25 Questions to Ask Before Signing Your First Dental Employment Agreement
Congratulations on your job offer!
Before signing your first associate contract, make sure you understand not only how much you'll be paid—but how you'll be paid, what restrictions you'll have, and what opportunities exist for your future.
Use this checklist during interviews, contract negotiations, or while reviewing your employment agreement with an attorney.
Compensation
☐ 1. Is my compensation based on salary, daily minimum, production, collections, or a combination?
☐ 2. If I have a daily guarantee, how long does it last?
☐ 3. Is my guarantee forgivable, or is it considered an advance that can be clawed back later?
☐ 4. What percentage of production or collections will I receive?
☐ 5. How exactly is "production" defined? Is it gross production or adjusted production?
☐ 6. If adjusted production is used, what deductions are made before calculating my compensation?
☐ 7. If I'm paid on collections, who controls billing and collections? Can I review collection reports?
Production & Schedule
☐ 8. How many patients should I realistically expect to see each day?
☐ 9. Will I have enough new patients to build my schedule?
☐ 10. How many operatories will I have access to?
☐ 11. Will I perform hygiene exams or primarily restorative procedures?
☐ 12. Are there production goals or quotas I will be expected to meet?
Expenses & Deductions
☐ 13. Who pays lab fees?
☐ 14. Am I responsible for remakes, refunds, implant components, or other treatment costs?
☐ 15. Are there any deductions from my compensation that are not clearly outlined in the contract?
Benefits
☐ 16. What benefits are included?
- Health insurance
- Disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Continuing education
- License renewals
- DEA registration
- PTO and holidays
☐17. What type of malpractice insurance is provided (occurrence or claims-made), and who pays for tail coverage if needed?
Restrictive Covenants
☐ 18. Is there a non-compete agreement?
☐ 19. How large is the restricted area, how long does it last, and which office locations are included?
☐ 20. Is there a non-solicitation agreement that restricts contacting patients or employees after leaving?
Leaving the Practice
☐ 21. How can either party terminate the agreement?
☐ 22. How much notice is required if I decide to leave?
☐ 23. Are there any repayment obligations if I resign early (signing bonus, relocation assistance, guaranteed compensation, CE reimbursement, etc.)?
Future Opportunities
☐ 24. Is there a written pathway to partnership or ownership, or is it only a verbal discussion?
☐ 25. If ownership is available, how is the practice valued, and what is the expected timeline for a buy-in?
Before You Sign...
Before putting pen to paper, ask yourself these final questions:
□ Do I understand exactly how every dollar of my compensation is calculated?
□ Have I reviewed the contract with a dental attorney?
□ Do I understand the financial implications of this offer?
□ Would I still be comfortable signing this agreement if I ended up working here for the next five years?
□ If I had to leave after one year, would this contract make that transition reasonable?
Remember
Your first associate contract is more than an employment agreement; it's the starting point for your career.
Don't feel pressured to sign immediately. Asking thoughtful questions is a normal part of the hiring process, and reputable employers should be willing to explain how their contract works.
The best contract isn't always the one with the highest percentage. It's the one that gives you fair compensation, clear expectations, reasonable flexibility, and an opportunity to grow both professionally and financially.
This checklist is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as and should not be construed as legal, tax, accounting, employment, financial, or investment advice. The information is general in nature and may not address your specific circumstances. Before making decisions regarding an employment agreement, compensation arrangement, practice ownership opportunity, or related matters, you should consult with your attorney, tax professional, and other qualified advisors. Any references to contractual provisions or negotiation considerations are provided solely for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as recommendations or legal guidance. CRN3202908-11764581