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A dental associate contract, also known as an associate dentist contract or dental employment agreement, is a legally binding document between a dental practice and an associate dentist. This contract outlines the terms of employment, detailing the rights and responsibilities of both the employer and the associate dentist.
Whether you’re a newly graduated dentist or an experienced professional, understanding the intricacies of a dental associate contract is crucial. It covers key areas such as compensation, duties, benefits, and non-compete clauses, ensuring both parties are clear on expectations.
In this article, we'll break down the essential components of these agreements and provide insights into what you should look for when negotiating your contract. From the differences between being an employee and an independent contractor dentist to the specifics of dental practice agreements, we’ve got you covered.
A dental associate contract, also known as a dental employment agreement, is a legally binding document between a dental practice and an associate dentist. This document outlines the terms of employment, which have previously been agreed upon through negotiations, between the dental practice (employer) and the associate dentist (employee).
Understanding the key parts of a dental associate contract is essential for any associate dentist entering into a dental employment agreement. This section will break down the crucial components that you’ll find in your contract, whether you’re an employee or an independent contractor dentist. Knowing what to look for in a dentist employment contract can help you negotiate better terms and protect your interests.
Before discussing the key components of a dental associate contract, it is important to determine whether you will work as an independent contractor or full-time employee. These are two very different classifications that can have big implications on both employer and employee obligations.
On a high level, full-time employees will receive benefits from their employer and take greater direction. Independent contractors are self-employed, need to pay for their own benefits, and have more flexibility on when and where they work.
Here is an article that goes over the difference between an Independent Contractor vs. Employee.
Now, let’s get into the key parts of a dental employment contract.
Here is a paper written by the ADA Center for Professional Success about the terms within a dental employment contract.
An associate dentist is a non-owner dentist that works within a dental practice. Typically, these are younger dentists that have not made the leap in starting their own practice and have chosen to get a job with a dentist that already has an established practice. However, older dentists can also become associates for reasons like work flexibility and reduced pressure of running their own practice.
Associate dentists can either be hired as a full-time employee or an independent contractor, depending on what the dental practice needs. As a full-time employee, you will typically be offered benefits, which includes insurance, retirement plans, etc. Independent contractors need to pay for their own insurance and benefits.
Meet some lawyers on our platformNegotiating a dental employment contract is a critical step in securing a position that meets your professional and personal needs. Whether you’re starting your career or looking for a change, understanding the negotiation process can help you achieve favorable terms. Here, we’ll highlight typical areas of negotiation and provide practical tips to ensure your dental employment agreement works for you.
Tip: Use salary surveys and industry reports to support your compensation requests. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and how they justify your desired pay.
Tip: Make sure your duties align with your career goals and provide opportunities for professional growth.
Tip: Ensure the termination clause protects your interests and provides a fair exit strategy if needed.
Tip: A dental lawyer can help you negotiate more favorable terms and ensure the clauses are enforceable and reasonable.
Tip: Highlight how your continued education will benefit the practice and improve patient care.
Tip: Verify the specifics of the malpractice insurance policy and any additional costs you might incur.
Tip: A clear dispute resolution clause can save time and money if conflicts arise.
Negotiating a dental employment contract requires preparation and a clear understanding of your priorities. By focusing on these key areas and using the tips provided, you can secure a contract that supports your career growth and personal well-being. Don’t hesitate to seek advice from a dental lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and to help you navigate the negotiation process with confidence.
Here is an article from Tufts School of Dental Medicine on considerations for your contracts.
Employment contracts are popular within dental practices since dentists need a lot of help in the office if they want to grow their practice. There are other types of contracts that are also worth noting, which are below:
A dental associate contract, also known as an associate dentist contract or dental employment agreement, outlines the terms for an associate working within an established practice. In contrast, a dental partnership agreement involves co-ownership and shared management responsibilities of the practice. The associate dentist contract focuses on employment terms like compensation and duties, while the partnership agreement details ownership shares, profit distribution, and decision-making processes.
Absolutely, you can negotiate the non-compete clause in your dental associate contract. Non-compete clauses can significantly impact your future career opportunities, so it’s essential to understand their terms. Consult with a dental lawyer to determine what is reasonable and enforceable in your area. They can help you negotiate terms that balance protecting the dental practice and preserving your ability to work in your chosen field.
