We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Grace Yum a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Grace, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I entered the dental field at age 18 while studying at Northwestern University. I was a dental assistant for a family friend. I studied Communications and had aspirations to be a journalist. However, fate, turned me into a different direction! I soon fell in love with dentistry and loved orthodontics and pediatric dentistry. I especially loved the idea of being my own boss and having my own business. The challenges I faced was that in dental school, there were no business classes and they only taught you how to be a successful dentist. I had many mentors that taught me how to run a private practice and I learned through apprenticeship. My advice to young dentists who are entrpreuneurs is to find great mentors and take their advice!

Grace, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

After 20 years of being in the dental field as a board certified pediatric dentist, I have built 2 successful practices that ran without being in network with insurances. I was able to sell them at the height of the pandemic in 2022. I started an online subscription based business for mothers in dentistry 3 years prior to selling my business. I reinvented myself and pivoted to a different business after selling my first one for over 2 million dollars. I am proud of creating the life I love and being intentional. I love being with my family and being able to be present for my kids when they need me most.

Conversations about M&A are often focused on multibillion dollar transactions – but M&A can be an important part of a small or medium business owner’s journey. We’d love to hear about your experience with selling businesses.

I sold my 2 dental practices in the middle of the covid pandemic in 2020. I am actually very proud of accomplishing that without using a dental broker, which saved me 10% on fees. I sold with a particular price in mind, that was more than the actual value of the business. I sold a business that ran without me, a turn-key office that I never walked into again as the boss. The day I closed, I handed in my keys and walked away. The most important piece of advice I can give is to create a business that you don’t have to work in.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

The most helpful advice I have to be successful in any field is to be an expert. I always say, there are riches in niches. Specialize in one area, do not be the jack of all trades.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mommydibs.com
• Instagram: @mommydentistsinbusiness
• Facebook: mommydentistsinbusiness
• Linkedin: drgraceyum