Buying a Dental Practice?
We'll Help You Move Forward with Confidence.
Acquiring a practice is one of the biggest decisions you'll make. We're here to help you understand what you're buying, protect what matters, and close the deal with clarity.
This Is a Big Decision.
And You Shouldn't Navigate It Alone.
Buying a dental practice is exciting. It's also complex. Between the financials, the lease, the staff, and the patient relationships, there's a lot to evaluate, and most of it falls outside your clinical training.
You're not just buying equipment and a patient list. You're stepping into someone else's business, contracts, and obligations. The right legal partner helps you see the full picture before you sign.
At Fourscore, we work with dentists buying their first practice and experienced owners adding to their portfolio. We bring the same care and attention to every transaction because we know how much this decision matters to you.
Due Diligence That Protects Your Investment
We coordinate with your broker, lender, and CPA to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Here's what a legal review typically covers:
Ownership & Structure
Is this an asset purchase or entity purchase, and what's the difference for you?
Does the seller actually own what they're selling?
Are there liens, debts, or obligations that could transfer to you?
Are you buying the office building with the practice?
Contracts & Agreements
Can the lease be assigned? What does the landlord require?
Are there equipment leases, vendor contracts, or software licenses that don't automatically transfer?
What non-compete and non-solicitation terms should be in place?
People & Operations
What happens if key staff members leave after the sale?
Are associates and hygienists employees or contractors, and does it matter?
How will patient records be transferred in compliance with HIPAA?
Risk & Protection
Are there any pending claims, disputes, or compliance issues?
What representations and warranties should the seller make?
What's your exposure if something comes up after closing?
A Clear Path from
LOI to Closing
Step 1: Initial
Consultation
We'll learn about the practice you're considering, your goals, and your timeline. If there are red flags, we'll tell you early.
Step 2: Customized
Legal Strategy
We draft, review, and negotiate the LOI and purchase agreement and loan documents, coordinate due diligence, and identify the issues that matter most for your specific deal.
Step 3: Execution and
Closing
We negotiate terms, prepare closing documents, and guide you through signing day so you can focus on what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions
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It isn’t legally required, no. But purchase documents from a broker are designed to get the deal done - not to protect you if something goes wrong. We review what you're actually buying and negotiate terms that work in your favor.
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In an asset purchase, you buy specific assets (equipment, goodwill, patient records) and generally don't inherit the seller's liabilities. In a stock or entity purchase, you buy the whole company - including any debts or claims. Most dental acquisitions are structured as asset purchases.
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Usually+/-4 weeks, depending on how organized the seller's records are. We work alongside your lender and CPA to keep things on track.
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Partnership buy-ins involve additional agreements including operating agreements, buy-sell provisions, and clear terms for what happens if the partnership ends. We draft these alongside the purchase terms.
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In North Carolina, dental practices must be owned by licensed dentists, typically through a Professional Corporation (PC) or PLLC. We help you set up the right structure before closing.
Let's Talk About Your Practice Acquisition
You've found a practice that feels right. Now let's make sure the deal is right too.