Leaving a Legacy in 2025: The Right Way to Say Goodbye to Your Patients

After dedicating years—even decades—to serving your community as a dentist, deciding to sell your dental practice is never just a business decision; it’s personal. You’ve built trust, nurtured relationships, and created a professional legacy that deserves to be honored, even as you move on to the next chapter of your life.

A thoughtful, well-planned transition protects the value of your practice and ensures your patients and staff feel respected and supported. Here's how you, as the seller, can leave your practice while retaining your practice’s dignity, appreciation, and lasting goodwill.

1. Prepare and Support Your Staff

Your team plays a vital role in how patients experience the transition. In 2025, patients expect transparency, continuity, and professionalism—and it all begins with your staff.

Communicate early and clearly with your team about the upcoming transition.

• Ensure they understand the importance of presenting a unified front and speaking positively about the new owner.

• Reassure your staff about their roles and the continuity of care, if applicable, and invite them to share concerns privately so they feel heard.

  
  

• An informed, confident team can serve as ambassadors for the new doctor and dramatically improve patient confidence.

2. Create Trust Through Word-of-Mouth

In the age of online reviews and real-time reputation management, internal referrals from staff are more potent than ever. Let your team become the bridge to the new dentist.

Allow the new doctor to provide dental services to staff and their families ahead of the transition.

• Encourage staff to share positive experiences with patients, especially when discussing upcoming appointments.

• Reinforce your confidence in the new owner during team meetings—your endorsement goes a long way.

3. Ease Patients Into the Change

Today’s dental patients are informed and emotionally invested in their healthcare providers. Abrupt change can lead to confusion or even patient attrition, but a gradual transition helps prevent this.

Offer a joint transitional period, even if part-time, during which you and the new dentist are present in the office.

• Introduce the new dentist, in person, during hygiene checks or post-treatment consultations.

  
  

• To build familiarity, allow the new doctor to begin handling simple appointments or emergency visits.

  
  

• Highlight practical benefits, such as faster appointment availability or expanded services that the new provider may offer.

4. Communicate the Transition Clearly and Positively

One of the most meaningful things you can do for your patients is to communicate openly about your departure—and your confidence in your successor.

Send a personal letter or email to your patients outlining your decision to retire or move on.

• Post a thoughtful announcement on your practice’s website and social media channels.

  
  

• Share key details about the new dentist’s credentials, background, and philosophy of care.

• Include a heartfelt note thanking your patients for their loyalty and trust throughout your career.

  
  

• A warm, confident message helps reassure patients that they are in good hands and invites them to embrace the future of your practice.

5. Be Transparent About Your Next Chapter

Whether you're retiring, relocating, or shifting focus to another area of dentistry or business, let patients know your “why” without oversharing.

Framing your transition around gratitude and forward momentum creates a narrative of growth and continuity:

• “After 30 fulfilling years, I’ve decided to retire and spend more time with my family.”

  
  

• “I’m stepping away to pursue new passions, but I will always be grateful for the relationships I’ve built in this community.”

  
  

• “This decision wasn’t easy, but I know I’m leaving the practice in competent hands.”

Patients will appreciate your honesty, especially when paired with a decisive vote of confidence in the new owner.

6. Leave a Lasting Impression

Your departure doesn’t define your legacy—it’s shaped by how you leave.

Ensure your last weeks in the practice reflect the same quality, compassion, and professionalism that built your reputation.

• When possible, thank patients individually.

• Reiterate your team’s commitment to exceptional care, even after your exit.

• This kind of graceful departure builds trust, protects patient retention, and solidifies your reputation for years to come.

Final Thought

Your dental practice is more than just a business—it’s a legacy. By handling your exit with care, communication, and compassion, you not only secure your financial future but also pass the torch with pride.

Whether you're just starting to consider a sale or preparing for a handoff later this year, we're here to guide you through every step of your transition.

Contact our team today to begin crafting your legacy the right way.