California Dentist Contract Attorney

California Dentist Contract Attorney

Our California dental contract attorney can review your contract, identify the areas that could improve, and assist you in obtaining the best California dentist contract possible. Each California dentist that requests our assistance receives the following:

• Available in any state
• Flat-rate pricing with no hidden costs
• Review of your proposed employment agreement
• Phone consultation with our lawyer, reviewing the contract term by term
• Follow up with a review of the needed clarifications

California Dental Agreements

A thorough contract review can benefit any dental professional entering their first employment contract or an established dentist looking for new employment. By employing an experienced attorney for your representation, you can ensure that you will be able to fully understand the extensive and complex wording included in your contract.

All About California

California, the Golden State, is known for its diverse culture, innovative technology, stunning natural beauty, and of course, Hollywood. From the breathtaking Pacific coastline to the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains, California is a place full of opportunities and experiences. If you’re looking for more insight into the Californian way of life, the official California state website is a great place to start.

The Dental Landscape in California

Dental Practices Across the State

With its vast population, California boasts a multitude of dental practices. Whether you’re in bustling Los Angeles, tech-centric Silicon Valley, or the picturesque Napa Valley, you’ll find a vibrant and diverse dental community.

The Dental Board of California

Your first port of call as a dental professional in the state should be the Dental Board of California. This body is responsible for licensure, examination, and regulation of dentists in the state. It is an essential resource for staying updated on regulations and continuing education opportunities.

California Dental Association

Joining the California Dental Association can be highly beneficial. As a member, you’ll get the opportunity to network with other dental professionals, access resources for career growth, and engage in advocacy efforts for the profession.

Living the California Lifestyle

Outdoor and Recreational Activities

California is famous for its outdoor lifestyle. You can enjoy surfing in Huntington Beach, skiing in Lake Tahoe, hiking in Yosemite National Park, or strolling through the beautiful vineyards of Sonoma and Napa Valley.

Landmarks and Culture

In your free time, you can visit iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hollywood Sign, or the historic Hearst Castle. California is also home to a multitude of museums, art galleries, theaters, and music festivals that celebrate its rich and diverse culture.

California Cuisine

Finally, don’t forget to indulge in California’s world-renowned cuisine. From the farm-to-table restaurants of San Francisco, to the vibrant food truck scene of Los Angeles, to the fresh seafood along the coast, California is truly a foodie’s paradise.

Wrapping Up

California promises a dynamic and rewarding environment for dentists. Not only does it offer professional growth opportunities, but it also provides a vibrant lifestyle that perfectly blends work and leisure. Welcome to California – you’re going to love it here!

Important Terms in a Medical Contract

The present-day conclusion is simple: dental professionals should only enter into contracts by having the agreement reviewed by dental practice lawyers. There is too much at risk for a dentist to take contract matters into their own hands. In addition to the specific professional implications, dental associate contract red flags and terms of medical contracts can significantly impact a dentist’s family, lifestyle, and future.

There are many important terms and clauses in medical contracts which can present complex and diverse issues for dentists, including:

• Non-compete clauses
• Inadequate professional liability insurance and tail coverage
• Unfavorable call schedules
• Practice support (Staffing, Supplies, etc.)
• Production Bonuses (RVU, net income, or hybrid structures)
• Not enough paid time off (PTO) or Vacation time
• Biased Termination Provisions (With or Without Cause)
• Continuing Dental Education (CDE)
• Dues and Fees (ADA, Dental Board)
• Compensation

Non-Compete Clauses

Dentists with non-competes in their dentist employment agreements were initially considered restraints of trade. Thus, they were invalid in public policy at common law. However, many restraints on trade incident to healthcare contracts were upheld based on the rule of reason. Thus, restrictive covenants between dentists not to compete after the termination of employment are generally enforceable as long as it is reasonable.

However, there are a few states which prohibit non-compete clauses. Please review your state laws for non-compete rules and regulations to see the specific rules for your state.

The general test for reasonableness of these clauses holds that on termination of employment, a covenant that restrains an employee from competing with his former employer is termed reasonable if:

• The restraint is not more than required to protect the employer,
• It does not inflict any untold hardships on the employer, and
• The restraint is not detrimental to the public.

In one such case, a provider restricted from practicing his specialty after leaving the hospital where he worked had their non-competition clause considered unreasonable. The judge ruled that this would be harsh if enforced because there are only a few other hospitals in the area with subspecialties like this one. They needed to protect themselves by preventing transfers of knowledge between providers.

