Dental offices are not always solo practices. In some cases, as your business grows, you may want to bring on another licensed dentist who can take on some of your clients. Before you hire anyone, however, you should have a dentist’s employment contract in mind. This will help you and the new dentist know what to expect from the working relationship. It will also help you to uphold the standards of your dentistry practice.
So how do you draft a dentist employment contract? It may not be as daunting as it seems. Here’s what you need to know about hiring a new dentist and drafting a dentist employment contract.
Verify a Dentist’s License
Any dentist that you hire should be licensed to practice in your state. Use a state’s professional licensure database to check.
What To Include
Your dentist employment contract should include the following:
- The date that the agreement was entered into and the name of the company and employee
- Terms of employment
- Job description
- Information on compensation, benefits, expenses, and overtime
- Any accommodations for a disability
- Any confidentiality and non-compete agreements
- Grounds for termination
Non-Compete Clauses
Many dentists are solo practitioners, but those in a group practice often sign a non-compete clause to ensure that no one takes business from the firm. Sometimes these non-compete clauses will require that the dentist does not compete with the firm even for a certain period after leaving.
As an employer, protecting your business while creating a fair non-compete clause is essential. Look at other standard non-compete clauses for dentists to understand what’s fair. Try to keep the non-compete period reasonably short.
How To Write
Need to draft your dentist employment contract? Here’s the step-by-step process.
Step 1 – Write an Introduction
Your introduction is one brief paragraph. It includes the contract’s date and purpose, the company’s name, and the employee’s name. The final sentence states that the terms of the agreement bind both parties.
Step 2 – Cover the Terms of Employment
The first sections you write will cover the nature of the employment, including the employee’s job description and duties. It should include whether the employee is a full-time or part-time employee and the length of the employment term if it is a temporary position. If there is a probationary period, this should also be covered here.
Step 3 – Cover Compensation and Benefits
Compensation should be laid out in the contract, including the standard compensation and any additional compensation – such as bonuses or overtime. Non-financial benefits, such as time off or insurance, should also be included in your contract. Make sure to cover expenses, as well. What is the company’s responsibility, and what is the employee’s responsibility? How are these expenses reimbursed?
Step 4 – Lay Out Any Restrictions
This includes non-compete clauses, non-solicitation clauses, and confidentiality clauses. These clauses let the new employee know what they can and cannot do while working for your company. The contract should also explain the ownership of the employee’s work or repercussions for irreparable harm.
Step 5 – Discuss Grounds for Termination
Explain the grounds for termination and the right the company has to terminate the contract with the employee.
Step 6 – Add Anything Left Out
Any relevant miscellaneous terms can be added at the bottom. Then sign the contract to make it official.
Sample
If you need help drafting the contract, view a dentist employment contract sample or consider using our free template, available in PDF and Word formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
As in any profession, employment contracts are vital to ensure both the employer and employee are protected. There are several reasons why you should use a dentist employment contract: The legal requirements and regulations governing dentist employment contracts vary by jurisdiction. It is important to consult legal professionals to ensure compliance with local laws regarding employment, licensing, privacy, non-compete agreements, termination, and dispute resolution. Specific benefits offered in a dentist employment contract can vary depending on the employer and the terms negotiated. Here are some common benefits that may be included:Why is a dentist employment contract important?
Are there any legal requirements or regulations governing dentist employment contracts?
Are any specific benefits offered in a dentist employment contract?