multi-practice owner and transition into brokerage 05:59 – How dental practice buying/selling has changed 07:17 – Role of corporate dentistry and private equity 10:55 – Impact of top-line revenue thresholds on buyer type 11:14 – Do dentists really need a broker? 13:07 – Sell-side representation and maximizing value 17:48 – Advice for buyers: build your team 18:38 – Solo practitioners vs. group/DSO trends 20:11 – Average practice size vs. DSO acquisition requirements 22:23 – How to prep as a buyer: financing, advisors, and market awareness 26:34 – Preparing to sell: what to do 1–5 years befor30:00 – Final advice and takeaways

Key Takeaways Selling Smart

• Start early: planning 1–5 years out from a sale creates significant value
• A professional broker often increases deal value well beyond commission costs
• A proper valuation (recast) is essential to know your practice's worth and optimize its position

Buying Smart

• Build a solid team: dental CPA, experienced attorney, and a lender familiar with dental deals
• Be pre-approved and have advisors ready—top practices move fast
• Associate experience and production history matter to lenders

Market Trends

• DSO and private equity buyers focus on practices generating $1.2M+ in revenue
• Average practices (~$700–800K) often fall outside that threshold, leaving room for independent buyers
• Solo practice isn't dead—but solo owners need modernization to remain competitive

Featured Guests

Dr. Rod Strickland Dentist and Co-Owner at Legacy Practice Transitions. Former multi-practice owner with over 30 years of experience in the industry, now focused on helping dentists navigate practice sales and transitions with strategy and integrity.

Jimmy Studzinski Transition expert at Excite Realty, specializing in dental practice brokerage and healthcare real estate. With a background in capital equipment sales and deep knowledge of dental economics, Jimmy helps doctors plan strategic exits and legacy-driven sales.

Featured Discussion Topics

• Practice transitions in the DSO era
• Understanding EBITDA and buyer criteria
• Building your buy/sell team
• Valuation and preparation for sale
• Differences between corporate and private buyers
• Future of solo practitioners
• Lessons for new graduates

Connect With Simplify Dentistry

🌐 Website: simplifydds.com 👥 Facebook Group: Simplify Dentistry Community

Topics: dental practice transition, dental brokerage, DSO offers, practice valuation, dental economics, solo dentistry, private equity in dentistry, buying a dental practice, selling a dental practice, dental exit strategy