Many doctors spend years building a successful practice but begin their transition without fully understanding the decisions that impact their long-term outcome.
In this episode of The Advisor’s Table, Brian and Michael sit down with CPA and Partner David Forbess and Financial Planner Zane Harris from Cain Watters & Associates to walk through some of the most common financial mistakes doctors make when facing a DSO deal.
They explore the tradeoff between immediate cash at close and rollover equity, the importance of being intentional with tax planning, and how owners can position themselves for stronger long-term outcomes beyond the transaction itself.
“The biggest pitfall is the number on the top of the page being your focal point. It’s a number your eyes gravitate to, but what you miss is the structure of the deal and the stipulations behind the number. Those two things are more important than the number itself.” — Zane Harris, Financial Planner at CWA
Key Takeaways for Dental Owners
- Position yourself for the best outcome. Bad financial statements and not maximizing profitability before the transaction places you in a weak position when entering the market.
- The right balance between cash at close and rollover equity is rarely a one-size-fits-all decision. How you view risk, liquidity, long-term wealth creation, and personal financial goals all play a role in determining what structure makes the most sense for you.
Why This Matters for Dental Owners
A deal isn’t just dollars and cents or numbers on a spreadsheet. This episode emphasizes why having a trusted team can help not just with your financial goals, but for navigating the personal side of a transition too.
Listen to the full episode above for the complete conversation with David Forbess and Zane Harris from CWA.