Selling a dental practice is more than a business transaction; it is the passing of a legacy built through years of patient trust, steady growth, and community presence. In a city like Atlanta, where healthcare innovation and local demand keep evolving, timing and preparation can make all the difference. Knowing how to present your practice, what drives its true worth, and how to find the right buyer are the keys to turning your hard work into lasting value.
Dental Practice Trends in Georgia
According to Detagraphics, Georgia’s strong dental network includes 2,306 general and 1,426 specialty practices, each serving more residents than the national average. This higher patient load highlights the state’s growing demand across specialties, as reflected in the chart below:
Chart Source: Dentagraphics
The chart compares dental specialties in Georgia, showing Oral Surgeons with the highest U.S. rank of 48 and 8.6 general practices per specialist, followed by Orthodontists and Periodontists.
While these statistics cover the entire state of Georgia, Atlanta, as the largest city, accounts for a significant share of dental practices. Trends statewide often reflect the competitive environment, patient demographics, and specialty distribution within the Atlanta area. Understanding Georgia’s overall dental landscape enables sellers in Atlanta to gauge demand, set realistic valuations, and develop marketing strategies tailored to the city’s diverse patient base.
This guide walks you through the process of selling a dental practice in Atlanta, highlighting strategies to enhance value and appeal.
1. Assessing the Value of Your Practice
The first step toward a smooth sale is understanding the value of your business. Buyers in Atlanta consider several factors, including location, patient demographics, and accessibility. A practice situated near major routes or growing suburbs can attract higher offers due to visibility and convenience.
To begin, review financial records for the past three years. Adjust for non-recurring expenses to see a true reflection of performance. Patient loyalty also influences the value. Professional appraisers use methods that combine your income, tangible assets, and community reputation to determine your practice’s value. This detailed evaluation provides a realistic assessment of your worth.
A common guideline for the owners of dental practices in Atlanta is to value their operation at about 75 to 80 percent of the previous year’s collections. Strong hygiene production, updated technology, or a prime location can push that figure higher.
2. Understanding Profit and Market Range
According to data from a few job listing sites, dentists earn an average annual salary of about $234,521 in Atlanta, GA, reflecting the city’s competitive healthcare and dental market.
The chart from the data featured on American Dental Association illustrates the average annual salary of dentists in the U.S. for 2024. Non-solo owners earned the highest average income at $274,680, while employed dentists earned the least at $175,940, illustrating the significant impact of ownership on income levels in the dental field.
These income differences underscore how ownership frequently yields higher financial returns. Beyond salary, a practice’s profitability shows the true earning power behind dental ownership.
A key question many dentists ask is, “What is the average profit of a dental practice?” Nationally, profit margins typically hover around 30 to 40 percent after accounting for operating costs. That means a practice with $1 million in revenue might generate approximately $350,000 in profit. A healthy profit margin not only increases your appeal to buyers but also supports a stronger asking price.
3. Preparing Your Office for Sale
Once you know your numbers, it’s time to prepare your practice for the spotlight. Begin by cleaning up your financial records with the assistance of an accountant experienced in healthcare transactions. Ensure your equipment is well-maintained, records are digital, and all compliance documents are up to date. A modern, organized setup builds trust with potential buyers.
Reassure your team about the transition by establishing clear handover plans and negotiating lease renewals early if necessary. A well-prepared office signals professionalism and raises buyer confidence.
At this stage, it’s wise to collaborate with medical practice business brokers who understand the Georgia market. Strategic Medical Brokers can help manage listings discreetly, connect you with qualified buyers, and coordinate discussions, allowing you to maintain your focus on patient care.
4. Marketing Your Dental Practice
Effective marketing helps your sales gain traction. Showcase what makes your office unique, such as eco-friendly materials, family-friendly services, or a prime location. Position your listing of an Atlanta dental practice in local directories, industry networks, and professional platforms that attract qualified leads.
Strategic advertising can make a big difference. Professional dental marketing services in Atlanta can run digital campaigns targeting professionals relocating to the city or families seeking nearby dental care. Word of mouth remains powerful in the Atlanta dental community, so encourage long-term patients to share positive feedback online.
If your goal is to sell your dental office smoothly, focus on aligning with buyers who share your values and vision. Some may be new graduates eager to establish themselves, while others could be experienced dentists expanding their group. For a dental business sale to succeed, maintaining confidentiality during the process is crucial to protect your staff and patients. Screen potential buyers carefully by verifying their financial readiness and assessing their cultural fit. In a competitive Atlanta market, well-marketed listings often attract multiple offers.
5. Navigating Legal and Financial Details
Once serious interest develops, prepare for the paperwork. Engage a Georgia-based attorney who knows the healthcare field. They will help draft agreements, manage contracts, and ensure compliance with state regulations. Work with your financial advisor to structure the deal in a way that minimizes tax burdens. Some sellers prefer partial financing arrangements, which can attract more buyers and potentially increase total returns.
Buyers often rely on SBA loans, which require clean financial statements and consistent cash flow. Stay proactive in communication with your accountant and lender to ensure every figure is accurate. Clear records make the approval process smoother and build buyer confidence.
After closing, you may stay on for a period as a consultant or transition advisor to help preserve patient and staff continuity. A well-executed handoff safeguards value and supports the buyer. This is especially true for your dental business sale, where reputation, patient loyalty, and staff culture are part of what you sell.
FAQs
Selling a dental practice typically takes 6 to 12 months, although in competitive markets like Atlanta, it can close in 3 to 6 months, depending on the level of preparation, marketing, and demand.
Estimate a dental practice’s value by reviewing annual revenue, net income, patient base, location, equipment, and growth potential, often using a professional appraisal or broker’s guidance for accuracy.
A typical rule of thumb values a dental practice at 60 to 80% of the prior year’s gross revenue, but an accurate valuation also accounts for profitability, location, equipment, and patient stability.
Dental practices in Atlanta typically sell for $500,000 to $2 million, depending on factors such as size, revenue, patient base, and profitability, with higher multiples for growing, well-established practices.
Final Thoughts
When you decide to move ahead with the sale of your dental practice in Atlanta, planning is your best ally. Prepare your numbers, organize your operation, position your practice for sale, and engage professionals who can support you. Focus not only on the price, but also on the entire transaction structure and post-closing transition. A strong practice will reflect its value not just in what it has done, but in what it can do.
By following the steps above, you increase your chance of achieving a smooth sale and receiving the reward you have worked for. It is your practice, your legacy, and your next chapter.
Every successful medical practice for sale in Georgia begins with the right plan. Get expert guidance from Strategic Medical Brokers to manage your sale with clarity and confidence.
