The Dental Amigos are back for a second season in their new format and are flipping the script by exploring Dental Associate Agreements from an employer’s perspective. In this first episode of the new season, the Amigos discuss when an employer should hire an associate and, more importantly, why they should hire an associate. Rob and Paul chat about how employers can either hire proactively or reactively and what to be aware of in each instance. The Amigos raise a variety of questions to think about:

- Are you looking ahead and ready to become a mentor?

- What work will you need to do to bring on an associate?

- What are some of the costs that you’ll incur when bringing on an associate?

- Did your associate of several years just quit and you need a replacement as soon as possible?

As an employer, you should ask yourself these questions and think, why am I hiring an associate? Do I want this, or do I need this?

Listeners who want to reach Paul can do so at [email protected] and those who want to reach Rob can do so at [email protected].

In this tenth episode of the Dental Associate Agreements from an Associate’s Perspective Season, the Dental Amigos polled new and seasoned dentists to identify (and then answer) important “new dentist questions” to help prepare recent grads who are interviewing or starting their first jobs. Tune in and find out what questions new dentists have about being an associate in the “real world” of dentistry. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear experienced dentists share what they wish they knew prior to entering the field of dentistry. The goal of this episode is to increase your success and reduce your stress by helping you to understand the right questions to ask in an interview and helping you to understand key issues in an associate agreement to determine whether an agreement is right for your professional goals.

Spoiler Alert! There’s more to come from the Amigos! In the upcoming second season, the Amigos flip the script and look at associate agreements from an employer’s perspective. The Amigos share what is important for employers to be aware of as they enter into the world of associateship. Stay tuned!

Listeners who want to reach out to Paul can do so at [email protected] and those who want to reach out to Rob can do so at [email protected].

In this ninth episode of the Dental Associate Agreements from an Associate’s Perspective season, Rob and Paul discuss the best ways for associates to track their compensation to make sure they are being paid what they are due. The Dental Amigos begin by explaining how guarantees and draws factor into an associate’s compensation. Then, they discuss the importance of reviewing and keeping records of day sheets. Finally, the Amigos discuss how best to navigate tricky dental management software to ensure associates are being compensated appropriately.

Listeners who want to reach out to Paul can do so at [email protected] and those who want to reach out to Rob can do so at [email protected].

In this eighth episode of Dental Associate Agreements from an Associate’s Perspective Season, the Dental Amigos examine the idea of “clinician awareness” to help prepare new practitioners for their professional journey. The Amigos share their thoughts and experiences on how to approach and move through the interview process, as well as alternatives of the dreaded “clinical working interview” and other tips to help make an informed decision about whether a job opportunity is suitable both personally and professionally.

Listeners who want to reach out to Paul can do so at [email protected] and those who want to reach out to Rob can do so at [email protected].

In the seventh episode of the Dental Associate Agreements from an Associate’s Perspective Season, the Dental Amigos discuss differences between working for DSOs and owner operators, especially when it comes to the actual associate contract. The Amigos chat about restrictive covenants, liquidated damages, notice provisions, termination clauses, and fringe benefits and some common differences between associate contracts with a DSO and with an owner operator that they’ve observed . Learn how purposeful awareness driven decision making can help guide a dentist to make the right choice throughout a dentist’s career.

Listeners who want to reach out to Paul can do so at [email protected] and those who want to reach out to Rob can do so at [email protected].

In this sixth episode of the Dental Associate Agreements from an Associate’s Perspective season, the Dental Amigos tackle one of the most hotly contested topics in associate contracts: restrictive covenants. Rob and Paul explain the different types of non-competition and non-solicitation covenants and how they affect an associate’s ability to practice dentistry. They discuss why it is vitally important for these covenants to be precise and well-defined in associate agreements to prevent conflicts and possibly costly litigation. And finally, the Dental Amigos answer a big question looming in nearly every associate’s mind— are restrictive covenants enforceable?

Listeners who want to reach out to Paul can do so at [email protected] and those who want to reach out to Rob can do so at [email protected].

Join the Dental Amigos in their fifth episode of season 1, Dental Agreements from an Associate’s Perspective Season, as they explore different ways to avoid the traps associated with Term and Termination clauses in your Employment Agreement.

Rob and Paul discuss how there is much more to terminating a contract than telling your employer you want to leave. The Amigos discuss the differences between terminating “for cause” and “without cause” and how better to be prepared for what’s to follow. In addition, Rob and Paul provide answers to questions you may have as you read through an employment agreement. What does it mean if a contract has a liquidated damages clause? What if an associate gives the required advance notice within an employment agreement, but the practice terminates you on the spot? How will an associate get paid after giving notice? Allowing yourself to have the knowledge on what questions to ask in an interview, as well as getting professional advice once you’ve received a contract, will help you to enter an agreement with your eyes wide open.

Listeners who want to reach out to Paul can do so at [email protected] and those who want to reach out to Rob can do so at [email protected]

In this fourth episode of Dental Associate Agreements from an Associate’s Perspective Season, the Dental Amigos discuss the difference between being an employee and an independent contractor, as well as the risks and benefits of both.

Rob and Paul start off by touching on what it means to be treated as an employee, or in other words, a “W-2” and what it means to be treated as an independent contractor, which is often referred to as a “1099.” They also discuss what an associate should look for and/or expect when entering into each type of arrangement. The Amigos speak in general terms about properly handling taxes whether you are a W-2 or 1099 and how to be fully prepared when it comes time for tax season. In addition, the Amigos discuss the fact that the government has certain criteria and full control over whether an individual is considered a W-2 or 1099, as well as the potential ramifications which may come along with being misclassified. Lastly, Rob and Paul explain additional, so-called “risks” which go along with being a 1099 and how having a trusted CPA by your side when considering taking a position as an independent contractor may be just as important as getting your associate agreement reviewed by an attorney prior to taking any position.

Listeners who want to reach out to Paul can do so at [email protected] and those who want to reach out to Rob can do so at [email protected].

In this third episode of Dental Associate Agreements from an Associate’s Perspective Season, the Dental Amigos discuss “compensation” and everything to be aware of as it relates to an associate’s first employment agreement.

The Amigos discuss 3 typical compensation methods, percentage of collections, percentage of production and a fixed salary. Rob and Paul explain the pros and cons of each method, how better to protect yourself through an agreement with each, as well as how one option may be a better fit than the other. Most importantly, the Amigos chat about the “why” behind daily minimums and how they can be a crucial part of compensation for a new associate. Lastly, the Amigos touch on how benefits, such as vacation, malpractice premiums and continuing education play a role in associate compensation. Rob and Paul bring to light when to expect these types of benefits, especially as a full-time associate, and when to not let them be a make-or-break issue in deciding whether to take a particular job.

Listeners who want to reach out to Paul can do so at [email protected] and those who want to reach out to Rob can do so at [email protected].

In this second episode of Dental Associate Agreements from an Associate’s Perspective Season, the Dental Amigos discuss “contractual awareness,” especially as it relates to an associate’s first employment agreement. The Amigos discuss how most contractual problems are preventable if the associate knows what a contract says, understands the context and ramifications of the language, clarifies any ambiguities, and is made aware of and understands the ongoing obligations that it imposes.

Listeners who want to reach out to Paul can do so at [email protected] and those who want to reach out to Rob can do so at [email protected].