Questions to Ask When You Tour a Dental Practice (Free Printable)

Print it, fold it into your pocket, tick as you go. Good questions help you see the practice clearly, and they make a great impression on the people showing it.

Every listing on TDPM names the broker who represents the seller. Requests to tour, the NDA and all details go through that broker. This list is general education. It does not value any practice, and your CPA, lender and attorney know your situation better than any list.

0 of 46 questions asked

The patients 0/5

How does the practice define an active patient, and how many fit that definition?Where do new patients come from: referrals, insurance lists, online search, walk-ins, one particular provider?How long do patients tend to stay, and what do they say about the practice?How full is the hygiene schedule, and how are recalls handled?What kinds of coverage do patients use (fee-for-service, PPO, Medicaid, memberships)?

The team 0/6

The seller and the listing broker decide when and how you may speak with staff. Ask politely and follow their lead.

How long has each team member been here, and what does each one do?Which people does the schedule truly depend on?How is the team paid (hourly, salary, bonus), and what benefits are in place?Does anyone plan to leave or retire in the next year or two?Is there an office manager, and what does a typical day look like for them?How does the team feel about a change of ownership?

How care is delivered 0/5

What is the treatment philosophy here, and how does it compare with yours?Which procedures are done in-house and which are referred out?How are treatment plans presented to patients, and how do patients usually respond?How much diagnosed treatment is waiting to be scheduled? (A chart sample under NDA can show you.)What is the history on re-dos and warranty work?

The schedule and daily operations 0/5

What are the hours and days, and how many providers work them?How much of the production depends on the selling doctor personally?Which software runs charting, imaging and billing? Is it current and who supports it?How are insurance billing and collections handled: in-house or outsourced?What does the front desk do well, and where do they struggle?

Equipment and technology 0/5

How old is the major equipment (chairs, compressor, sterilization, imaging) and what shape is it in?What is owned, leased or financed, and what stays with the practice?Is anything known to be due for replacement soon?Which technology is in use (digital imaging, scanners, lasers) and how comfortable is the team with it?Are sterilization, radiation safety and license records current and easy to show?

The building and lease 0/5

Is the space leased or owned, and who is the landlord?How much time remains on the lease, and are there renewal options?Can the lease be assigned to a buyer, and what does the landlord have to approve?How are parking, signage, visibility and access?Is there room to add operatories, and is the plumbing there already?

The books you will be shown 0/5

Financials come through the listing broker, usually after an NDA. Your own CPA reviews them. Nothing here tells you whether a price is fair; that is for you and your advisors.

Which years of statements, production reports and tax returns will you be able to see, and when?What add-backs does the seller or broker claim, and what documents support each one?What exactly is included in the asking price (equipment, supplies, records, real estate, name, phone, website)?What is not included?Who at your side will check that production, collections, deposits and tax returns tell the same story? (Your CPA.)

The handoff 0/5

How long will the seller stay, in what role, and will they introduce you to patients?What restrictions on the seller after the sale are being discussed? (Your attorney drafts these.)What happens to the phone number, website, domain, online listings and reviews?Which vendor contracts and leases transfer, and which do not?What is the usual order of steps from letter of intent to closing? (See the Deal Timeline tool.)

Your gut check 0/5

Fill these in after you leave the building.

Can I picture myself here at 7:45 on a Tuesday morning?Did the team seem at ease with each other, and with me?Do I like the neighborhood at lunchtime and at five o'clock?Would I be proud to put my name on this door?What surprised me most?

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Questions to ask when you tour a practice