
New Hampshire Dentist Contract Attorney
Dental Associate Contract Area of Focus
New Hampshire: Scenic Beauty Meets Urban Charm
Tucked in the Northeastern United States, New Hampshire offers the charm of small-town living alongside the conveniences of larger cities like Manchester and Concord. This state is known for its scenic landscapes, from the rugged White Mountains to serene lakes. To delve deeper into what the state has to offer, visit the official Visit New Hampshire website.
The Dental Landscape in New Hampshire
Dentistry in Varied Environments
Whether you prefer the dynamic pace of a city or the close-knit feel of a small town, New Hampshire has an array of options. Larger communities in Manchester, Nashua, or Concord offer urban opportunities, while towns in the Lakes Region or the White Mountains can provide a more intimate practice setting.
To ensure your transition to New Hampshire is smooth, familiarize yourself with the local regulations and licensure requirements governed by the New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners.
Engaging with The New Hampshire Dental Society
Joining the New Hampshire Dental Society can be an excellent way to connect with your fellow dental professionals, gain access to continuing education opportunities, and stay updated on local dental issues.
Embracing the New Hampshire Lifestyle
Outdoor Wonders Await
New Hampshire is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting hiking, skiing, and leaf-peeping opportunities. Explore the White Mountain National Forest, enjoy boating on Lake Winnipesaukee, or experience the stunning fall colors along the Kancamagus Highway.
Cultural Riches
From historical sites like Strawbery Banke Museum to the vibrant arts scene in Portsmouth, New Hampshire offers a wealth of cultural experiences. Literature lovers can also visit the Robert Frost Farm, a tribute to one of America’s most celebrated poets.
Culinary Excursions
From fresh seafood along the Seacoast to locally sourced cuisine in farm-to-table restaurants, New Hampshire offers a culinary scene as diverse as its landscape.
Conclusion
As a dentist transitioning to New Hampshire, you’ll have the opportunity to build a fulfilling career while embracing the state’s rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Welcome to the Granite State – your exciting new chapter awaits!
Important Terms in a Medical Contract
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.
Competition of a Dental Practice
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 New Hampshire dental associate contract lawyers seem necessary at first glance! We also offer contract review for all states, including Nevada Dental Contract Review and New Jersey Dental Contract Review.
Dental Employment Agreement Checklist
Employee or dental contracts are all unique. However, nearly all medical and dental professional 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?
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):
- 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? Is an Orthodontist or Pediatric Dentist, Periodontist on site?
- 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?
- Locations: Which facilities will the employer schedule the employees to provide care at (outpatient clinic, surgical sites, in-patient services, etc.)?
- 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?
- Disability Insurance: Is disability insurance provided (short-term and long-term)?
- Professional License: Will the practice offer reimbursement for licensing? Will an advisor be provided?
- Practice Call Schedule: How often is the employed physician on call (after-hours office call, ASC, hospital call (if applicable))?
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR): Will the employer provide training resources or time to review the system before delivering care?
- 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?
- Productivity Compensation: If there is productivity compensation, how is it calculated (wRVU, net collections, patient encounters, etc.)? Is there an annual review?
- Practice Benefits Summary: Are standard benefits offered: health, vision, dental, life, retirement, etc.? Who is the advisor of human resource benefits?
- 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?
- Continuing Dental Education: What is the annual allowance for CME expenses, and how much time off do they offer?
- Dues and Fees: Which business financial expenses are covered (board licensing, DEA registration, privileging, ADA membership, Board review)?
- Relocation Assistance: Is relocation assistance offered? What are the repayment obligations if the contract is terminated before the expiration of the initial term?
- 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?
- 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?
- Tail Insurance: If tail insurance is necessary, who pays for it when the agreement terminates?
- Term: What is the length of the initial term? Does the agreement automatically renew after the initial term?
- For Cause Termination: What are the grounds for immediate termination for cause? Is a review provided to dispute the termination?
- Without Cause Termination: How much notice is required for either party to terminate the agreement without cause?
- Practice Post-Termination Payment Obligations: Will the physician receive production bonuses after the agreement terminates?
- Non-Compete: How long does the non-compete last, and what is the prohibited geographic scope?
- Financial Retirement: Is a financial retirement plan offered?
- Non-Solicitation: How long does it last, and does it cover employees, clients, patients, and business associates?
- Notice: How is the notice given? Via hand delivery, email, US mail, etc.? Does it have to be provided to the employer’s attorney?
- Practice Assignment: Can the employer assign the agreement? Will the healthcare agreement require ongoing compliance with a new employer?
- 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 attorney oversees the process?
Dental Law Firm for a New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Dentist Contract Attorney for assistance.