Hidden Costs of Delaying an Oral Surgery Practice Transition

Transitioning an oral surgery practice is one of the most significant professional and personal decisions a surgeon will make. It is not just about selling a business. It is about protecting the value you have built, preserving your legacy, and creating stability for your staff and patients.

Yet, many surgeons put off the planning process. Whether it is due to the demands of running a practice, uncertainty about the future, or simply not knowing where to start, waiting can come with hidden costs that directly affect the outcome of a practice transition.

Why Timing Matters in Oral Surgery Practice Transitions

The reality is that practice transitions do not happen overnight. A well-executed plan requires coordination between financial advisors, legal counsel, and operational experts. By waiting, surgeons often find themselves facing avoidable roadblocks that can reduce both the value of the practice and the options available to them.

Oral Surgery Practice Transition: The Hidden Costs of Waiting

1. Lower Practice Valuations

Buyers want to see clean, organized, and optimized financials. If your books are not in order, or if profitability trends are unclear, the value of your practice can drop significantly. Early preparation allows time to refine financial systems, improve collections, and demonstrate consistent revenue. All of these factors increase valuation.

2. Fewer Qualified Buyers

A last-minute sale often means fewer interested buyers. The best buyers, whether they are colleagues, group practices, or DSOs, plan their acquisitions well in advance. Waiting reduces your pool of potential candidates, which limits your ability to find a buyer who aligns with your goals and values.

3. Less Negotiating Power

When time is working against you, negotiations are rushed. This often leads to less favorable terms, whether in purchase price, contract structure, or your role post-transition. Starting early puts you in a position of strength and gives you the flexibility to negotiate on your terms.

The Benefits of Starting Early in an Oral Surgery Practice Transition

Taking a proactive approach to transition planning provides important advantages:

• Maximize practice value by strengthening profitability and ensuring financial records are well organized.
• Maintain staff stability to instill confidence in buyers and preserve continuity of care for patients.
• Align the transition with your goals by selecting the most suitable path, whether selling to a colleague, merging with a group, or pursuing a phased retirement.

When you begin early, you are not forced to react to circumstances. Instead, you can move forward with intention, clarity, and control.

Start With a Clear Transition Plan

The first step does not need to feel overwhelming. The consultants at OMS Partners specialize in helping oral surgeons prepare for transitions by:

• Assessing your current financial health.
• Identifying areas to improve before going to market.
• Creating a timeline that supports both your professional and personal goals.

With decades of combined experience in oral surgery accounting, operations, and practice management, OMS Partners understands the unique challenges of this field. Transitioning a practice is not just a financial decision; It requires specialized expertise to ensure you maximize value, protect your legacy, and move forward with confidence.

Protecting the Value of Your Legacy

Your practice is the result of years of hard work and dedication. Do not let delays reduce its value or limit your options. By starting the transition planning process early, you can protect what you have built and ensure a smooth handoff that benefits you, your staff, and your patients. Let OMS Partners help you take the first step toward protecting your practice and securing your future. Schedule a Call with OMS Partners.