For many dentists, buying a dental practice is the step toward professional independence. In Switzerland, taking over an existing practice offers attractive opportunities — but also entrepreneurial responsibility. Good preparation is essential to minimise risks and achieve long‑term success.
This article shows you what to pay attention to when you want to buy a dental practice in Switzerland — from the search to the handover.
Am I Ready to Buy a Dental Practice?
As a practice owner, you take on responsibility for staff, finances, and organisation, and not just the practical work as a dentist. Therefore, it makes sense to first ask yourself if you are ready for this important step.
A frank self‑assessment helps:
- Do I want to be entrepreneurial?
- Am I ready to take on leadership responsibility?
- What workload do I aim for?
- Which risks am I willing to take, and can I handle them?
- Do I have a safety net, financially and emotionally?
Beyond the emotional aspects, you must also meet formal requirements, such as being licensed to practise as a dentist or holding the cantonal operating permit. You can find information on this on your respective canton’s website.
Where Can I Find Suitable Listings to Buy a Dental Practice?
If you want to buy a dental practice, you should proceed in a structured way and define clear search criteria in advance.
Typical search channels include:
- Online practice listings, such as immoscout24.ch, praxismieten.ch, or praxsuisse.ch
- Specialised practice brokers
- Professional associations and societies
- Personal networks
A clear practice profile also helps with your search. Include, among other things:
- Preferred region
- Practice size and revenue
- Solo or group practice
- Specialisations or treatment focus
- Legal form of the current practice
Does the Practice Really Suit Me?
Not every practice suits every buyer. In addition to figures, personal and professional aspects play a major role.
Important questions to ask yourself when making your decision include:
- Does the current range of services match my skills?
- Can or do I want to maintain the current workload?
- Does the location match my lifestyle goals?
- What is the competitive situation?
- Is the furnishings and equipment up to date, or am I willing to invest?
Take your time when looking for a suitable practice and make sure you don’t make too many compromises. An honest analysis prevents later disappointments.
Also Useful for Your New Practice: Digital Solutions for a Successful Start
What Does It Cost to Buy a Dental Practice?
The costs of buying a dental practice in Switzerland vary widely. They depend on:
- Practice size and turnover
- Location
- Condition of the infrastructure
- The amount of goodwill (intangible value such as staff qualifications or the practice’s reputation)
In addition to the purchase price, additional investments for modernisation, IT, or marketing should be planned. Depending on how these factors are evaluated, you can expect costs between 100,000–500,000 CHF for a solo practice, and around 1,000,000 CHF or more for a group practice.
Review Contracts, Inventory and Property (Due Diligence)
Before the purchase, a careful review of all relevant documents is essential.
Key items to check include:
- Lease agreement (duration, rent, notice periods)
- Employment contracts of the team and salary levels
- Existing leasing, laboratory and service contracts
- Your own employment contract and any non‑compete clauses
At this point, fiduciaries and legal advisors should be involved to ensure all legal requirements are met.
A Business Plan for Your Dental Practice
A solid business plan is the foundation for any financing. It typically includes:
- Projected income statement
- Financing needs and amortisation
- Personal living expenses
Read our article for a step‑by‑step guide on how to create a professional business plan for your practice launch.
Sole Proprietorship or Corporation – Which Legal Form Is Appropriate?
The choice of legal form affects liability, taxes and financing. In brief:
- Sole proprietorship: easier start, personal liability
- Corporation (AG): clear separation of personal and business assets, higher administrative effort
Our article on legal form for medical practices covers all the key information to help you choose the right legal form for your dental practice.
Price Negotiation, Purchase Agreement and Handover
In the negotiation phase, it’s not just about price, but also about:
- Terms of payment
- Transition arrangements
- The role of the seller after the takeover
A guided transition period, in which the current owner stays involved, helps with patient retention and team integration.
The First 100 Days After the Practice Takeover
The start‑up phase is crucial for long‑term success. Useful first steps include:
- Analysing processes and workflows
- Optimising scheduling and capacity
- Holding team meetings
- Actively informing patients
Major changes should be made with care.
Want to learn more about successfully taking over a practice? Discover everything you need to know in this article!
Buying a Dental Practice with a Clear Strategy
Buying a dental practice in Switzerland offers great opportunities, but it requires careful planning and realistic expectations. Those who search in a structured way, review professionally and get good advice lay the foundation for a successful independent future.