Opening and managing a dental practice is both rewarding and challenging. Unfortunately, like any other business, there is a chance that you may deal with legal issues down the road.
To provide yourself with the best chance of preventing these issues or overcoming them, it is important to be familiar with all of the laws surrounding the industry and the operation of a business. A dental contract lawyer can help you with various tasks that may be difficult or seem impossible to handle on your own.
When a Lawyer Can Help
There are several circumstances where you can benefit by working with a skilled legal team as a dental professional. Some specific circumstances where you should consider seeking legal guidance include the following.
When Handling Issues Surrounding Patient Consent Forms
Patient consent forms are something that you will handle on a regular basis as a dental professional. It is critically important that these forms are legally sound. They need to communicate clearly the benefits and risks of any procedures that patients receive. A lawyer can help you draft your consent forms and review them for you to make sure that they provide you with the best protection in order to avoid litigation later on.
When Negotiating Leases
If you are establishing a dental office or in the process of renewing your lease, having a legal team by your side can help to ensure you get the best terms for your lease. Your attorney will be able to negotiate on your behalf and fight to ensure the terms are favorable for you. They will also help you understand your rights and your obligations. An attorney will also ensure that the least complies with all of the applicable laws in your area.
When Establishing Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)
Sharing proprietary information with partners, employees, and other parties can be risky without the proper legal contracts in order. An attorney will be able to help you draft nondisclosure agreements that protect your confidential information, both personally and professionally.
When Establishing or Litigating Partnership Agreements
It is incredibly common for dentists and dental professionals to enter into partnerships with other dental professionals. It is critically important to have a contract lawyer help you create the partnership agreement. This document needs to define the responsibilities, roles, and profit-sharing arrangements. It is also important to incorporate information regarding decision-making processes and exit strategies for both involved partners. With adequate legal guidance, you can be sure to avoid any conflicts later on.
When Establishing or Defending Employment Agreements
When it comes to hiring new employees, it is important that you do so correctly. An attorney will be able to help you draft employment contracts for all of your new hires, whether they are dental assistants, administrative staff, or dental hygienists. Your attorney will be invaluable when it comes to creating a contract that outlines the compensation, benefits, and responsibilities of new hires. Furthermore, the attorney will be able to draft information into the contract regarding a confidentiality agreement and even a non-compete clause.
When Crafting or Defending Vendor Contracts
Dealing with service providers and suppliers for dental supplies, software, and equipment can be confusing and, at times, overwhelming. When it comes to dealing with these third parties, it is important that you clearly understand the terms the contracts. A contract lawyer will be able to review the contracts for you in order to ensure the terms incorporated in them protect the interest of your practice and that they are clear and fair.
When Establishing a Service Agreement
If at any time you are in doubt when it comes to a legal matter surrounding any aspect of your dental facility, it is best to seek help from a legal team that can guide you. The very last thing that you want to do is get into legal trouble because there was something that you did not understand or that you did incorrectly.
When Crafting and Reviewing Buy-Sell Agreements
If you are in the process of buying or selling a dental practice, it is important that you have an adequate buy-sell agreement in place. An attorney will be able to help you draft the agreement by ensuring that it covers all of the terms of the transaction. This includes the price, transition period, payment structure, and other important factors. Your attorney can also help you by reviewing a buy-sell agreement that has already been drafted to ensure that it reflects your best interest.
When Applying for Finances
When applying for finances for your dental practice, a lawyer will be able to help you by reviewing the loan agreement. They will help to ensure that the terms and conditions of the loan best reflect your needs and personal interest. They will also be able to discuss with you the terms of the loan to ensure that you clearly understand what you are signing.
If You Are Considering Clinical Trials
If you are interested in becoming involved in clinical research or trials, a skilled legal team will be able to help you review or draft agreements with the research sponsors. Your lawyer will help to ensure that the terms are favorable and that all of the terms incorporated in the trial comply with both legal and ethical requirements.
Opening a dental practice can be quite challenging. With the right legal team by your side, you can help to prevent any potential legal issues in the future. An attorney will be able to ensure that all of the contracts in which you are involved are legally enforceable. They will also make sure that they protect your practice’s interests.
Working with a lawyer that is skilled and experienced in handling dental law and contract law will be able to provide you with legal advice that is specifically tailored to reflect your needs and best interests. When in doubt, it is always best to seek guidance from a skilled legal professional to ensure that you are able to establish legal contracts that are enforceable.
