Carving My Path: Preparing for Practice Ownership After Dental School
Written by: Branden Franzen
As I enter my final year of dental school, I find myself asking the question every student eventually faces: “What comes next?” Dentistry offers many paths: AEGD, GPR, specialization, associateship, partnership, practice ownership, or even more nontraditional routes. For me, though, the vision has always been clear. I’ve known for years what my ideal transition would look like, and I’ve been intentional about laying the groundwork for it. Today, I’d like to share both that dream and the practical steps I’ve taken to make it a reality.
Why Practice Ownership
From early in my training, I realized that private practice ownership best fits my goals. The autonomy, responsibility, and ability to shape a patient-centered culture resonate deeply with me. Every decision I’ve made in dental school has been designed to move me closer to that future and to make the transition as seamless as possible.
This work began during my first and second years. After finishing exam prep, I would often turn to another kind of studying: practice ownership. Podcasts, books, CE courses, and dental conventions became my curriculum. Just as important, I sought out mentorship and conversations. Dental school is one of the rare times when you’re surrounded by people willing to share knowledge for free: professors, upperclassmen, alumni, and even practicing dentists who love giving advice. My approach has been to absorb widely but to filter each piece of advice with discernment.
Searching With Intention
By third year, I began an active search for practices. I knew I wanted to settle in coastal North or South Carolina. To start, I purchased a list of all active dental licenses in those states. Then I filtered by location and graduation year to identify dentists who might be nearing retirement within the next 3–6 years. That process gave me roughly 200 names and addresses; each of whom received a handwritten letter from me introducing myself.
Handwritten letters may feel old-fashioned, but they carry meaning. They set me apart in a digital world and conveyed the personal commitment I have to both dentistry and community.
Building the Right Team
As I transitioned into fourth year, I expanded my efforts. I assembled a team of trusted advisors: attorneys, bankers, and CPAs who not only support negotiations but also open doors through their professional networks. I asked each of them to keep me in mind as they encountered doctors, brokers, or other professionals connected to transitions.
I also made it a point to meet with as many practice brokers as possible. These conversations clarified my goals but also revealed a common challenge: timing. Many of the best opportunities came from dentists ready to sell immediately, not in a year, which is when I’ll be ready. My ideal transition is one where the seller mentors me for about a year before gradually passing the torch. That shared overlap ensures continuity of care for patients while giving me the guidance and real-world insights needed for success.
Next Steps
I’ve now narrowed my search to a short list of promising practices. My next step is a road trip over winter break, visiting each doctor in person. I’m looking for alignment not only in business metrics but also in practice philosophy, patient care values, and commitment to community.
While the destination is still ahead, I’ve found meaning in the process itself. Every conversation, every challenge, and every step forward has strengthened my confidence and clarified the kind of dentist and practice owner I aspire to become.
This journey is about more than finding a practice; it’s about becoming the kind of dentist my patients, team, and community can trust for decades to come. Visit my website to follow along: https://brandenfranzendent.wixsite.com/brandenfranzendental.
