Choosing the wrong entity structure before buying or starting a dental practice can cost you valuable time. Most dentists don't find out until it's crunch time on a deal or they talk to an attorney about it.  Thats why Tyler Jones of Helsell Fetterman joins Mike Dinsio and Paula Quinn to break down everything dental practice owners need to know about entity formation. From the LLC vs. S-Corp confusion to the exact timing for startups and acquisitions. This is the stuff you should know to talk to a CPA or attorney before you start filing online. 

3:57 LLC vs. S-Corp: What's the actual difference?
5:11 Why most dentists should start as an LLC (not S-Corp)
7:00 PLLC vs. LLC: Does your state require it?
15:06 Startups: Exactly WHEN to form your entity
20:20 Acquisitions: Why timing is more accelerated than you think
18:03 Can you reuse your old LLC from associate days?
22:28 Who should form your entity - Attorney, CPA, or DIY?
26:14 What entity formation actually costs (and what to bundle)
29:00 Operating agreements and EINs: What you need and when
31:56 Partnerships & multi-practice: When these rules change entirely

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✅ Your LLC and your S-Corp election are two separate things, most dentists confuse them 
✅ In most states, LLC and PLLC are functionally the same, just a naming distinction 
✅ For acquisitions, form your entity early, deals now close in 30-60 days, not 90-120 
✅ Reusing an old associate LLC is possible, but a fresh start usually wins with banks 
✅ DIY entity setup is possible, but fixing mistakes costs far more than doing it right 
✅ Your entity costs only ~$70/year to renew, don't let timing anxiety paralyze you 
✅ Always have your operating agreement and EIN ready, banks and landlords will ask

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Tyler Jones, Attorney, Helsell Fetterman

• Dental and veterinary practice transaction specialist
• Nationwide entity formation, acquisition, and startup legal services
• Based in Washington State; serves dental professionals across the country
• Works alongside dental-specific CPAs and advisors on complex deal structures

🔗 Connect with Tyler:
https://www.helsell.com/helsell-attorney/tyler-jones/

CONNECT WITH MIKE & PAULA:
Michael Dinsio, MBA and Paula Quinn, BSDH are the founders of NEXT LEVEL CONSULTANTS, a dental-specific advisory firm that guides dentists through practice acquisitions, startups, and operational growth. If you're serious about ownership, they're the team you want in your corner. https://nxlevelconsultants.com

FOLLOW DENTAL UNSRIPTED:
https://dentalunscripted.com

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nxlevelconsultants/

🔔 Subscribe for new episodes on: 
✔ Dental practice acquisitions & startups 
✔ Practice ownership finances and legal strategy 
✔ Tax planning and entity structure for dentists 
✔ Team building, operations, and profitability 
✔ Real talk from dental industry experts

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