2 Credit Hours

Join us as we explore the full lifecycle of a dentist: We begin with the early years, where new dentists face critical financial decisions that dental school rarely covers. Topics include building and understanding credit, navigating the homebuying process, establishing liquidity and emergency reserves, evaluating insurance needs, and reviewing employment contracts. Next we examine the financial, legal, operational, and strategic components of practice ownership. Dentists will learn how lenders evaluate deals, how to approach legal and contract negotiations, how to plan for equipment, real estate, staffing, and efficient practice operations. Finally, we will address the transition phase of a dental career. This includes understanding practice valuation, optimizing financials before a sale, timing considerations, associate to owner pathways, and structuring deals that protect both seller and practice. The session also covers retirement readiness, tax implications, and strategies for preserving wealth after transition – ideal for dentists planning 3-10 years ahead.

Learning Objectives:

• A Practical Guide to Life and Money as a New Dentist
• From Associate to Owner – What you Need to Know
• Preparing for a Smooth and Successful Practice Transition

Melissa Kwiatkowski is a Healthcare Banking Advisor with deep expertise in financial management and healthcare banking, dedicated to serving independent medical, dental, and veterinary practices. Drawing on an extensive network of relationships within the healthcare community, Melissa takes a consultative and holistic approach to understanding each practice’s unique needs — delivering tailored financial solutions that support efficient revenue cycle management of patient receivables and drive improved practice operations. As a Certified Medical Practice Executive through the Medical Group Management Association, Melissa brings a recognized standard of excellence and credibility to every client relationship.

Throughout every stage of a practice’s life cycle, Melissa provides specialized financing solutions — whether for a start-up, acquisition, ownership transition, or expansion — ensuring that practitioners have the capital and strategic support they need to thrive. Beyond traditional banking services, Melissa is committed to educating clients and their teams on the latest healthcare trends, challenges, and financial wellness strategies, empowering them to make informed decisions with confidence. This combination of industry knowledge, personalized guidance, and genuine partnership makes Melissa a trusted advisor for healthcare professionals
looking to build and sustain a financially sound practice.

Megan Tymoczko-Korch, Esq. combines her aptitude for numbers with legal insight to guide clients through complex corporate and transactional matters. Her practice spans a diverse range of entities, from major NFL franchises to solo dental practices, with experience in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, mezzanine financing, international supply agreements, and strategic domestic and international transactions. Known for her organization, responsiveness, and steady confidence, Megan is dedicated to protecting her clients’ interests while skillfully navigating deals from negotiation to closing.

Licensed in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Megan earned her J.D. and MBA from Duquesne University and her B.S. from the University of Pittsburgh. She is an active member of the American Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, and West Virginia Bar Association. She volunteers with Young Adult Survivors United as both a survivor and committee member and dedicates her time to Neighborhood Legal Services Association, reflecting her commitment to supporting individuals and strengthening her community.

Dental Society of Western PA is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider Approved by Pennsylvania Dental Association.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
Dental Society of Western PA designates this activity for 6 continuing education credits.