Valuing Orthodontic Practices: Unlocking the True Worth

Posted on June 27, 2023

Dentist examining a patient teeth medical treatment at the dental office.

Are you thinking about buying or selling an orthodontic practice? Determining the value of a practice can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not familiar with the industry.

Orthodontic practices have always been considered a lucrative investment because of the steady demand for orthodontic services. However, valuing a practice requires a thorough understanding of the business, including the equipment, patient base, and revenue streams.

Valuing an orthodontic practice can help buyers make informed decisions about purchasing a practice, and sellers can ensure they receive a fair price for their hard work. 

If you are considering buying or selling an orthodontic practice, understanding the key factors that determine its value is essential. In this article, we will discuss the most critical factors to consider when valuing an orthodontic practice.

What Is Orthodontic Practice?

Orthodontic practice is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. This practice involves the use of braces, aligners, and other devices to straighten teeth, improve bite mechanics, and enhance the appearance of a patient’s smile. 

Orthodontists use their expertise to provide personalized treatment plans to help their patients achieve optimal oral health and a more confident smile.

Valuing an Orthodontic Practice

Valuing an orthodontic practice involves a detailed analysis of various factors such as revenue, patient demographics, location, equipment, staff, and financial records. It requires expertise in accounting, finance, and healthcare management to accurately assess the worth of the practice. 

The value of an orthodontic practice can vary greatly based on these factors, and it is important to conduct a thorough valuation to ensure a fair price for both the buyer and the seller.

Overview of the Valuation Process

Orthodontic practices are valuable assets that require careful attention when it comes to valuation. Whether you are looking to sell your practice, refinance, or just know its worth, understanding the valuation process is crucial. 

In this section, we will provide an overview of the valuation process of an orthodontic practice.

Determine the Purpose of the Valuation

Before starting the valuation process, it is important to determine the purpose of the valuation. Are you selling, refinancing, or just curious about the worth of your practice? This will affect the method used to perform the valuation and the level of detail required.

Assess Practice’s Financials

The next step is to assess the practice’s financials. This includes reviewing key financial documents such as income statements, balance sheets, and tax returns. The valuation expert will also look at financial ratios such as net profit margin, revenue growth, and debt-to-equity ratio to get an understanding of the financial health of the practice.

Analyze Market Conditions

The next step is to analyze the market conditions. The valuation expert will gather data on the current market trends, including recent sales of similar practices, demographic trends, and industry changes that may impact the value of the practice.

Estimate Goodwill Value

One of the most important elements of the valuation of an orthodontic practice is the goodwill value. 

Goodwill value is the intangible asset that represents the value of the practice’s reputation, brand, and patient base. To estimate goodwill value, the valuation expert will review patient records, marketing efforts, and other factors that contribute to the practice’s reputation.

Complete the Valuation Report

Finally, the valuation expert will complete the valuation report. The report will provide a detailed analysis of the practice’s financials, market conditions, and goodwill value. The report will also provide a final estimated value of the practice and an explanation of the valuation method used.

Valuing an orthodontic practice is a complex process that requires careful attention to financials, market conditions, and goodwill value. 

By understanding the valuation process, orthodontists can ensure that they receive accurate estimates of the value of their practices. This information can be used to make informed decisions about the future of the practice and its financial health.

Factors that Affect the Value of an Orthodontic Practice

Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that deals with correcting crooked teeth, misaligned jaws, and other dental and facial irregularities. An orthodontic practice can be a lucrative business, but its value is affected by several factors that need to be taken into consideration. 

If you’re planning to sell your orthodontic practice or are looking to invest in one, it’s important to understand the factors that influence its value.Selective focus of handsome man near attractive dentist smiling in clinic

  • Location and demographics
  • Population growth and density
  • Median Income
  • Competition in the area
  • Revenue and profitability
  • Historical financial performance
  • Patient retention rates
  • Services offered and fee structure
  • Staff and operations
  • Staff experience and training
  • Operating expenses and efficiency
  • Technology and equipment

Valuation Methods for an Orthodontic Practice

As an orthodontist, you may be considering selling your practice or simply wanting to know its value for estate planning purposes. In either case, you need to determine how much your orthodontic practice is worth. 

Here are some common valuation methods for an orthodontic practice:

  • Income-Based Approach

The income-based approach is the most common method used to evaluate a practice. It calculates value through a formula based on the practice’s cash flow or gross income. 

This approach looks at the past three years of profit/loss statements and business tax returns, calculates discretionary net income, and then applies a multiplier to determine the enterprise value.

  • Asset-Based Approach

The asset-based approach is a valuation method that calculates the fair market value of your orthodontic practice’s assets, including dental equipment, real estate, and accounts receivable. 

This method is particularly useful for practices that have assets that have not yet been fully utilized or are presently underutilized, such as a prime real estate location.

  • Market-Based Approach

The market-based approach uses the transaction value of other orthodontic practices as a benchmark. It takes data from similar transactions (sales, mergers, or acquisitions) and calculates the price per square foot of practice, revenue and practices with similar attributes (location, size, staff, etc.). 

This approach is often more subjective than the income-based approach, but it can provide a more accurate assessment of the current market value for an orthodontic practice.

  • Rules of Thumb

The rules of thumb approach is a shortcut valuation method. Take a percentage of your annual gross income, ideally around 50%, and apply it directly to your practice. 

This approach does not take into account individual practices’ nuances and can be unreliable, but it is a quick and easy way to get an estimate of your practice’s value.

It is important to note that there are specialized valuation professionals who can help you determine the value of your orthodontic practice effectively. 

Consulting with valuation professionals can give you an objective view of your practice’s worth and help you make informed decisions when selling your practice or creating an exit plan. 

Regardless of the method you choose, having a thorough understanding of your practice’s value can guide you in making smart and informed business decisions.

Seeking Professional Valuation Services

As an orthodontic practice owner, ensuring that you receive the right value for your business is crucial. This is where professional valuation services come in. These services help to evaluate your practice and determine its current market value.

This not only helps you make better-informed decisions when it comes to selling your practice, but it also helps you identify areas that you can improve on to increase the value of your practice. 

Seeking professional valuation services is a wise move for any orthodontic practice owner looking to make the most out of their investment.

To learn more about valuation services, contact Smilebliss today! At Smilebliss, we offer valuable insights and recommendations to help you identify areas for improvement, allowing you to enhance the value of your practice. 

Take a proactive step towards optimizing the value of your investment with us by your side. Keep in touch with us today


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