Dentist employment contracts play a crucial role in shaping the employment relationship between dentists and practice owners. As the trained dentist, you should understand the intricacies of these contracts so that you know exactly what your responsibilities are. Having an understanding of the contact terms empowers you to negotiate fair and mutually beneficial terms that foster long-term success. In this blog, we will discuss the most popular clauses in dentist employment contracts and provide our insights for navigating this legal landscape.

1. Compensation and Benefits. Dentists should always review the proposed compensation structure with a close eye. This clause outlines your base salary, as well as any bonuses, incentives, or benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Understanding how compensation is determined and any performance metrics that are tied to it ensures you will be adequately compensated for your hard work. Make sure you know whether your pay is tied to the number of services you perform or how many hours you work.
2. Scope of Practice. Before entering into an employment contract, the dentist should have clarity regarding their duties and responsibilities while working at the practice. Dentists should ensure that the contract aligns with their professional goals and allows them to perform the procedures they are qualified for and comfortable with. The dentist should also be afforded professional discretion in treating patients so long as they meet the industry standard of care. Since dentists are the ones trained in treating patients, employers should not force them to do things that are unethical for the sake of their job security. Another thing to look out for in this clause is your hour requirement.
3. Termination. Understanding the circumstances under which the employment contract can be terminated, including notice periods and severance arrangements, is crucial for dentists. Keep your eye out for any clauses that grant the employer more favorable termination rights than the dentist or allow for the employer to terminate you at any time, without any cause. If you catch an inequitable termination clause before signing, you may have room to negotiate for terms that grant you more protection.
4. Non-Competition or Non-Solicitation. These clauses restrict dentists from practicing within a certain geographic area or soliciting patients from their former employer after termination of employment. It is important to carefully evaluate the scope, duration, and enforceability of these provisions, as they can significantly impact your future career opportunities.
5. Professional Liability Insurance: Dentists should verify that the employment contract includes provisions for professional liability insurance coverage, which is essential for protecting against malpractice claims. Understanding the extent of coverage and any limitations is vital for mitigating risks.

Understanding the terms of your dentist employment contract and negotiating when necessary will set the stage for a beneficial working relationship between dentists and employers. With a strong contract in place, the dentist should be able grow and achieve much success throughout their employment. Venustas Law is here to help you understand the terms of your dental employment contracts before you agree to them.