Dr. David Broughton and Michelle Broughton were both working at other dental offices, and their dream of owning a practice followed what seemed like the sensible order: Buy an existing practice first. Build one from scratch only as a last resort.

So while most engaged couples spend the year before their wedding touring venues, the Broughtons spent it touring dental practices for sale across Long Island.

They found outdated equipment. Tired decor. And nothing that cleared the one bar that mattered most: finding a practice where they would be proud to treat their own friends and family.

Eventually, they moved to Plan B, the one most couples wouldn’t attempt with a wedding on the calendar. They would build one from scratch.

Dr. Henner had spent his entire career at 163 Half Hollow Road in Deer Park, treating many of the same families his father had before him. The practice had belonged to his father before it became his.

And within dentistry, Dr. Henner had built a reputation that extended well beyond Deer Park.