The Cordea Operator's Edge Podcast

What Dental Buyers Actually Pay For (ft. Ben Ellis, former VP Corp Dev, Heartland Dental)

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 21:04:34 GMT

What if the biggest threat to your practice’s valuation isn’t market conditions, but the operational blind spots hiding in plain sight? In this episode, Ben Ellis, CEO, Ellis & Associates (healthcare finance and DSO advisory expert), unpacks what buyers are really looking for in today’s dental market and why operational excellence has become the ultimate value driver. From missed patient calls and revenue leakage to provider dependency and scalability challenges, we explore the critical factors that can elevate or erode enterprise value long before a sale process begins. Hosted by Cayse Llorens, President, Cordea Consulting.

01:52 Introductions
04:44 The Market Shift
10:24 What Buyers Pay For
23;37 Leakage
35:17 18-24 Month Runway
43:06 Wrapping Up

If you find this information valuable, be sure to subscribe to The Cordea Operator's Edge Podcast - you won't want to miss future episodes!

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Website: Cordea Consulting

Website: Ellis & Associates

CONNECT

LinkedIn: Cayse Llorens, President, Cordea Consulting

LinkedIn: Ben Ellis, CEO, Ellis & Associates

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Path to Exit, pt. 1 (ft. Provident Healthcare Partners)

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 20:37:39 GMT

Why do so many dental groups explore a sale, yet only a small fraction achieve the valuation and outcome they were hoping for? In this inaugural episode of our Path to Exit series, we are joined by Chris Schlesinger & Ajeya Shekar of Provident Healthcare Partners to unpack what buyers actually value in today's dental market. Together, they explore the operational, financial, and strategic factors that drive premium valuations, the common issues that quietly erode enterprise value during diligence, and how owners can begin preparing 18 to 36 months before a transaction to maximize outcomes. Whether you're planning an exit or simply building a stronger organization, this conversation provides a practical roadmap for creating a more valuable business. Hosted by Cayse Llorens, President, Cordea Consulting.

04:00 Introductions
08:51 The Market
14:04 What Buyers Pay For
24:04 Where Sellers Get Discounted
33:59 Leaks
35:41 Clean Sellers
42:51 When to Prep
46:50 Wrapping Up

If you find this information valuable, be sure to subscribe to The Cordea Operator's Edge Podcast - you won't want to miss future episodes!

LEARN MORE

Website: Cordea Consulting

Website: Provident Healthcare Partners

CONNECT

LinkedIn: Cayse Llorens, President, Cordea Consulting

LinkedIn: Chris Schlesinger & Ajeya Shekar, Provident Healthcare Partners

LISTEN

Apple Podcasts

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Inside ADSO: What Operators Need to See Coming (ft. Andrew Smith, CEO, ADSO)

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 22:52:08 GMT

What does the future hold for Dental Support Organizations? In today's episode, Andrew Smith, CEO of ADSO, joins us to explore the trends, technologies, and strategic shifts transforming the DSO space. From evolving operating models to industry-wide challenges and opportunities, he offers a unique perspective on how ADSO is helping multi-site practices thrive in a rapidly changing market. Hosted by Cayse Llorens, President, Cordea Consulting.

03:06 ADSO Strategic Evolution and Leadership
06:27 Licensure Portability and Workforce Trends
08:57 Industry and DSO Market Trends
18:49 ADSO Membership Benefits and Advocacy
24:59 Cordea’s Approach to DSO Support
33:28 ADSO Event Programming and Industry Engagement

If you find this information valuable, be sure to subscribe to The Cordea Operator's Edge Podcast - you won't want to miss future episodes!

LEARN MORE

Website: Cordea Consulting

Website: ADSO (Association of Dental Support Organizations)

CONNECT

LinkedIn: Cayse Llorens, President, Cordea Consulting

LinkedIn: Andrew Smith, CEO, ADSO

LISTEN

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

YouTube