Transition Talk

Hosted by NDP

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Episodes

163

Latest episode

May 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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60 recent

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.

May 26, 202620 min

TT Ep 149 - Dental Specialty Programs: Your Preparation Guide

Dentistry offers many directions to pursue, and your journey should be guided by what truly excites and motivates you. If a dental specialty program is your passion and your goal, investing time and energy into the process can help you stand out and set a clear path forward. In this episode, Christy and Charles offer tips for getting selected to a program, preparing for the interview, and making a lasting, positive impression.

May 12, 202628 min

TT Ep 148 - How to Find Your Dream Practice

The question we hear most often from aspiring practice owners is, “How do I find the right practice opportunity?” Choosing the practice that truly aligns with your goals is one of the most significant life decisions you'll make. In this episode, Christy and Charles walk through practical ways to identify and secure your ideal opportunity, from networking and broadening your connections to continuing education and targeted letter campaigns. Whether you're a student, resident, or associate, the discussion is tailored to where you are in your journey, so you can focus on the strategies that fit your next steps.

April 28, 202624 min

TT Ep 147 - Look Before You Leap: The Realities of Practice Ownership

Even though there are many benefits to practice ownership, there are also trade-offs. In this episode, Christy and Charles break down the realities of ownership, helping you decide if it’s the right path for you. They explore how various aspects of ownership can feel rewarding to some and challenging to others. From wearing many hats, managing a team, and handling business responsibilities, all of these factors have a double edge sword, carrying both advantages and disadvantages. And if you decide you’re ready to take that leap, NDP is here to help guide you away from stress and towards success.

April 14, 202615 min

TT Ep 146 - A Fair Split: How Healthcare Practices are Valued in Divorce

In most divorce cases, one of the biggest challenges is determining how assets should be divided. When one or both spouses have ownership stake in a healthcare practice, the process becomes even more complex. Enter the divorce valuation: this determines the worth of the practice and identifies the portion eligible for division, supporting a fair and defensible outcome in court. In this episode, Christy and NDP’s Head of Valuation Dawn Whitehurst discuss how these valuations work, when they’re necessary, and the distinction between divorce and standard business valuations.

March 24, 202626 min

TT Ep 145 - Satellite Practices: Common Myths & Realities

More locations don’t automatically mean more profit or value. In this episode, Christy and Charles unpack the realities of expanding into a satellite location and challenge common myths surrounding this growth strategy. The co-hosts provide a framework to approach expansion with clear goals and realistic expectations. They’ll show how owners can optimize their satellite practices to position themselves for success, both now and when it’s time to transition in the future.

March 10, 202635 min

TT Ep 144 - Transition Trends: Private Practice & DSO Landscapes

Although the foundation of the dental industry has remained consistent, there have been some meaningful changes in recent years that have shaped the dental landscape for both buyers and sellers. Christy and Charles discuss updates in the private practice and DSO arenas, from elevated practice prices, satellite location trends, interest rates, buyer and seller demand, DSO consolidation and more. This episode highlights why staying informed and keeping your goals in focus leads to smarter, more strategic business decisions.

February 24, 202631 min

TT Ep 143 - Patient Retention and Growth During Your Transition

You’ve made one of the most significant transactions in your career, and you’re now the proud owner of a dental practice. Now you have to face your next hurdle: gaining new patients while also retaining the base. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to ensure a smooth transition for the team and patients. In this episode, Christy and Charles discuss tips for rebranding the business, nurturing the existing patient base, and positioning yourself to market to new audiences.

February 10, 202625 min

TT Ep 142 - Closing the Sale (Time Kills Deals)

Many buyers and sellers strive to close their practice sale by the end of the calendar year. Although this seems like a natural and satisfying bookend to the year, both waiting or rushing to close a deal will only cause unnecessary pressure. Whether your goal is to close on your practice sale before the year ends, or you have a different deadline in mind, Christy and Charles emphasize in this episode that time can kill deals. The co-hosts explain common hinderances in the deal process and provide helpful tips on meeting your closing goals.

January 13, 202624 min

TT Ep 141 - Dealing with Burnout

For dentists, and especially practice owners, it’s not easy to wear all of the hats, day in and day out. From the daily grind, managing employees, and handling difficult patients, it can all lead to stress and exhaustion, which can eventually result in burnout. Christy and Charles pull from their own career experience and client stories to offer insight and tips for navigating burnout. Their key message: With the right tools and support, you can maintain a feeling of balance and positivity in your career.