Dentist FAQs
Do I really need a financial advisor as a dentist, or can I manage this myself?
Many dentists are capable investors. Where an advisor adds value is in coordinating complex decisions around taxes, retirement planning, practice income, debt, and long-term goals. Avoiding costly planning mistakes and missed opportunities can often outweigh advisory fees over time.
Do you work with dentists at different career stages?
Yes. We work with dentists early in their careers, established practice owners, and those preparing for retirement or a practice transition. Financial priorities often change over time, and planning needs evolve as your career progresses.
Are you a fiduciary?
Yes. When providing investment advice, we act as a fiduciary and are legally obligated to act in our clients’ best interests.
What happens in an introductory consultation?
The introductory consultation is a no-pressure conversation focused on understanding your goals, your practice or employment structure, and where you are in your career. We discuss the challenges you’re facing and determine whether working together makes sense.
What should I expect in the first year working together?
During the first year, we focus on building a comprehensive picture of your financial life. This often includes reviewing retirement plans, investments, practice income, insurance, taxes, and cash flow, followed by implementing and refining a coordinated plan.
Do you work with my CPA and attorney?
Yes. We regularly collaborate with our clients’ CPAs and attorneys to help align tax planning, entity structure, estate planning, and major financial decisions
Will you review my retirement plans, including 401(k) and profit-sharing plans?
Yes. We review retirement plans commonly used by dentists, including 401(k), profit-sharing, and defined benefit plans, to help ensure they align with your goals and overall strategy.
Do you help evaluate Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts (SDBAs)?
When available within an employer or practice retirement plan, we help evaluate Self-Directed Brokerage Accounts (SDBAs). An SDBA allows access to a broader range of investment options beyond a plan’s standard fund lineup and should be coordinated carefully with your overall plan.
How do you help manage irregular income and cash flow?
Dentists often experience variable income due to production, ownership distributions, or practice changes. We help plan around cash flow, savings, and taxes to support both short-term needs and long-term objectives.
Do you help dentists evaluate DSO opportunities?
Yes. For dentists considering a sale or affiliation, we evaluate different Dental Service Organizations (DSOs) and compare them to help you assess which may be the best fit for your goals, lifestyle, and long-term plans, as well as which structures may help maximize your overall buyout.
Do you help with retirement and exit planning for dentists?
Yes. We help dentists evaluate retirement timing, income strategies, and exit options. This often includes planning around practice sales, DSO transitions, phased retirement, or employment changes.
What makes Wealth for Docs different for dentists?
We take a planning-first, educational approach tailored to the realities dentists face, including practice income, taxes, and transition decisions. Our goal is to help you make informed choices throughout your career and into retirement.
An introductory conversation focused on your goal, priorities, and where you are in your career.