AI, Robotics, and the
Future of Dental M&A
Episode 58
Key Revelations:
The Changing Dental M&A Market - The days of $2M EBITDA businesses commanding 10–11x multiples with 70% cash at close may be gone. Buyers are increasingly focused on deal structure—not just the headline multiple.
AI, Robotics & the Disruption of Dental Hygiene - What happens if technology can deliver standardized, predictable care at a dramatically lower cost? And how could that impact traditional dental practice economics?
What Buyers Really Want - Sustainable growth, scalable operations, and a business with a strong economic engine, not just impressive EBITDA.
Preparing for What's Next - Why dental leaders must build adaptable businesses rather than relying on assumptions about the next 10–15 years.
The Dental M&A Market Has Changed
Kevin Cumbus, President and Founder of TUSK Practice Sales, shares what he’s seeing across the dental M&A market—and why practice owners may need to rethink what their business is actually worth. After more than $1.5 billion in dental transactions, Kevin discusses what buyers, lenders, private equity groups, and distressed DSOs are looking for—and explains why simply waiting for interest rates to fall may not bring the old market back.
"Are the collections in my practice management software supposed to match my bank deposits? What do I do if they don't?"
💡 The “Ask Dallin” Question:
Dallin's answer: Yes—they should match. If they don't, first look for timing differences, such as payments recorded in the PMS before they hit the bank. But if the numbers don't reconcile over time, there may be an issue with how payments are being recorded. Virtual credit card fees, patient financing fees, or simple data-entry errors can all create discrepancies. The key is to reconcile your collections to your bank deposits every month so small discrepancies don't turn into bigger financial problems.
AVAILABLE ON
(E.5) The DSO Valuation Crash No One Talks About - Gareth Petsch, pH Partners
(E.6) Are Dentists Selling Out Their Entire Industry? - Mike Baird, Accelerate Dental
(E.16) Will AI allow me to fire my RCM team? Jonas & Luis, Kaylie.ai
Top 3 Episodes Of The Dental Truth Project. Listen Now!
But the biggest disruption may not come from the M&A market at all. Kevin paints a provocative picture of a future where AI, robotics, and new technology could completely change how dental hygiene is delivered—and potentially reshape the value of traditional dental practices.
'Roll the Equity - How Smart Dental Founders Sell Their DSO'
Learn how sophisticated dental founders navigate a DSO sale
Selling your DSO is one of the most consequential decisions of your career. Roll the Equity: How Smart Dental Founders Sell Their DSOs is the playbook for founders who want to approach private equity transactions with clarity — not guesswork.
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