Corporate Practice of Dentistry: Dental Support Organizations (DSO)

DSO Dental Support Organization

While the vast majority of dentists practice independently, that number is shrinking. Increasingly, dentists are contracting with Dental Support Organizations (DSO), Dental Management Support Organization (DMSO) or Management Support Organizations (MSOs), to handle the business of the practice while dentists focus on clinical aspects of patient care. This relatively new phenomenon has led to an […]

Why have a Buy-Sell Agreement?

Buy-Sell Agreement

Who needs a buy-sell agreement? Entering a business partnership is something like a marriage. While it’s not often preceded by romance, starting a company is a largely financial arrangement where partners share benefits and risks. In the event one partner is unable or unwilling to continue with the business, a buy sell agreement sets out […]

What is a Deadlock Provision?

Deadlock Provision

When joining forces as partners in a group health care practice, doctors and dentists will normally make every effort to cover all the bases concerning the working provisions of their organization. Whether they set up as a professional corporation or operate as a partnership (or limited liability company outside of California), their partnership agreement, if […]

Are You Considering Partnering With Another Doctor?

Are You Considering Partnering With Another Doctor/Dentist?

As a doctor or a dentist, are you currently thinking of partnering with at least one other member of your profession? If so, you’re not alone. As many as one out of every five new dentists, for example, eschew the thought of private practice and choose instead to enter into group medicine directly out of […]

Understanding the California General Partnership

California Partnership

General Partnerships in California The California general partnership is the default entity formed when two individuals carry on a business activity for intended commercial gains and with the intent to share profits and losses.   California general partnerships are one of the several common forms of business ownership and have a lot in common with sole-proprietorship. There […]

What Is Stark Law and How Does it Affect a Physician’s Practice?

Stark Law

The often-revised Stark Law, also known as the Ethics in Patient Referrals Act, has but one basic intent: to prohibit physicians from referring Medicare or Medicaid patients to any designated health service with which either they or members of their immediate families enjoy a direct or indirect financial arrangement. Originally enacted in 1989, expanded in […]

Hiring a Dentist: Employee or Independent Contractor?

Owner dentists must make the difficult distinction between treating an associate dentist as an independent contractor or an employee. While  this has always been difficult to do, the line is becoming more and more blurred. This distinction, however, has important implications for your practice for a number of reasons: An employee has certain rights upon termination […]

Buying A Dental Practice Checklist: 10 Easy Steps to Acquisition

Dental Attorney

Are you considering buying a dental practice but unsure where to begin?  Whether you’re a recent graduate, an associate, or expanding your current practice, buying a dental practice can feel overwhelming, regardless of your experience. Multiple factors must align for a successful acquisition, so having an experienced dental attorney is crucial. Despite the challenges, buying […]

s-corp vs c-corp

The following is a discussion of the differences and similarities between C-Corporations and S-Corporations with a look at the structure and tax implications of each.