Transition Talk

Hosted by NDP

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Episodes

172

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

Transition Talk is a podcast about dental practice transitions. NDP managing partners Charles Loretto and Christy Ratcliff combine their expertise to provide guidance and tips and share real-life scenarios revolving around dental practice transitions. Originally created to help dental professionals navigate the sometimes-messy path to practice ownership, the podcast has evolved to cover the full life cycle of a dental practice and the different types of transitions along the way, from buying-in, starting-up, partnership to exiting ownership.

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October 29, 202636 min

TT Ep 159 - Pediatric Dental Practice Transitions

When it comes to transitioning a pediatric dental practice, this specialty brings distinct considerations to the table. Pediatric dentists are in high demand, actively sought after by DSOs, and their practices are built around lasting relationships with children, parents, and referring providers. This episode dives into what makes this specialty unique, start-up considerations, financial and valuation implications, and DSO trends. Pediatric dentists will walk away with key considerations for planning their transition, whether they’re starting their career, thinking about their next chapter, or gearing up to pass the torch.

October 13, 202626 min

TT Ep 158 - The Critical Legal Documents Behind the Transition

The legal document phase of a practice transition is where careful planning meets practical execution. It’s where optimism about the future is paired with preparing for the unexpected. Christy brings on Cohen Law Firm’s Ashley Wedding to discuss when to engage an attorney, what to know about the various legal agreements, heavily negotiated areas, and tips for the letter of intent leading into the legal agreements. Throughout the discussion, Ashley illustrates that the more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to advocate for yourself and distinguish what truly matters from what doesn’t. Resources: Learn more about Ashley and Cohen Law Firm here: https://cohenlawfirmpllc.com/

September 17, 202613 min

TT Ep 157 - Change Creates Opportunity with Dr. Adam Lamprecht Part 2

Some of the most rewarding opportunities in life begin with saying “yes” even before you have all the answers. General dentist Dr. Adam Lamprecht has experienced this firsthand, embracing a growth mindset throughout his career. From starting with a small, one-operatory practice, tackling multiple practice purchases, consolidating locations, taking on office renovations, and navigating partnerships, he has met every challenge with an eye for growth. Tune in to part two of Dr. Lamprecht’s story, where he dives into his partnership and practice valuation experience.

September 17, 202620 min

TT Ep 156 - Change Creates Opportunity with Dr. Adam Lamprecht Part 1

Growth rarely comes from staying where we're comfortable. More often, it comes from taking a leap before we feel fully ready and trusting ourselves to figure things out along the way. General dentist Dr. Adam Lamprecht has embraced this mindset not just once, but all throughout his career as a practice owner. From starting with a small, one-operatory practice, tackling multiple practice purchases, consolidating locations, taking on office renovations, and navigating partnerships, he has met every challenge with an eye for growth. Tune in to part one of Dr. Lamprecht’s story, where he talks about his early career and practice purchases.

August 25, 202628 min

TT Ep 155 - Endodontic Practice Transitions

While endodontic practice transitions share many of the same foundational principles as other practice transitions, several factors make them distinctly different. From referral-driven growth to smaller office footprints and relatively low startup costs, Christy and Charles explore what sets endodontic practices apart. Whether you’re looking to start up, buy, or sell an endodontic practice, this episode provides perspective on how to create a detailed transition plan. GET MORE Check out NDP's blog, What Sets Endodontic Practices Apart: ndptransitions.com/what-sets-endodontic-practice-transitions-apart Check out Cain Watters & Associates’ Dental Practice Comparison Report: cainwatters.com/hdydpc-contact

August 11, 202627 min

TT Ep 154 - Questions That Matter in Your First Conversation with the Seller

One of the most important conversations in any practice purchase is the interview between the buyer and seller, where both parties determine whether there’s a mutual fit for the future. In this episode, Christy and Charles discuss how buyers can prepare for and navigate an initial conversation with a potential seller. They cover key topics to ask, including the practice’s clinical philosophy, patients, team, office, marketing, and transition goals. They also share tips for keeping the conversation natural and identifying opportunities to ask follow-up questions. Whether you’re exploring your first practice opportunity or preparing for an upcoming interview, this episode offers practical guidance to help you make a strong impression and determine whether the opportunity is the right fit. Get more from our blog: https://ndptransitions.com/the-buyers-interview-guide-questions-to-ask-a-practice-seller/

July 28, 202632 min

TT Ep 153 - Payment Structures: Insurance vs. Fee-for-Service

The choice between insurance-based and fee-for-service healthcare can shape everything from patient flow and profitability to branding and long-term practice value. In this episode, Christy and Charles break down the risks and benefits of PPO and FFS models, including how PPO participation can support steady new patient flow while increasing network competition, while FFS practices may offer more pricing control, stronger margins, and a more personalized patient experience. They also discuss what buyers should evaluate during a practice transition, why seller goodwill and transferable contracts matter, and how owners can thoughtfully approach a shift from PPO to FFS over time.

July 14, 202614 min

TT Ep 152 - The Latest Student Loan Updates and What They Mean for You

If you're a student, resident, or early-career associate, it's likely student loans are one of your biggest financial concerns. With federal repayment programs changing, it’s important to understand how the new options could affect your next steps. In this episode, Christy is joined by Austyn Scott, Certified Financial Planner and Wealth Advisor with Cain Watters & Associates, to break down the latest updates and changes. From new repayment plan options and federal lending limits to balancing student debt with broader financial goals, Austyn shares timely insight to help navigate an increasingly complex student loan landscape.

June 30, 202634 min

TT Ep 151 - Practice Loans: What to Know Before You Buy or Sell

Financing plays a major role in nearly every practice transition, and today’s lending environment continues to shape how buyers and sellers approach the process. In this episode, Adam Schenck from Bank of America joins Christy and Charles to discuss the current lending landscape, from interest rate trends and loan approval factors to practice pricing, second locations, and what doctors should consider when choosing the right lender. Whether you’re preparing to purchase your first practice, expand into another location, or sell your existing one, this discussion offers practical insight into how lending decisions can impact your future goals.

June 16, 202632 min

TT Ep 150 - Don't Risk It: Insurance Essentials Every Owner Needs

Choosing insurance coverage might not top your list of exciting ownership milestones, but it plays a vital role in safeguarding your future. Fortunately, there are many resources at your disposal to help you navigate all of the policy intricacies. In this episode, Christy discusses the insurance landscape with our guests, Tara Cain, Insurance Account Manager at CWA Risk Solutions, Claudia Glaubitz, Director of Business Development at Risk Agency, and Joey Bertrand, CEO at Risk Agency. Our guests provide valuable insight into what types of critical coverage will protect you, your practice, and your property from costly setbacks.