5 Signs It’s Time to Sell Your Dental Practice

Selling a dental practice is a major decision, and timing is everything. For many dentists, knowing when to sell can be more difficult than knowing how. At Frye Practice Sales, we’ve guided hundreds of dentists through smooth, profitable transitions, and we’ve learned to spot the key indicators that it’s time to consider selling.

If you’re asking yourself whether it’s time to move on, here are five signs that say: yes, it might be.

1. You’re Nearing Retirement or Want a Lifestyle Change

If you're within a few years of retirement, it's a smart move to start planning your exit now. Selling at the right time can maximize the value of your practice and give you more control over your post-career life. Even if you’re not retiring completely, you might want to scale back, relocate, or shift into teaching or consulting.

Tip: The earlier you start the process, the more options you’ll have, such as phased transitions or selling to a DSO with a multi-year earn-out.

2. Growth Has Plateaued—and You’re Not Interested in Scaling Further

Has your practice reached its peak, but you're not motivated to invest in the next phase of growth (e.g., new technology, associates, or marketing)? That’s a good sign; it’s time to pass the torch to someone with fresh energy and ideas.

Buyers are often seeking practices with solid patient bases and untapped growth potential, making this a valuable selling point.

3. You’re Getting More Inquiries Than Ever

If other dentists, DSOs, or investors have been reaching out about buying your practice, it may indicate that the market is hot in your area. A good broker can help you evaluate these inquiries and determine if now is the best time to capitalize.

Frye Practice Sales can also connect you with pre-qualified buyers actively searching in your region.

4. You’re Experiencing Burnout

The stress of running a practice, managing staff, staying on top of regulations, and handling patient care can wear down even the most passionate dentists. If you’re mentally or emotionally drained, it could be time to explore your options before it impacts your health or practice value.

5. The Market Is in Your Favor

Practice values can fluctuate based on location, buyer demand, and industry trends. Right now, Arizona remains a high-demand region for dental buyers and DSOs. If you’ve built a solid, profitable practice, now may be one of the best times in years to sell.

At Frye Practice Sales, we stay current on market conditions, so we can help you identify timing that maximizes your return.

Considering a Sale? Start with a Valuation

A professional dental practice valuation is the first step toward a smart, strategic exit. It helps you understand what your practice is worth—and what’s possible for your future.

Let the team at Frye Practice Sales help you explore your options with clarity and confidence.