Transition Talk

Hosted by NDP

BusinessExplicit

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Episodes

169

Latest episode

Aug 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

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.

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.