Selling Your Dental Practice to a DSO? Know What the Offer Is Really Worth
DSO offers are built by professional acquisition teams. We help you evaluate the structure behind the headline number, compare it against private-buyer alternatives, and negotiate terms that protect your income, your team, and your legacy.
Dental Support Organizations are acquiring practices at a record pace, and unsolicited offers can look compelling on paper. But a DSO purchase price is rarely a single cash number — it is a structure of cash at closing, earnouts, equity rollovers, holdbacks, and work-back commitments that can shift the real value dramatically.
Practice Transitions Institute helps you understand what you are actually being offered, whether a private buyer would serve you better, and how to negotiate from a position of knowledge instead of guesswork.
How We Help You Evaluate a DSO Deal
Offer & LOI Review
We break down the letter of intent line by line — cash at closing, earnouts, equity, holdbacks, and exclusivity terms — so you know exactly what you are agreeing to.
Independent Valuation
An objective opinion of your practice's market value gives you a baseline, so the DSO's number is measured against reality rather than accepted on faith.
DSO vs Private Buyer
We compare the DSO path against a private sale on the dimensions that matter: certainty of proceeds, timeline, work-back expectations, team continuity, and legacy.
Negotiation & Closing
We advocate on your behalf through negotiation, due diligence, and closing, working alongside your attorney and CPA to protect the terms that matter to you.
What's Behind a DSO's Headline Number
Cash at Closing vs Contingent Value
Earnouts and holdbacks depend on future performance and future events. We help you see how much of the offer is guaranteed and how much is a promise.
Equity Rollovers
Rolling part of your proceeds into DSO equity can pay off — or not. The value depends on the DSO's health, structure, and eventual liquidity event.
Work-Back Terms
Most DSO deals require you to keep practicing for years under new ownership. Compensation, production targets, and autonomy all belong in the negotiation.
Team & Legacy
What happens to your staff, your patients, and your practice's identity is negotiable — but only if it is addressed before you sign.
Received a DSO Offer? Get a Second Opinion First
Before you sign a letter of intent, have our team review the offer and show you what your practice is worth on the open market.
Book Your Free ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions
Keep Reading
Weighing your options? Our decision guide compares both paths in detail: Should You Sell Your Dental Practice to a DSO or a Private Buyer?
Not sure what your practice is worth yet? Start with an Opinion of Value or our practice sale readiness checklist.
What Our Sellers Say
Hear from dentists who navigated their sale with our guidance
I have known Dr. Michael Nio since 2016, and over the years he has played an important role in some of the biggest professional decisions of my career. When Michael sold our practice in 2020, he delivered exactly what he said he would. His valuation proved accurate, the process was smooth, and his guidance gave us confidence every step of the way. In an environment where uncertainty can be overwhelming, Michael brought clarity, honesty, and calm leadership. I've also watched him step in for colleagues during some of the most stressful moments of their careers - navigating difficult partnership disputes, unexpected health crises, and other situations that required not just expertise, but compassion. He never shrinks from the hard conversations, and he always leads with integrity. Michael has also helped me personally during a very contentious partnership situation. His advice steadied me when I could have easily made decisions I would have regretted. His perspective was invaluable, and his loyalty was unwavering. What makes Michael unique is that he doesn't just act as a broker - he becomes a trusted advisor. He engages deeply with each client's goals, fears, and priorities. He takes the time to truly understand the full picture before offering guidance. Beyond his professional skill, Michael is someone I consider a friend and like family. He has a steady, calm presence that reassures you in difficult moments, and a genuine passion for helping dentists succeed - not just in transactions, but in building meaningful careers. I recommend him without hesitation to any dentist facing a transition, partnership decision, or major career move. Few people combine experience, integrity, and genuine care for their clients the way Michael does.
Dr. Lee Boese
Practice Seller
After 35 years of owning my private dental practice, deciding to sell was both a deeply personal and professional milestone. I was fortunate to work with Michael Njo at Practice Transitions Institute, whose expertise, integrity and calm guidance made all the difference in this life changing process. Michael approached the transition with genuine care. As a fellow dentist himself he understood the emotional weight of passing on a practice built over decades - not just the business side, but the relationships with my patients, staff, as well as the legacy I wanted to preserve. His firsthand experience gave me confidence and I knew I was in good hands. Michael navigated every stage of the transition with professionalism and respect for my goals. He found the perfect buyer who shares my commitment to high quality dental care and will carry on the legacy I worked so hard to build. I know my patients and staff will be left in good hands. If you are considering selling your practice and want a team that truly understands the emotional and practical complexities of the process, I highly recommend Michael and the Practice Transitions Institute.
Brian Valle
Practice Seller
I attended Mike's practice transition seminar and read his book. He was a very knowledgeable and seasoned expert in this area. I decided to use his consultation service to handle my practice sale. He was able to match a buyer within 2 weeks and completed the transaction within 45 days. He was so amazingly efficient throughout the transition process. I highly recommend him to any dentist interested in selling or buying a dental practice. Thanks again, Mike, you are my Superman.
Tony Choi
Practice Seller
Make Your DSO Decision with Confidence
Schedule a confidential consultation with our team of dental transition experts.
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