Episodes

  • Client Success Stories with Dr. Jason Montgomery, DDS
    Jan 24 2024

    In our latest episode of 'The Dental Deal,' Brett sits down with Dr. Jason Montgomery and discusses his practice transition process from start to finish. Dr. Montgomery is a distinguished local dentist based in Dallas. This enlightening episode delves into the intricate world of dental practices, transitions, and the often-misunderstood concept of Dental Service Organizations. This episode gives a firsthand account of what the transition process is like from the doctor’s perspective. 


    Dr. Montgomery opens up with the history of his practice, Lonestar Dental. The narrative unfolds as the Dr. Montgomery recounts his practice’s journey, beginning with the challenges of retiring partners and the decision to eventually merge practices with his wife, Dr. Sivie. Their eventually decision to sell to a DSO sets the stage for a captivating exploration of the intricacies of a clean and efficient practice transition orchestrated by 7 Pillars.


    The episode takes a candid turn as Dr. Montgomery discusses the reservations he and his wife initially harbored about DSOs. The couple had heard numerous 'horror stories' surrounding these organizations, a notion that many dentists can relate to. Additionally, they found the cookie-cutter processes offered by a big transition firm off putting. They realized the importance of a personalized and flexible approach heavily focused on education and the choices available.

    As the conversation progresses, Dr. Montgomery emphasizes the need for a thorough and inquisitive approach to researching DSOs..


    A highlight of the episode is Dr. Montgomery's candid reflection on the DSO transition process from start to finish. Initially uncomfortable and unsure of the questions to ask, Drs. Montgomery and Sivie found the guidance from Brett and Michael at 7 Pillars invaluable. The narrative takes the audience through the variety of partnership choices the couple had to explore – from large DSO conglomerates to private equity groups to start-up DSOs.


    Beyond the financial aspects of the deal, Dr. Montgomery shares the profound realization that the transition was about more than just monetary value. With at least 7-10 more years of practice in sight, the deal became a holistic journey that forced the doctors to think long term and about the legacy of their practice.


    The episode unveils the pivotal role of 7 Pillars in navigating Dr. Montgomery and his wife through the financial, business development, and marketing aspects of the DSO transition. The dynamic between the couple during the marketing phase adds a human touch, as differences in preferences surface. Dr. Sivie and Dr. Montgomery's exploration of their disagreements during this phase adds relatability and authenticity to the narrative.


    This episode of 'The Dental Deal' offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the world of dental practice transitions and DSO partnerships. Listeners are treated to a firsthand account of the challenges, hesitations, and triumphs that come with such a significant decision. Dr. Montgomery's story can serve as a beacon for dentists navigating similar paths, emphasizing the importance of thorough research, collaborative partnerships, and a holistic approach to practice transitions. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the dental industry's intricacies and glean valuable lessons from Drs. Montgomery and Sivie’s practice transition journey.

    Show more Show less
    18 mins
  • The Financial Planning Perspective of a DSO Transition
    Dec 12 2023

    Welcome to another insightful episode of The Dental Deal! In an episode purely focused on the financial planning perspective of joining a DSO, Christy is joined by Brittany Frazier. Brittany is a financial planning partner of 7 Pillars with Cain Watters & Associates. Tune in as Christy and Brittany tackle debt management, tax strategies, investment considerations, and retirement planning. Brittany shares her invaluable insights tailored to clients exclusively within the dental field.


    As the conversation unfolds, learn about the evolving landscape of DSOs. Christy and Brittany discuss that these transitions offer a lot of opportunities, and should not be solely seen as an exit strategy. Young dentists are increasingly recognizing DSOs as viable growth strategies for their practices, marking a significant shift in the industry. Christy and Brittany’s deep financial knowledge offers a unique perspective on the ever-shifting DSO space. The episode addresses common pitfalls, with Brittany pinpointing a few examples she encounters with her clients. Particularly, the need to understand the 'why' behind their decision to transition their practice to a new owner.


    ‘Chasing the multiple’ is another critical concept explored in this episode. Brittany emphasizes the importance of avoiding the mistake of solely pursuing higher sale multiples and highlights the role of brokers in helping clients find buyers who align with their desired practice style.


    Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the financial intricacies involved in DSO transitions and pick up valuable insights to navigate this dynamic landscape successfully. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a young dentist exploring growth avenues, this episode provides a comprehensive guide to strategic financial planning in the ever-changing world of dental practice transitions. Reach out to a 7 Pillars team member today if you have any questions!



    Show more Show less
    18 mins
  • Transitioning With Associates
    Nov 15 2023

     Welcome to another episode of The Dental Deal. We are tackling a common scenario in practice transitions: Transitioning With Associates. In this insightful discussion, we focus on the considerations that arise when selling a practice to a Dental Service Organization (DSO) and managing associate practice owners during this crucial period.


