If you’re selling your dental or veterinary practice and come across an “advisor” claiming their services are free because the buyer pays the fee — stop and ask questions. What sounds like a perk can actually be a major conflict of interest that costs you real money. Here’s what every seller should know before signing on.

Too many deals fall apart, not because the business isn’t strong, but because the seller’s expectations don’t line up with reality. In this blog, we share a real example of a practice that looked great on paper but never got to closing, and the lessons every seller should learn before going to market.

When an owner starts thinking about selling, the first question is usually, “What’s my practice worth?” That’s an important question—but not the first one you should be asking. The real starting point is making sure you are ready: financially, mentally, and strategically.

When it comes time to sell your practice, the numbers aren’t enough. Buyers aren’t just purchasing equipment and financials — they’re buying confidence that the team will stay, the clients won’t leave, and the transition will be smooth. At Wicklow, we help practice owners prepare, position, and transition so they can maximize value and close with certainty.

We say this often at Wicklow, because it’s a critical distinction that many buyers (and even some advisors) miss. When a corporate buyer or private equity group is evaluating a multi-doctor practice, they want to know what the business throws off in pure operational profit—before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization.

If you’re exploring practice ownership, one question comes up every time: “Should I buy an existing practice, or should I start one from scratch?” The real answer is: it depends on you — and the vision you have for your future.

When it comes to selling your healthcare practice — whether veterinary, dental, or medical — timing is everything. Many owners believe they can wait “just a few more years” to build value, only to discover too late that the market, or their own business fundamentals, have shifted against them.

When you're buying a dental, veterinary, or medical practice, you’re not just choosing a business — you’re laying the foundation for years of ownership. One of the most critical decisions you’ll make during that process is choosing your bank.

Dentists, by nature, are solitary beings. Most practice alone and many have no arrangement to keep their practices running if they are unable to be in the office. The thinking often goes, “I have life/disability/overhead/malpractice insurance. What else is there to worry about?” An often-overlooked “insurance” is the cross-coverage group—an agreement among like-minded practitioners to fill in for one another if a member is disabled or dies.

Marketing your dental practice takes more than just getting your name out there. A successful dental practice uses marketing to ensure the right people know, trust, and choose you over the competition.

In recent years, private equity (PE) has reshaped the dental industry. Dental practices, especially those with strong profitability and growth potential, have become hot commodities for PE firms eager to consolidate and scale through Dental Support Organizations (DSOs).

If you’re a mid-career dentist, you might be surprised to hear that partnering with a Dental Support Organization (DSO) isn’t just for those nearing retirement. More and more mid-career dentists are exploring DSO affiliations as a way to grow their careers, secure financial stability, and lighten the load of managing a practice.

For many dentists nearing retirement, affiliating with a Dental Support Organization (DSO) can feel like a perfect solution. They offer financial security, operational relief, and a clear path to your next chapter.

In any dental practice, maintaining a healthy profit margin depends on controlling operational expenses, including the often-overlooked Cost of Goods Sold (COGS). Understanding and managing COGS is crucial for long-term financial health, as it directly impacts profitability.

If you're reading this, chances are you're nearing retirement and contemplating selling your dental practice. First, congratulations on reaching this significant career milestone.

If you're reading this, chances are you're nearing retirement and contemplating selling your dental practice. First, congratulations on reaching this significant career milestone.

Whether you're dreaming of owning a dental practice or considering selling your dental business, you're embarking on a unique journey. Unlike any other business, dental practices come…

Imagine having a knowledgeable friend by your side as you navigate the intricate maze of selling your business. That's what Wicklow Healthcare Advisory brings to the table – seasoned expertise, industry insights, and a commitment to your success.

It's Tax Day, which means it’s time to kickstart your planning for next year. Are you mulling over selling your business and pondering your legacy? Take a deep breath, relax, and let's sort this out together.

Alright, time to pass the leash to a new owner and embark on a new journey. But let's make sure you get the best financial deal possible for your hard work. Ready? Let's talk about selling your veterinary practice.