62: Trends in the DSO & Private Practice Sale Markets—featuring David Cohen
This episode of The Dental Boardroom podcast, "62: Trends in the DSO & Private Practice Sale Markets," offers an essential, in-depth analysis for any dentist considering their next major professional move. The episode, featuring renowned transaction attorney David Cohen, dissects the seismic shifts that have defined the dental market since the post-COVID transactional boom and the subsequent "market correction" in 2023. Cohen, whose firm oversees hundreds of practice sales annually, provides a clear, expert-driven roadmap to understand the current economic environment where DSO acquisitions have slowed but doctor-to-doctor sales remain consistent. For practice owners, this discussion is not just about valuation, but about timing, strategy, and securing the best possible future for their life's work.
Diving deeper, the conversation moves beyond broad trends to offer actionable intelligence on the specifics of today’s deal landscape. Cohen outlines his proprietary method for helping clients strategically choose between a traditional private sale and an institutional DSO transaction, detailing how the contract terms in DSO deals are subtly but significantly changing to favor the buyer in 2024. Furthermore, the episode casts a spotlight on the recent rise in private partnerships and the increasing popularity of "workbacks" in private sales—crucial structural elements that can dramatically impact a seller’s financial outcome and post-sale life. This is a must-listen guide for maximizing value and structuring a successful, intentional exit in a complex, capital-driven industry.