    Selling a dental practice is a monumental decision, and when associates are in the picture, the dynamics become even more intricate. This episode unravels the intricacies of when and how to broach the subject with associates, exploring the potential impact on the overall deal.


    Christy and Brett share their wealth of experience guiding clients through these situations, offering valuable insights into the nuances of these sensitive conversations. From understanding the right timing to communicating the implications, every aspect of this touchy topic is explored to guide doctors through the maze of considerations.

    One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is its recognition that there's no one-size-fits-all solution to handling associates in these situations. The hosts acknowledge the myriad circumstances that can surround these transitions and provide practical advice that can be tailored to individual scenarios. Listeners can expect real-world examples, case studies, and actionable strategies to help them see the situation through the lens of their own practice.

    Whether you're a seasoned practitioner contemplating a transition or a newer dentist considering the future, this episode of The Dental Deal is a must-listen. Gain the tools and insights needed to approach these challenging conversations with confidence, ensuring a smooth transition that aligns with your professional goals. Don't miss out on the wisdom shared in this episode - your practice's future may depend on it.


    Tune in to The Dental Deal and take the first step toward a successful and fulfilling partnership in the dental industry. Reach out and connect with a 7 Pillars professional if you have any questions along the way.


     

    Show more Show less
    16 mins
  • How Do I Choose the Right DSO?
    Oct 17 2023

    In this thought-provoking episode of 'The Dental Deal,' we delve into the intricacies of selecting a Dental Support Organization (DSO) to partner with. "How Do I Choose the Right DSO?" is a question asked by every practice undergoing a transition. Discover how qualitative and quantitative values are equally important when determining the ideal DSO for your practice.

    This episode dives into the essentials of any dental partnership, touching on deal structure, equity, cash values, and more. We'll help you make an informed decision that secures your financial future while maintaining the integrity of your practice.

    We begin by exploring the fundamental concept that there's more to a deal than just its monetary value. Learn how qualitative values, such as cultural fit, alignment of core values, and shared practice philosophies, can be just as critical as the financial aspect. Christy and Brett share their experiences and provide practical insights into striking the right balance between these qualitative and quantitative factors.

    Deal structure is a pivotal point of discussion, as many dentists are keen on exploring the joint venture model. Discover the pros and cons of such arrangements and how they allow practitioners to remain actively involved in their practices while benefiting from the support of a DSO. Equity versus cash values is another subject we dive deep into, shedding light on the advantages and disadvantages of each option. Our guidance and insights are designed to help you evaluate your options and understand the implications of choosing one over the other. The goal is to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your long-term goals.

    Whether you're a seasoned practitioner looking to enhance your practice or a fresh graduate embarking on your dental journey, this episode is an indispensable guide to choosing the right DSO for your unique needs. We aim to secure our clients financial stability and the freedom to practice dentistry their way. Tune in to 'The Dental Deal' and take the first step toward a successful and fulfilling partnership in the dental industry. Reach out and connect with a 7 Pillars professional if you have any questions along the way.

    Show more Show less
    18 mins
  • How Are DSO Deals Structured?
    Jul 11 2023

    In this episode Brett & Christy will answer the question: “How are DSO deals structured?” They discuss a few of the main models under which DSO partnerships are built using real life examples. Brett and Christy discuss equity, cash, joint venture models, earnouts, and more! They’ll have some tips on what you can do NOW to make sure your practice will get maximum value. 

    Show more Show less
    23 mins
  • How Do I Know When It's Time to Partner with a DSO?
    Jun 15 2023

    Join hosts Brett Pierce and Christy Ratcliff in this enlightening episode of "The Dental Deal" as they explore the pivotal question faced by many dentists: "How Do I Know When It's Time to Partner with a Dental Support Organization (DSO)?"

    In this engaging conversation, Brett and Christy delve into the ins and outs of partnering with a DSO. They provide valuable insights and actionable advice to help dentists make informed decisions about their practice's future.

    Together, Brett and Christy demystify the concept of a DSO, unraveling the advantages and opportunities that come with partnerships. Drawing from their own experiences and conversations with industry experts, they discuss crucial factors to consider when evaluating whether it's the right time to join forces with a DSO.

    Whether you're a dentist contemplating a partnership or simply curious about the evolving landscape of dental practice management, this episode of "The Dental Deal" offers a wealth of information, expert guidance, and firsthand experiences to help you make an informed decision. Tune in and empower yourself with the knowledge necessary to thrive in today's dynamic dental industry.

    Show more Show less
    21 mins