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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.
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Karl D. Shehu, has a multidisciplinary practice encompassing small business law, estate and legacy planning, real estate law, and litigation. Attorney Shehu has assisted families, physicians, professionals, and people of faith provide for their loved ones by crafting individualized estate and legacy plans. Protecting families and safeguarding families is his passion. Attorney Shehu routinely represents lenders, buyers, sellers, and businesses in real estate transactions, researching and resolving title defects, escrowing funds, and drafting lending documents. To date, Attorney Shehu has closed a real estate deal in every town in Connecticut. As a litigator, Attorney Shehu has proven willing to engage in contentious court battles to obtain results for his clients. While practicing at DLA Piper, LLP, in Boston, Attorney Shehu represented the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies in multidistrict litigations filed throughout the United States. He has been a passionate advocate for immigrants and the seriously injured, frequently advising against lowball settlement offers. He is willing to try every case to verdict, and he meticulously prepares every case for trial. Attorney Shehu began his legal career as a consumer lawyer, utilizing fee-shifting statutes to force unscrupulous businesses to pay the legal fees of aggrieved consumers. For example, in Access Therapies v. Mendoza, 1:13-cv-01317 (S.D. Ind. 2014), Attorney Shehu utilized unique interpretations of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, Truth-in-Lending Act, and Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to obtain a favorable result for his immigrant client. Attorney Shehu is a Waterbury, Connecticut native. He attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel grammar school, The Loomis Chaffee School, and Chase Collegiate School before earning degrees from Boston College, the University of Oxford’s Said Business School in England, and Pepperdine University School of Law. At Oxford, Karl was voted president of his class. Outside of his law practice, Attorney Shehu has worked to improve the world around him by participating in numerous charitable endeavors. He is a former candidate for the Connecticut Senate and a parishioner of St. Patrick Parish and Oratory in Waterbury. In addition, Attorney Shehu has written extensively on the Twenty-fifth Amendment and law firm retention by multinational firms.
