Secrets of Dental Startups and Practice Acquisitions
Saturday, January 31, 2026
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Course Code:
850SL
Credits:
2
CE Hours
In this course, dentists will learn the essential financial, operational, and strategic principles behind successful dental startups and practice acquisitions. We will uncover the 99 most common pitfalls that derail new owners before they ever open their doors—or during the first years of ownership. Attendees will explore how to evaluate opportunities, secure proper financing, and understand critical valuation metrics. The course explains the legal, tax, and compliance considerations involved in both startups and acquisitions. Participants will also learn how to identify red flags during due diligence and how to build systems that support profitability from day one. By the end, dentists will feel more confident navigating the complexities of ownership and avoiding costly, career-altering mistakes.
Speakers
After this course attendees will be able to:
- Identify major financial, legal, and operational pitfalls in startups and acquisitions
- Determine the viability of a dental practice opportunity using key data and benchmarks
- Examine practice valuation factors and understand their impact on purchase decisions
- Understand both benefits and risks of starting vs. buying a practice
- Recognize due-diligence findings to spot red flags before committing
- Create a structured action plan for opening or acquiring a practice
- Implement systems that support early profitability and sustainable growth
- Compare financing options and choose the most advantageous structure
The Dental CPA grant has been applied to this course.
The Massachusetts Dental Society is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to the Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition at
ADA.org/CERP