How to Protect Your Practice with Smarter Dental Associate Contracts
Why This Episode Matters
Running a private practice today is more challenging than ever. Between rising supply costs, competition from DSOs, and the complexities of hiring associates, dentists need practical strategies that keep their practices stable and profitable. Episode 27 of the Dental CEO Podcast dives into proven methods for structuring dental associate contracts, addressing associate dentist compensation, and navigating challenges like dental buying groups and the broader issues of managing dental practices.
Inside the Podcast: Contracts That Actually Work
The webinar focuses on the financial and operational risks practice owners face when bringing in associate dentists. From tiered compensation models to supply agreements and notice clauses, the session provides actionable strategies to build fair, sustainable agreements that protect both the practice and the associate.
Meet the Expert: Dr. Scott Leune
The episode is led by Dr. Scott Leune, founder of Scott Leune Practice Mastery seminars and an advisor to hundreds of private dental practices. Known for his straightforward approach, Scott uses real-world examples and numbers to show how practice owners can structure contracts that safeguard profitability while still attracting strong associate talent. In this episode, Scott is both the host and the expert guest, sharing lessons from his years of building and scaling dental organizations.
Key Takeaways
- Scott believes that private dentists have long been disadvantaged compared to large DSOs when it comes to supply costs, which is why he supports alliances over traditional dental buying groups.
- Scott Leune emphasizes that flat-rate pay models for associates often fail; instead, tiered associate dentist compensation better aligns incentives for high and low producers.
- Dr. Leune knows that vague or incomplete dental associate contracts can financially damage owners. He stresses including clear terms on lab fees, guarantees, notice periods, and CE reimbursement.
- Scott believes practices must outline lab and supply agreements in writing so associates don’t create unnecessary costs that undermine profitability.
- Scott Leune emphasizes that weekly metrics reviews—covering diagnostics and case acceptance—are as critical as monitoring clinical quality when managing dental practices.
- Dr. Leune knows that protecting owners with fair notice clauses, penalties for breaking contracts, and clear referral expectations prevents costly disruptions.
Closing Thoughts: A Safer Path for Private Practices
This episode underscores the importance of well-structured dental associate contracts as the backbone of successful private practice operations. By rethinking associate dentist compensation, being cautious with dental buying groups, and applying proven systems for managing dental practices, Scott provides a roadmap for owners who want stability, fairness, and long-term profitability. His dental advice is clear: without strong agreements and accountability, even the best-intentioned associates can unintentionally hurt a practice.