Dental Associate Agreements

Dental associate agreements are documents that define and outline the working relationship between a dental practice owner and an associate dentist. These agreements are important for both parties, as they establish expectations, roles, and responsibilities.

There are several key components to dental associate agreements that are important to consider. These include compensation, non-compete clauses, termination provisions, and ownership of patient records.

Compensation is one of the most important aspects of a dental associate agreement. It is important to define the compensation structure upfront to avoid any misunderstandings or disputes later on. Typically, an associate dentist is paid a percentage of the revenue they generate or a fixed salary. In some cases, the compensation may also include bonuses or other incentives.

Non-compete clauses are another important component of dental associate agreements. These clauses restrict the associate dentist from practicing in a certain geographic area for a specified period of time after leaving the practice. This is an important protection for the practice owner to prevent the associate from taking patients and clients with them to a new practice.

Termination provisions are also important to clarify in dental associate agreements. These provisions outline the circumstances under which the agreement can be terminated, such as if the associate violates a non-compete clause or fails to meet certain performance expectations. It is important to define these provisions upfront to avoid any confusion or disputes later on.

Finally, ownership of patient records is an important consideration in dental associate agreements. It is important to clarify who owns the patient records and who has access to them after the associate leaves the practice. In most cases, the practice owner retains ownership of the patient records, but the associate may be allowed to retain copies for their own records.

Overall, dental associate agreements are an important component of any dental practice. They establish clear expectations and responsibilities for both the practice owner and the associate dentist, and help to prevent misunderstandings and disputes. If you are considering hiring an associate dentist for your practice, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney to ensure that your dental associate agreement is comprehensive and meets your needs.