V. Surrounded by Contracts
You want to spend you time treating patients without worrying about anything else. Unfortunately, every day's mail, and nearly every business decision, brings papers that are essentially nothing more than contracts.
Don't just sign on the bottom line because you believe it is an all or nothing proposition. Don't just sign on the bottom line to expedite the process. Don't just sign because you have no time to read the fine print. Read it. Understand it. Have your attorney review it. Negotiate the terms. Sometimes you will be surprised at what you can get if you just ask!
As a dentist you will encounter various types of contracts during your career. An asset purchase agreement is the type of contract used to negotiate a dental practice sale. An office lease is a contract that allows you the use of your office space. A preferred provider agreement is a contract you enter into with an insurance company for the right to treat patients they refer to you, at predetermined fees.
The informed consent you use in your practice is a contract you enter into with a patient that explains the dental treatment being rendered, the risks and benefits of the treatment being performed, and the time and cost of the treatment. If you are entering into an employment relationship with another dentist, you will likely be asked to sign an employment contract. If your license to practice dentistry is being sanctioned, and a settlement agreement is reached, you will likely be asked to sign a consent order with your State's professional regulation division.
These seminars will discuss the basic elements required for a binding contract. They will cover some common contracts you will encounter, and common contract provisions you will see. Moreover, these seminars will suggest possible revisions to standard contract clauses that you and your attorney may want to consider prior to signing on the bottom line.
Lillian Obucina, Inc. is a resource for dental professionals on the law, regulations, and codes of ethics in dentistry. Education, information, insight, and motivation can avoid legal and ethical problems, and eliminate much uncertainty in dental office operations and patient management.