Your Associate Contract Checklist

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assoc-blog-imageI was recently approached by a dentist who until now has been working on a single-handed basis. He was eager to make sure he had considered all the legal points he needed to before taking on his first associate.

This is a significant step for a dentist and it’s vital to prepare in an appropriate way before you do this.

The legal points you need to take on board are the same as those for dentists with existing associates.

It may seem a pessimistic approach as you embark on a relationship with your new associate, but as no one can see into the future you need to protect your practice from potential disputes that can cause disruption and cost you money.

You can do this when you get a suitable associate contract in place.

Don’t assume an ‘off the shelf’ contract will provide you with the protection you need. There are standard contracts that you can pick up from the BDA and so on, but if you believe your practice is unique, your associate contract should be drawn up for your particular requirements.

Firstly, make sure your contract protects your practice goodwill.

Should your associate leave in the future, you need to make sure they don’t take any of your patients or team members with them. This can happen in the absence of a contract or when a contract is lacking in this area.

The contract also needs to clarify your associate is self-employed so there can never be a dispute about their status and their employment rights.

Make sure your contract is given the time and attention it needs. You can ask a specialist dental lawyer suchGoodman Grant to work with you to draw it up.

Finally, bear in mind that an NHS contract should never be in an associate’s name. It belongs to your practice so keep it with you.

Take note of these points and you can enjoy a productive relationship with your associate which helps you take your practice to where you want it to go.

Setting up an appropriate associate contract is very important. I’ll gladly discuss these points further with you. Simply enter your query or comment below and I’ll reply promptly. Or you call me on 01249 712074 if you’d prefer to chat.

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Original Article: Your Associate Contract Checklist
Clear Vision

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The traditional method of setting goals and gauging the success of a dental business does not automatically provide you with what you need and want. As the dental business owner, it puts you last in the queue. Clear Vision believes that your business should deliver the lifestyle you want. So when you work with our friendly and vibrant team of accountants and business advisers, it starts with you. What you want. How you want to create a difference in your life. Tell us your goals and we’ll work to help you develop a strong, positive dental business which delivers the life you want for you and your family. We have worked with dentists all over the UK since 2001. Dentists who share the same challenges and issues as you. And we’ve seen what factors will really make the difference in improving your results and increasing your rewards. So you benefit from what we know works and doesn’t work. For a taste of the insights we share check out our blog for dentists: www.clearvisiondentalblog.co.uk. We’re ready to share our experience and insights with you. Simply call our friendly team on 01249 712074 for an informal discussion. You’ll have our ear, our understanding and the considerable expertise which comes from successfully improving the lives of dentists like you.