The conversation around dental partnerships has changed.
A few years ago, the focus was all about valuations, multiples, and fast exits. Today, private practice owners should be asking a different question:
Is there a better way to practice dentistry?
On a recent episode of MB2 Underground, Jake Berry, Chief Development Officer, and Vice Presidents of MB2’s Business Development team, Omar Jaroun, Jonathan Tyroch, and Joe Fox sat down for an honest conversation about where the market stands today and what doctors are prioritizing now.
Here are a few moments that stood out.
Q: What’s changed most about what doctors want today?
Jake Berry: “Prior to COVID, many doctors were more open to exploring partnerships, but they remained fiercely protective of their autonomy. The prevailing mindset was, ‘Don’t touch me clinically. Don’t touch me operationally.’ Much of that hesitation stemmed from the early reputation of dental groups.”
“Today, that mindset has shifted. We hear doctors say, ‘I want a better quality of life. I want a better way to practice. I want to make more money. I want less risk in my life. I need help.’”
Q: What should the right partnership feel like?
Jonathan Tyroch: “I’ll never forget getting a phone call on a Saturday morning from a partner.”
“She said, ‘I’m cooking breakfast for my kids today. I’m not worried about what’s going on in the practice because I know you guys have my back.’”
“That’s partnership for the right reason.”
Across the country, MB2’s business development team is hearing a similar message from practice owners: they’re looking for operational support, less risk, improved quality of life, and a partner that can help them grow without sacrificing autonomy.
Q: What’s one of the biggest misconceptions doctors still have?
Jake Berry: “Doctors need to understand that the DPO thing is not a get-rich-quick scheme. This requires patience. The goal is to develop an exit strategy, but good things generally happen over a long period of time.”
Omar Jaroun: “Everyone was obsessed with the multiple they got on their deal. What we’re seeing now is doctors understanding that multiples have come down, but they also want to know what support the group is going to offer them”
Q: What should doctors pay the closest attention to before partnering?
Omar Jaroun: “Ask questions about the organization. About their leadership. How tenured are they?”
“Are they going to be there for a long time, or are they going to do this for three to five years and then go do the same thing somewhere else?”
Q: Why does choosing the right partner matter more today than ever before?
Joe Fox: “There is now an understanding that it’s not super easy to do this DPO thing.”
“There’s been some turmoil, and doctors are recognizing that only a well-established, long-tenured group with substantial administrative support can actually provide the quality of life they’re looking for.”
If you’re beginning to think about the future of your practice, the biggest takeaway from this conversation is simple: preparation matters. The more clarity you have around your goals, timeline, and what kind of support you want, the better positioned you’ll be to make the right decision for yourself, your team, and your patients.
For doctors starting that process, our Preparing to Sell Your Practice guide is a helpful place to begin.
And if you want the full conversation on where dental partnerships are headed in 2026, tune in to the latest episode of MB2 Underground: “The State of Dental M&A in 2026 | Jake Berry and Omar Jaroun”.
