Every successful dental practice owner can trace their story to a pivotal decision: buying their first or next office. In this session, Cain Watters Partner Charles Loretto draws on more than 40 years of specialized experience to guide dentists through the complexities of practice acquisition. Participants will gain a strategic roadmap for evaluating opportunities, optimizing financial and tax outcomes, securing favorable financing, and building a strong foundation for profitable, sustainable growth.

Guiding thousands of dental practice transitions over the past 20 years, Cain Watters & Associates Partner Charles Loretto shares practical strategies for private practice transitions, including walkaway deals, partnerships and staggered sales. Designed for both buyers and sellers, this session explores critical considerations such as practice valuations, tax implications, financial readiness, deal structuring and key financial strategies that can make or break the transition. You’ll gain actionable insight into the financial and operational preparation required for a successful transition, along with proven approaches to minimize risk and avoid common pitfalls. Associates will learn which types of practices best support long-term partnerships.

Practice owners are invited to a networking happy hour from 4–5 p.m. Connect with dental professionals, as well as students, residents and associates interested in practice ownership.

This session will help dental students, residents and associates understand how practice ownership can offer financial independence and career control. This program features a lecture on the risk and rewards of ownership, and a transition panel featuring current owners and dental-specific professionals. Attendees will walk away with key elements to consider before buying or starting a practice and will learn practical steps to initiate ownership, including securing loans, assessing opportunities and building confidence. Objectives include identify the financial advantages of practice ownership compared to associateship, comparing the risks and benefits of starting a new practice versus buying an existing one, evaluating strategies to secure financing despite high student loan debt and outlining the key steps to prepare for practice ownership as an associate.

This program includes breakfast. 

ADDITIONAL PERKS FOR STUDENTS & RESIDENTS: Registered students and residents will receive a complimentary hotel stay at the Westin Peachtree Plaza (while supplies last) and admission to Hinman’s Friday Night Out party. 

For more information on the program and how to access these perks, visit ndptransitions.com/practice-ownership-program.