Los Angeles Dental Practice Mergers

A merger occurs when two or more dental practices combine into a single entity. Unlike an acquisition, where one party purchases another, mergers are typically structured as a mutual consolidation of resources and ownership interests.

For Los Angeles dentists, mergers can:

• Expand geographic reach and patient access.
• Enhance operational efficiency by leveraging shared staff, equipment, and systems.
• Enhance negotiating power with suppliers and insurers.
• Allow for succession planning while preserving continuity of care.

At Polished Legal, we help clients navigate the critical steps of a successful dental practice merger:

• Valuation: Assessing each practice’s assets, goodwill, revenue streams, and liabilities.
• Structuring the Deal: Choosing between a merger of equals, one practice folding into another, or forming a new entity altogether.
• Drafting Merger Agreements: Outlining terms of ownership, governance, compensation, and decision-making authority.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the merger adheres to California Dental Practice Act requirements, HIPAA regulations, and the corporate practice of dentistry rules.
• Due Diligence: Reviewing employment agreements, patient records, leases, and contracts to identify risks before finalizing the merger.

A successful merger goes beyond the signed agreement. Dentists must also address:

• Cultural Fit: Aligning practice values, policies, and patient care philosophies.
• Technology Integration: Coordinating dental software, billing platforms, and record systems.
• Staff Transition: Retaining top talent, clarifying roles, and harmonizing employment terms.
• Brand Identity: Deciding whether to merge under one name or maintain existing branding.
• Patient Communication: Explaining changes clearly to ensure continuity of trust and care.