Selling your practice - telling your team and your patients

Exiting a dental practice can be a significant decision, and it's essential to handle the transition with care and professionalism. We suggest that to maintain the confidence of your staff and your patients as you move through the selling process that you take them along on the journey.

You want your team and your patients to have an open mind about a new owner. 

To maintain the value of your practice you need to ensure staff are retained and continue to work during the transition period, especially at the moment where we are very short staffed of experienced dental staff in New Zealand, and it can be a long process to recruit for a vacancy.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to inform your staff and patients about your departure:

1. Plan Ahead: Before making any announcements, ensure that you have a clear plan in place for the transition, including a consistent communication plan. Whether you're retiring, relocating, or passing the practice to someone else, having a well-thought-out plan will help reassure your staff and patients.
   
2. Inform Your Team First: Your team members should be the first to know about your decision to leave. Call a staff meeting or schedule one-on-one meetings with each employee to discuss the situation privately. Be honest and transparent about your reasons for leaving and provide as much information as possible about the transition plan.
   
3. Provide Support: Understand that your staff may have concerns about their future employment. Assure them that you'll do everything possible to support them during the transition period. Be open to discussing any questions or concerns they may have and offer assistance with finding new job opportunities if necessary.
   
4. Announce to Patients: Once you've informed your staff, it's time to notify your patients. Consider sending out a letter or email to all your patients explaining your decision to leave the practice. Be sure to express your gratitude for their loyalty and trust over the years.
   
5. Assure Continuity of Care: If you're passing the practice to another dentist, introduce them to your patients and reassure them that they'll continue to receive the same level of quality care. Provide details about how their ongoing dental needs will be managed during the transition period.
   
6. Address Concerns: Be prepared to address any concerns or questions your patients may have about your departure. Encourage them to reach out to you or your staff if they need further information or assistance.
   
7. Maintain Professionalism: Throughout the entire transition process, it's crucial to maintain professionalism and integrity. Ensure that all patient records are handled appropriately and in accordance with privacy regulations. Be available to assist with the transition and provide support to your staff and patients as needed.
   
8. Follow Up: After your departure, if appropriate, you might want to follow up with both your staff and patients to ensure that the transition is going smoothly. Offer your assistance if any further issues arise and express your gratitude once again for their understanding and support.
   

By following these steps and handling the transition with care and professionalism, you're doing your best to ensure a smooth exit from your dental practice while maintaining positive relationships with your staff and patients.

You can never predict what the new owner will do in the future with staffing the practice, but you can provide full details on the ability of staff to help with a smooth transition. With the majority (if not all) of the practices that LANZ.Dental has helped sell over the years, the staff have usually been offered their jobs by the new owner and the vast majority of them decide to stay on. 

By preparing your staff - you're doing the best by them.