While there are certainly many variations in contracts, it is critical that you at least have a contract. Careful evaluation of the practice and practitioner is critical. Your instincts are important and you should feel very comfortable in the practice. Issues such as your status as an employee or an independent contractor should be clarified. Restrictive covenants are often requested and should be reasonable. Contact other dentists in your area to get examples of similar contracts. You should not sign a contract until you have consulted a legal advisor who is familiar with evaluating dental contracts.
Visit www.padental.org/associateship for additional information. You may also view samples online.
1. What should I look for in an associateship contract?
Pennsylvania state law requires that you supply a copy of patient records regardless of any outstanding bills. Requesting records and paying bills are two separate issues. However, you should never send original records. Requests for records should be made in writing. This service can be provided free or for a fee reflecting the cost of copying records and reproducing radiographs, although all fees should reflect amounts deemed appropriate by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. You are obligated to transfer records irrespective of a patient’s unpaid balance for dental services.
2. If patients request copies of their records, what should I do?
Pennsylvania regulations state that you should keep all dental records for a minimum of five years from the date of the last entry. However, PDA recommends keeping dental records indefinitely.
3. How long do I have to keep the dental records of patients?
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