# How should a buyer work with dental practice brokers? A buyer works with dental brokers by registering a clear profile, responding fast and being ready with financing, because more than 135 DSOs and private equity groups competed for deals in 2026 according to TUSK Practice Sales. Brokers also run confidential sales that never reach a public listing ([deal-sourcing guide](https://ddsintel.com/deal-sourcing)). By DDSIntel Editorial Team. Source: DDSIntel, https://ddsintel.com/deal-sourcing/working-with-brokers-buyer. Published 2026-10-26; data as of 2026-10-25. ## Key numbers - **135** DSOs and private equity groups were competing for deals in 2026, more than (TUSK Practice Sales, Q3 2026 dental market report, 2026; https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tusk-practice-sales-assesses-the-state-of-the-dental-industry-in-its-q3-2026-dental-market-report-302823046.html) - **175** practice locations were reported sold in the first half of 2026, at least (TUSK Practice Sales, Q3 2026 Dental Market Report (PR Newswire), H1 2026; https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tusk-practice-sales-assesses-the-state-of-the-dental-industry-in-its-q3-2026-dental-market-report-302823046.html) - **60%** percent of price paid in cash at close, low end of DSO offers (TUSK Practice Sales, Q3 2026 dental market report, 2026; https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tusk-practice-sales-assesses-the-state-of-the-dental-industry-in-its-q3-2026-dental-market-report-302823046.html) - **85%** percent of price paid in cash at close, high end of DSO offers (TUSK Practice Sales, Q3 2026 dental market report, 2026; https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tusk-practice-sales-assesses-the-state-of-the-dental-industry-in-its-q3-2026-dental-market-report-302823046.html) ## How do dental practice brokers work with buyers? A broker represents the seller, prepares a confidential package, screens buyers and runs a process toward offers. A buyer typically signs a confidentiality agreement, shares a profile and financing evidence, and then receives details. Brokers are paid by the seller, so a buyer should not expect them to advocate on price. Fee terms vary. Ask each broker how it is paid and whether it also represents buyers. ## How can a buyer stand out to a broker? Be specific about territory, practice size and structure, show proof of financing, respond within days and close what you commit to. With more than 135 DSOs and private equity groups active, brokers favor buyers who are credible and quick, and who will treat staff and patients well. Financing readiness is covered in [financing a practice acquisition](https://ddsintel.com/deal-sourcing/financing-a-practice-acquisition), and territory choice in [territory planning](https://ddsintel.com/deal-sourcing/territory-planning). ## What should a buyer expect on price and payment? Brokers market to several bidders, so price is competitive. TUSK Practice Sales reports DSO offers with 60% to 85%+ of consideration paid as cash at close. A private buyer should expect to be compared against those terms and should know what a lender will allow. Benchmarks are in [how practices are valued](https://ddsintel.com/deal-sourcing/how-dental-practices-are-valued). ## Should a buyer rely on brokers alone? No. Brokers see only practices whose owners hire them. Reported sales were at least 175 practice locations in the first half of 2026, and many transitions never involve a broker. A buyer who also builds direct relationships and watches signals sees more of the market and has time to prepare. Read [off-market dental practices](https://ddsintel.com/deal-sourcing/off-market-dental-practices), [building a dental acquisition pipeline](https://ddsintel.com/deal-sourcing/building-a-dental-acquisition-pipeline) and [what dental transition signals are](https://ddsintel.com/signals). Market figures: [dental market data](https://ddsintel.com/data). ## Frequently asked questions ### Do buyers pay broker fees? Usually the seller pays; confirm in writing for each engagement. ### Can I work with several brokers? Yes. Many buyers do, but be consistent with each. ### Will a broker share the practice name immediately? Usually not until a confidentiality agreement is signed. ### Is there a complete count of broker-led sales? No public census exists; figures from advisory firms cover only their own view. ## Sources 1. TUSK Practice Sales. TUSK Practice Sales Assesses the State of the Dental Industry in Its Q3 2026 Dental Market Report (July 10, 2026). https://pr.timesenterprise.com/article/TUSK-Practice-Sales-Assesses-the-State-of-the-Dental-Industry-in-Its-Q3-2026-Dental-Market-Report/6a514c9516e7610b3c53e15d 2. ADA Health Policy Institute. The dentist workforce. https://www.ada.org/resources/research/health-policy-institute/dentist-workforce --- DDSIntel is a dental transition intelligence platform that detects pre-market dental practice transition signals for brokers, DSOs, lenders and the firms that serve them.