If you don't understand any part of your dental associate contract, it’s crucial to seek advice from a dental lawyer. They can clarify complex terms and suggest necessary changes to protect your interests. A dental lawyer familiar with dental employment agreements and dentist employment contracts can provide valuable insights, ensuring you fully understand your rights and obligations before signing.
The length of a typical dental associate contract varies but generally ranges from one to three years, with options for renewal. The contract should clearly state the initial term and any conditions for extending the agreement. Understanding the term and renewal options helps you plan your career and assess long-term commitments to the dental practice.
Terminating your dental associate contract early can have several consequences, depending on the terms outlined in the agreement. Review the termination clause carefully, as it may include penalties, required notice periods, or conditions under which you can terminate without penalty. Consulting with a dental lawyer can help you understand your obligations and navigate the termination process smoothly.
Many dentists earn high salaries, so it is worth investing in help to make sure you are signing a contract that protects your rights. Consulting with an employment lawyer that has familiarity within the dental and medical field is always recommended to make sure your rights are protected.
ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.
I am a lawyer who helps small businesses, nonprofits, and startups with a wide variety of agreements, corporate formation, and corporate governance. I earned my BA from Tulane University and my JD from the University of Chicago Law School. Before starting my own practice, I worked at an international law firm in New York City. Outside of work, I am on the board of the nonprofit Seattle REconomy (which runs the NE Seattle and Shoreline tool libraries) and I enjoy gardening, baking bread, and outdoor activities with my spouse and two dogs.
With over ten years of intellectual property experience, I’m happy to work on your contractual matter. I am very diligent and enjoy meeting tight deadlines. Drafting memoranda, business transactional documents, termination notices, demand letters, licenses and letter agreements are all in my wheelhouse! Working in a variety of fields, from construction to pharmaceutical, I enjoy resolving any disputes that come across my desk.
I have been practicing law since 2018. I used to be a litigator at a nationwide practice before going in-house at a fintech company. I have experience drafting NDAs, SaaS contracts, service agreements, and stock purchase agreements.
Business-minded, analytical and detail-oriented attorney with broad experience in real estate and corporate law, with an emphasis on retail leasing, sales and acquisitions and real estate finance. Extensive experience in drafting complex commercial contracts, including purchase and sale contracts for businesses in a wide variety of industries. Also experienced in corporate formation and governance, mergers and acquisitions, employment and franchise law. Admitted to practice in Colorado since 2001, Bar No. 33427.
I was born in Charlotte, NC and primarily raised in Dalton, GA. I graduated from Dalton High School in 1981 where I was in the band and the French club. I also participated in Junior Achievement and was a member of Tri-Hi-Y. New York granted my first license as an attorney in 1990. I then worked as a partner in the firm of Broda and Burnett for almost 10 years and as a solo practitioner for about 2 years. I worked as a general practitioner (primarily doing divorces, child abuse cases, custody matters and other family law matters, bankruptcy, real estate closings, contracts, taxes, etc.) and as a Law Guardian (attorney who represents children). I obtained my license in Tennessee in December 2002 and began working as an associate at Blackburn & McCune from February of 2003 until May of 2005. At Blackburn & McCune I provided telephone legal counsel to Prepaid Legal Services (now known as Legal Shield) members, wrote letters for members, reviewed contracts, attended hearings on traffic ticket matters and represented members with regard to IRS matters. In May of 2005, I went to work for North American Satellite Corporation where I served as Corporate Counsel. I handled a number of taxation issues, reviewed and wrote contracts, counseled the CEO and Board of Directors on avoiding legal problems and resolving disputes, and represented employees on a variety of matters, and also assisted the company for a period of time as its Director of Accounting. In 2010, I volunteered as a law clerk for Judge Robert Adams in Dalton, Georgia until I obtained my license to practice law in Georgia in November, 2010. In Georgia, I have handled a variety of family law matters, drafted wills, advanced health care directives, power of attorney documents, reviewed and drafted contracts, and conducted real estate closings. Currently, I accept cases in the areas of adoption, child support, custody, divorce, legitimation and other family law matters. In addition, I handle name change petitions and draft wills.
