Market Timing Matters: Why the Next 12–18 Months Are Critical for Dental Owners Considering an Exit

Market windows don’t close all at once—they narrow quietly.
The owners who achieve premium outcomes are those who prepare early, understand their optionality, and enter the market from a position of strength.

Evergreen can help you evaluate timing, benchmark your valuation, and determine whether acting sooner creates a better outcome. Our guidance is confidential and tailored to your goals—whether you sell now or plan ahead.

For a confidential timing and valuation discussion, contact Managing Director, Dr. Azza Diasti-Kennedy, azza@evergreenforfounders.com

There’s confusion in the market right now—some claim valuations are falling, others claim they’re rising.

Here’s the truth from inside the deal flow: The next 12–18 months remain a uniquely strong window for dental owners—especially those with healthy EBITDA and clean operations.

1. Private Equity Still Has Record Dry Powder

Despite economic uncertainty, PE funds continue prioritizing dental consolidation:

• Recession-resistant revenue
• High hygiene-driven recurring income
• Aging population and increased demand
• Strong patient retention

But PE is more selective—and great practices are still commanding excellent multiples.

2. Multiples Are Stable Across Dental Specialties

Based on active 2024–2025 buyer conversations:

Platform practices and multi-site groups continue to receive the highest valuations.

3. A Massive Supply Surge Is Coming

40% of U.S. dentists are over age 55.

This means:

• Increasing competition
• More practices going to market
• Buyers becoming pickier
• Multiples tightening for late sellers

Selling during strength gives you leverage.

4. Buyers Want Stability, Growth, and Transferability

Even if you want to practice 2–5 more years, selling sooner often means:

• Higher valuation
• Better rollover equity terms
• More negotiating power
• Stronger clinical autonomy agreements

Waiting until burnout rarely ends well.

5. Most Owners Underestimate Preparation Time

A market-ready exit typically requires:

• 6–12 months of operational cleanup
• Associate contracts secured
• PPO adjustments
• Financial normalization
• Documented add-backs
• A strong valuation narrative

Early preparation = more leverage and more money.

The Window Is Strong—But Not Forever

• Buyers have capital
• Multiples are stable
• Demand remains high
• Supply is rising soon

If you want to understand your timing and optionality, Evergreen can run that analysis confidentially.

Contact Us

If you’re a dental practice owner navigating questions around market timing, valuation, or exit readiness, the Evergreen team is here to help. We advise owners to prepare well in advance of a transaction—strengthening operations, reducing risk, and positioning practices to capture maximum value when they go to market.

To explore your timing, optionality, and next steps, reach out to Managing Director, Dr. Azza Diasti-Kennedy, for a confidential conversation: azza@evergreenforfounders.com