When dental practice owners start the process of selling, many expect it to take months and assume delays are unavoidable.
In truth, long timelines are rarely about finding the right buyer. The real cause of slowdown is almost always the seller’s level of readiness. From decades of supporting UK dentists through successful transactions, one lesson stands out clearly: the more prepared you are before going to market, the smoother and faster the sale will be.
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Why Due Diligence Slows Things Down
Once you accept an offer, the buyer and their advisers begin scrutinising every aspect of the business. They will want clarity on finances, compliance, staffing, equipment, and operational systems. Any gaps or inconsistencies in this information can halt progress instantly.
Many sales that should complete within a few months end up taking twice as long simply because key documents were missing or disorganised.
The solution is simple: carry out due diligence on yourself before anyone else does.
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Get Your Practice Ready Before You Advertise It
Follow a Dental-Specific Pre-Sale Checklist
Typical items include:
- Three to five years of accounts and tax information
- Clear breakdown of private and NHS revenue
- A full equipment inventory with servicing records
- Freehold or lease documentation
- Employment contracts, HR files, and payroll details
- CQC compliance evidence and health and safety documents
- Patient numbers, referral pathways, and growth indicators
Having these ready gives buyers confidence and reduces the chance of unwelcome surprises.
Tackle Issues in Advance
Anything unclear or incomplete will create concern for a buyer. This includes expiring leases, outdated certificates, or questions around ownership structures. Address these early to avoid delays later.
Digitise Your Records
Store everything in a well-organised, cloud-based workspace. Use clear file names and version control so solicitors and brokers can quickly locate what they need.
Run a Mock Due Diligence Review
Invite your broker or accountant to carry out a pre-sale audit. This “practice run” highlights gaps long before a buyer sees them, allowing you to fix issues privately and without pressure.
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How Good Preparation Accelerates the Sale
When your paperwork and disclosures are ready from the outset, everything moves faster:
- Buyers feel more reassured, reducing negotiation time
- Your broker can market the practice more effectively
- Solicitors can work without chasing missing documents
- You avoid the “slow drift” that leads to deal fatigue and abandoned sales
Simply put, strong organisation leads to buyer confidence, and confidence leads to speed.
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Additional Steps That Help Deliver a Smooth Transaction
Choose the Right Professionals
A specialist dental broker understands NHS contracts, goodwill valuations, seller expectations, and lender requirements. This sector-specific knowledge is invaluable.
Set a Realistic Asking Price
An accurate valuation attracts serious buyers quickly. An inflated figure usually results in fewer enquiries and longer delays.
Keep Your Numbers Steady
Continue running the practice as normal during the sale. Sudden drops in turnover or patient flow can raise concerns with both buyers and lenders.
Communicate Quickly
Timely responses keep momentum high and demonstrate professionalism throughout the process.
Preparation Is the Fastest Route to a Successful Sale
There is no shortcut when selling a dental practice, but there is a proven strategy: prepare early, organise thoroughly, and surround yourself with experts who specialise in the dental sector. Sellers who take this approach complete sooner and often achieve stronger outcomes.
If you’re considering selling, the best first step is to make your practice “buyer-ready” long before it reaches the market. This alone can dramatically shorten the journey to completion.
Thinking About Selling Your Practice?
Frank Taylor & Associates specialises in guiding dental practice owners through every stage of the sale process. If you’d like expert advice and hands-on support, we’d be delighted to help.