Courts generally find that these clauses were only enforceable if there was some legitimate interest from the employer and would damage their ability to find qualified staff later or hurt public health care. Those needing legal advice should consult an attorney before signing any contract. Hence, they know what rights may come into play when things go wrong with their current job, regardless of whether non-compete reviews by California dental associate contract lawyers seem necessary at first glance! We also offer contract review for all states, including Arkansas Dental Contract Review and Colorado Dental Contract Review.

Dental Employment Agreement Checklist

Employee or dental contracts are all unique. However, nearly all medical and dental professionals contracts for dental providers should contain several essential terms. If these contracts do not spell out the critical terms, disputes can arise when there is a disagreement between parties regarding the details of the specific term. For instance, if the doctor is expecting to work Monday through Thursday and the employer thinks it’s Monday through Friday. Still, the particular workdays are absent from the contract—who prevails?

Key Dental Contract Points

Spelling out the details of a dentist’s job is crucial to avoid healthcare contract conflicts during the employment contract term.  Below is a checklist of important terms that contracts should contain (and a brief explanation of each term generally discussed in negotiations):

1. Practice Services Offered: What are the clinical patient care duties? Is there time for a review of administrative tasks? How many patients is the dentist expected to see?
2. Patient Care Schedule: What days and hours are employees expected to provide patient care per week? What is the surgery schedule? Are employees involved in the planning of their schedules?
3. Locations: Which facilities will the employer schedule the employees to provide care at (outpatient clinic, surgical sites, in-patient services, etc.)?
4. Outside Activities: Are employees permitted to pursue moonlighting or locum tenens opportunities? Does a physician need permission from the employer before accepting medicine-related positions?
5. Disability Insurance: Is disability insurance provided (short-term and long-term)?
6. Professional License: Will the practice offer reimbursement for licensing? Will an advisor be provided?
7. Practice Call Schedule: How often is the employed physician on call (after-hours office call, ASC, hospital call (if applicable))?
8. Electronic Medical Records (EMR): Will the employer provide training resources or time to review the system before delivering care?
9. Base Compensation: What is the annual base salary? What is the pay period frequency? Does the base compensation increase over the term of the agreement? Is there a yearly review or quarterly review of compensation? Is there a group management relationship?
10. Productivity Compensation: If there is productivity compensation, how is it calculated (wRVU, net collections, patient encounters, etc.)? Is there an annual review?
11. Practice Benefits Summary: Are standard benefits offered: health, vision, dental, life, retirement, etc.? Who is the advisor of human resource benefits?
12. Paid Time Off: How much time off does the job offer? What is the split between vacation, sick days, CME attendance, and holidays? Is there an HR guide?
13. Continuing Dental Education: What is the annual allowance for CME expenses, and how much time off do they offer?
14. Dues and Fees: Which business financial expenses are covered (board licensing, DEA registration, privileging, ADA membership, Board review)?
15. Relocation Assistance: Is relocation assistance offered? What are the repayment obligations if the contract is terminated before the expiration of the initial term?
16. Signing Bonus: Is an employee signing bonus offered? When is it paid? Does the employee have to pay it back if they leave before they complete the initial term? Are student loans paid back? Is there a forgiveness period for student loans?
17. Professional Liability Insurance: What type of liability insurance (malpractice) the employer offers: claims made, occurrence, self-insurance? License and litigation defense? Can you negotiate tail? Who is your dental malpractice lawyer?
18. Tail Insurance: If tail insurance is necessary, who pays for it when the agreement terminates?
19. Term: What is the length of the initial term? Does the agreement automatically renew after the initial term?
20. For Cause Termination: What are the grounds for immediate termination for cause? Is a review provided to dispute the termination?
21. Without Cause Termination: How much notice is required for either party to terminate the agreement without cause?
22. Practice Post-Termination Payment Obligations: Will the physician receive production bonuses after the agreement terminates?
23. Non-Compete: How long does the non-compete last, and what is the prohibited geographic scope?
24. Financial Retirement: Is a financial retirement plan offered?
25. Non-Solicitation: How long does it last, and does it cover employees, clients, patients, and business associates?
26. Notice: How is the notice given? Via hand delivery, email, US mail, etc.? Does it have to be provided to the employer’s attorney?
27. Practice Assignment: Can the employer assign the agreement? Will the healthcare agreement require ongoing compliance with a new employer?
28. Alternative Dispute Resolution: If there is a conflict regarding the contract, will mediation or arbitration be utilized? What is the standard attorney review process for disputes? Who decides which dental attorney California oversees the process?
29. Specialty Services: Such as an Endodontist or Oral Medicine Dentist.

Attorney Services for a California Dental Contract

Coming into a new organization with a favorable contract can put the dentist in a positive financial situation for years to come. We also offer occasional dental product reviews. Before you sign the most important contract of your life, turn to an experienced California Dentist Contract Attorney for assistance.