Before You Sign That Associate Contract, Read This
If you’re a dentist considering joining a practice as an associate—or if you’ve already been offered a position—pause for a moment. You’ve worked hard to build your skills, your reputation, and your future in this profession. The last thing you want is to derail it with a contract that doesn’t protect your best interests.
Unfortunately, that happens more often than you think.
We’ve seen far too many young dentists rush into associate agreements without truly understanding the long-term implications. That’s why we’ve teamed up with some of dentistry’s most trusted voices—including top dental attorney Rob Montgomery and respected leaders like Dr. Paul Goodman and Dr. Richard Low—to give you a clear, strategic view of what’s really inside those contracts.
Because if you’re going to build a successful future—whether that includes ownership, partnership, or clinical excellence—you need more than a handshake and a hope. You need legal insight and business strategy.
This expert-led training covers the critical contract clauses and career decisions every associate needs to know—especially if you’re eyeing long-term growth or future ownership. Here's a preview of what we unpack:
W-2 vs. 1099: Which one is right for your goals and how it impacts taxes, benefits, and liability.
The #1 Contract Pitfall most associates overlook—and how to protect yourself from it.
The Olympic Ring Theory: A surprisingly simple framework that helps you evaluate a role’s fit for your vision.
Private vs. Corporate: Strategic differences in contracts, growth paths, and negotiating leverage.
Owner vs. Associate Priorities: Understanding the balance of power and how to align your expectations.
When to Say “I Quit”: Recognizing red flags and knowing when to walk away.
This isn’t legal theory—it’s real-world strategy designed for dentists like you.
Too often, associates sign contracts that limit their future without realizing it. They inherit non-compete clauses that box them out of their own communities, or productivity benchmarks that are unrealistic from day one. Others get stuck in roles that looked promising—until reality set in.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
This training gives you the tools to approach associate agreements like a professional—confidently, clearly, and with your long-term goals in mind. Whether you’re looking to learn, earn, or eventually launch your own practice, it starts with understanding what you’re really signing.
We built this resource because too many good dentists have been burned by bad contracts. You don’t have to be one of them.
Click here to listen to the training—and give yourself a head start on your associate journey. It's one of the smartest investments you can make in your career.
And while you’re at it, check out our other strategies on practice growth, marketing, and long-term ownership planning. At Ideal Practices, we don’t just help you open a practice—we help you build a career you’re proud of.
Here’s to your future—with strategy, not luck.
—Stephen Trutter
President, Ideal Practices