Resources
Staffing a Dental Practice Through a Buy or Sell
How to keep production stable when ownership changes hands — locum bridges, retention strategies, and smooth transitions.
Practice transitions — whether a buy, sell or merger — are when production is most fragile. A few principles keep the chair full.
Pre-settlement
- Map the team — roles, hours, key relationships, retention risk
- Have transparent conversations early; surprises destroy goodwill
- Pre-vet a locum bench for the first 8 weeks post-settlement
Settlement week
- Day 1 communications to patients — continuity message, not change
- Locum cover for any role still being recruited
- Reception script for patient questions
First 90 days
- Permanent recruitment running in parallel with locum bridge
- Regular team check-ins (weekly for first month)
- Track production vs pre-settlement baseline
How Dental Shift fits in
The locum bench is one click — post the shifts you need cover for, and a vetted pool of dentists, hygienists, assistants and reception staff is matched. No agency retainer, no long contracts.
Frequently asked questions
- What happens to staff when a dental practice is sold?
- In most Australian sales, the buyer offers existing staff continued employment on equivalent terms. Where staff don't transfer, locum cover is the standard bridge.
- How do I prevent production drop during a transition?
- Lock in locum cover for the first 4–8 weeks post-settlement to absorb any departures and give the new owner time to recruit permanently.