Practice Management Support

Through membership, access specialized expertise and resources to get organized, streamline operations and boost productivity.

Answers to your questions

There are many steps that need to be taken before, during and after the sale of a practice to ensure legal compliance and smooth transition to the new owner. The first step is to assemble your support team: a practice broker, a dental CPA and an attorney. Time should be allocated to review accounts receivable, follow up on any open claims and determine how remaining open claims will be addressed once the ownership has changed. Determine your timeframe for notifying patients as well as any contracted dental plans.
Active patient records need to be kept indefinitely. Inactive patient records should be kept for a period of 7–10 years depending on the patient’s age. If a practice closes and the records are not transferred to another dentist, by law patient records must be kept for 7 years.
Comparable to selling a practice, the first step is to assemble your support team which may include a lender, a dental CPA and an attorney. You should also create your business model and determine your vision of success. Refer to your business model when making important decisions. Review local demographics and large employer groups to determine your patient base and if dental plan contracting could help with patient flow.

Possibly. Check first with your merchant processor as some credit card companies may strictly prohibit a surcharge and others may allow it if they are notified in writing. If a surcharge is allowable and should you decide to charge the fee, the practice must inform all patients prior to processing the charge.

Both CDA and insurance carrier TDIC recommend updating health history forms at every patient visit. Patients should be asked to review and confirm whether there have been any changes to their medical histories. If a patient reports a medical change, such as medications, surgeries, pregnancy status, blood thinners or cancer treatment, the form should be updated immediately.

Check that your
practice is on track!

Use our quick quizzes to gauge your readiness and find support in areas of employment, compliance and operations.

Resources for members

Separating From Practice Checklist
Starting a Practice Toolkit
Patient Records – Requirements and Best Practices
Legal Reference Guide – Collections and Dental Benefits

Sign in to access all member resources for navigating legal considerations, marketing, patient management, practice systems, practice transitions and workplace protection.

Agencies and
clinical resources

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Expert Advice

One-on-one guidance is included in your membership and just one call or email away

Miguel Mariona

Associate Analyst Practice Management

Sharpen your skills

Start Me Up Bus Tour
of thriving dental startups
Sept. 12 in the East Bay
Who’s in charge? Minor patient
consent and custody challenges
Free on-demand C.E.
Cybersecurity in the Age of AI: Strategies for dental practices
Oct. 22 C.E. webinar

Sign in to explore our full online learning catalog.

Expand your network of support

Our partners are here to help control costs and boost your practice.

ADA Rewards Mastercard®

to maximize rewards on dentistry-related purchases.

Bank of America

practice solutions for purchase, startup, restructuring or growth.

Best Card
for easy and affordable payment processing solutions.

Save on dental supplies

VIP savings on trusted brands, just for members

Right-size your insurance

Protection for your reputation, life and practice

Practice management issues in the news

August 19, 2026
U.S. small businesses exempt from beneficial ownership information reporting requirements

Most small U.S. businesses are now permanently exempt from the requirement to report beneficial ownership information to the Treasury Department's FinCEN under the Corporate Transparency Act.

Member to Member: Practice models & payer decisions
July 15, 2026
A Balancing Act: California dentist shares strengths, challenges and rewards of FQHC practice

Abhi Thakkar, DDS, discusses his unexpected career path into public health dentistry in California and the challenges and many rewards of directing and working in an FQHC.

Member to Member: Practice models & payer decisions
June 25, 2026
The multi-practice model: Two California dentists credit resiliency, risk-taking and comprehensive business skills for success

Drs. Matthew and Stephanie Sandretti share how they navigated career stages, purchased and manage four practices and reserve time for wellness, family and personal interests.

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