• A comprehensive practice appraisal within a reasonable time of the associate’s start date.
• A thorough plan regarding the buy-in, including the beginning, middle and end of the buy-in relationship.
• A wide spread associate search.
• A background investigation of associate candidates.
• A candid discussion between the parties regarding their respective expectations.
• A well drafted employment agreement, including buy-in specifications.
• A practice facility that can accommodate multiple dentists.
• An adequate patient flow that can accommodate multiple dentists.
• A well thought out post-buy-in exit strategy regarding a principal’s death, disability, retirement, dissolution and third party sale.
• A willingness for all parties to change.

By: Kevin Shea, President of Shea Practice Transitions, P.A.