If you are ready to open a dental practice or are trying to purchase an established practice, then it is time to speak with the Ohio dental practice attorneys at Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA. As business lawyers, we understand that running a dental practice is far different than other health care practices. We have years of experience working with new and established dentists, orthodontists, periodontists, endodontists, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and pediatric dentists, which gives us the knowledge and insights you need to meet legal challenges and grow your practice.
The legal concerns you have are distinct from other health care professions, and the dental industry is highly specialized. Your insurance issues are unique, the equipment you need is specially designed, and your patients expect the highest level of care. As a result, we offer tailored legal services for dentists for the life of their businesses. Whether you want to expand, merge with another dental practice, or move on to the next phase in life, we are here to assist you. We will always protect your interests and help you obtain the most out of a transaction. Let us manage the legal and operational challenges so your patients are well-cared for, and your dental practice can thrive.
Conveniently located in Dublin, Ohio and Tipp City, Ohio, we represent dental practices throughout the state. In some circumstances, we are also able to assist dentists in states other than Ohio with contract review and negotiation. To speak with our dental practice lawyers, contact Arenstein & Andersen Co., LPA at (614) 602-6550 or online.
Formation of a Dental Practice
If you are new to the dental industry or are ready to break out on your own, we can help you start your dental practice. Our first step will be to guide you in choosing the right legal entity for your practice. You may decide to form a partnership, corporation, limited liability company (LLC), or a professional corporation. We will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of practice with you and provide a recommendation that we believe offers you the strongest protections and benefits.
Once you and any other owners have chosen an entity, we will handle the business formation process for your dental practice. From properly registering with the state to financing and advertising, we can help with all the integral tasks of opening a practice, including:
- Financing the start of your new business or an expansion;
- Purchasing or leasing real estate;
- Obtaining essential furnishings, equipment, and inventory;
- Setting up secure recordkeeping practices;
- Establishing lawful recruitment, interviewing, hiring, and employment practices;
- Hiring and training staff; and
- Advertising for new patients.
Dental Practice Agreements
Our next step in creating a dental practice will be to work with you and any other owners to draft bylaws, shareholder agreements, shareholder buy-sell agreements, operating agreements, and any other essential documents and contracts.
These agreements are vital in determining each owner’s role in the practice, establishing shareholder rights and responsibilities, creating an exit plan for any owner who wishes to leave the business in the future, and protecting stocks from being sold to outside parties.
It is essential you work with our Ohio dental practice attorneys to draft these agreements. Free or low-cost online forms will not be customized to your situation, business goals, and priorities. These online contracts may include provisions that could hurt you in the future, or they may lack protections you and your business partners should have.
Dental Employment Agreements and Legal Compliance
Whether you are opening a new practice or have an established practice, we are here to assist you with employment agreements. Depending on your needs, you may require several staff members and are likely to hire a hygienist, dental assistants, and a receptionist. Or, depending on the size and scope of your current practice, you may choose to hire more dentists to increase the number of patients the practice can take on.
For dentists and hygienists, we will help you negotiate appropriate compensation packages, including stock options and benefits. We also will ensure these employment contracts protect your practice through non-competition provisions. For other staff members, including dental assistants and receptionists, we will ensure you have appropriate at-will employment agreements and a thorough employee handbook in place.
Our Ohio dental practice attorneys are well-versed in Ohio and federal employment laws. We will help you establish recruiting, hiring, training, and other employment practices that comply with all Ohio wage and hour laws, workers’ compensation insurance requirements, unemployment compensation requirements, and federal laws, such as:
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)
Real Estate Matters for Dentists
You may need to find a new home for your existing dental practice, or you may need an inaugural location. Whichever is the case, our Ohio dental practice lawyers are here to help any real estate issue that may arise. If you wish to purchase a building, we can represent you during financing, contract negotiations, and closing. We also will help you purchase a building that complies with all zoning issues for dental practices or guide you through renovations.
You may also find it beneficial to rent space in an existing medical or dental building, and our attorneys can help you with lease agreements. Let us negotiate your dental practice’s commercial lease agreement, so you obtain the space you need at a fair price.
