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Welcome to the Polished Legal Blog where you'll find clear insight, real guidance, and no fluff.  We provide entrepreneurial dentists with smart, accessible content on practice ownership, legal strategy, and building a business that reflects their values.

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    • Buying a Dental Practice: Things to Consider and Mistakes to Avoid

      Buying a dental practice can be a smart path to ownership, but it also carries legal, financial, and operational risks…

      February 13, 2026
      Levi Barlavi

    • A weathered metal weather vane with directional letters (N, S, E, W) is mounted on a pole, pointing west under a partly cloudy sky.

      Can a Non-Dentist Own a Dental Practice in California?

      No. California law generally prohibits non-dentists from owning or controlling a dental practice. Ownership and clinical control must remain with…

      February 10, 2026
      Levi Barlavi

    • A yellow sticky note with a black drawing of a light bulb is pinned to a corkboard using two red push pins in the top left corner. The rest of the corkboard is empty.

      What to Know About SBA 7(a) Loans for Dental Practice Acquisitions

      Can SBA 7(a) loans be used to buy a dental practice? Yes. SBA 7(a) loans can be used to finance…

      February 5, 2026
      Levi Barlavi

    • Modern office building entrance with revolving doors, wall-mounted directory, mailboxes, and sunlight streaming through large windows onto a tiled floor with dark floor mats.

      Should I Buy an Existing Dental Practice or Start My Own?

      There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Buying an existing dental practice often provides immediate cash flow and an established patient base,…

      February 2, 2026
      Levi Barlavi

    • A person writes in a planner at a wooden desk with a keyboard, mouse, smartphone, glasses, mug, and paper airplanes. An open notebook and eraser are also on the desk beside the persons hands.

      Associate vs. Owner: What’s the Real Financial Difference for Dentists?

      Dentists often compare associate compensation to practice ownership income without seeing the full financial picture. While ownership can offer higher…

      January 14, 2026
      Levi Barlavi

    • A clear glass hourglass filled with white sand sits on a light wooden surface, with some sand collected at the bottom and some in the top chamber. A blurred object is visible in the background.

      How Long Does It Take to Purchase a Dental Practice?

      Purchasing a dental practice is not a single transaction but a process with several moving parts. While timelines vary, most…

      January 8, 2026
      Levi Barlavi

    • What to Ask When Buying a Dental Practice

      Buying a dental practice is a major professional and financial decision. The questions you ask before signing a purchase agreement…

      January 5, 2026
      Levi Barlavi

    • A modern, bright dental clinic with a central dental chair, overhead light, and dental equipment. Glass walls, white cabinets, and computers create a clean, professional atmosphere.

      How Do You Estimate the Value of a Dental Practice?

      Estimating the value of a dental practice involves more than applying a rule of thumb. A practice’s actual value reflects…

      January 1, 2026
      Levi Barlavi

    • A red marker rests on a clipboard holding a sheet of paper with a list of checkboxes. Each checkbox is checked off with a red checkmark, and the paper has space for more items on the right.

      What to Include in Your 2026 Legal Checklist as a Dental Practice Owner

      As 2026 approaches, Los Angeles dental practice owners face new compliance duties, contract updates, staffing considerations, regulatory filings, and privacy…

      December 3, 2025
      Levi Barlavi

    • A modern dental office with turquoise chairs, dental equipment, a computer screen, cabinets, wall art, and large windows with blinds letting in natural light. The space is clean, bright, and organized.

      Due Diligence Checklist for Buying a Dental Practice

      Buying a dental practice is a significant investment—one that blends business acquisition strategy with complex legal and financial considerations. Whether…

      November 12, 2025
      Levi Barlavi