Path to Practice Ownership         

Saturday, September 27, 2025

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Credits: 2

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

Whether you're looking to acquire an existing dental practice or start one from the ground up, success begins with preparation. This session will walk attendees through the key steps, considerations, and resources necessary to launch or acquire a dental practice with confidence. From understanding the financial landscape and building your advisory team to evaluating opportunities and creating a solid foundation for ownership, attendees will leave with a clearer roadmap to practice ownership.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Identify the critical differences between acquiring a practice and starting one from scratch.
2. Understand the personal, professional, and financial preparation required for ownership.
3. Assemble the right team of advisors, including financial, legal, and clinical experts, to support their transition.
4. Evaluate practice opportunities using key metrics and due diligence techniques.
5. Outline the essential steps and timeline involved in the acquisition or startup process.

Aaron Tyson:  Aaron started his career with Bank of America in early 2018 and is a vice president of dental financing with a specialization in first-time practice owner startups as well as established projects (remodel, expansion, relocation, additional location, equipment, real estate purchases, etc.). Aaron is well established with relationships in the local community to ensure you are surrounded by the right team of dental-specific resources to ensure a smooth process through building your dream practice.

Brad Peiffer: Brad is a Vice President and Regional Business Development Officer for Bank of America Practice Solutions. In this role, he is responsible for providing lending and financing options to dentists located in the four-state territory of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, D.C., and Virginia. Brad has two decades of experience working with business owners, medical professionals, and corporate executives. Brad understands the complexity that comes with running your own business and private practice. He helps implement specialized lending solutions specifically tailored to the dental industry. Prior to assuming his role with Practice Solutions, Brad served as a Financial Center Manager with Bank of America. In addition, Brad was self-employed for 13 years and is passionate about helping business owners simplify their current and future business priorities.

Todd Garfinkel: Todd is the co-owner of DDSmatch Mid-Atlantic and a seasoned dental transition specialist now in his eighth year of helping dentists navigate practice sales, acquisitions, and succession planning. Together with his wife and business partner, Sheryl Garfinkel, the two bring over 60 years of combined experience in the dental industry. Todd’s roots in dentistry run deep - he grew up in a dental family with his father practicing as both a general dentist and oral surgeon, which gave him early insight into the clinical and business sides of practice ownership. Todd and Sheryl have built DDSmatch Mid-Atlantic into a trusted resource for dentists across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., offering a relationship-driven, confidential approach to transitions. They are known for guiding clients with integrity, empathy, and a team-oriented model that includes top-tier legal, financial, and valuation partners. Todd and Sheryl live in Annapolis, Maryland, where they enjoy boating, gardening, home renovation projects, and time with their family.  

The Speakers have financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with the corporate organization offering financial support or grant monies for this continuing dental education program.

The VDA Team does not have any financial arrangements/affiliations to disclose relating to the content of this presentation.