When you enter a dental partnership, you're not just sharing office space and patients—you're also sharing risks, responsibilities, and long-term goals. While you may hope that your partnership lasts forever, the reality is that circumstances change. Partners retire, move, face health challenges, or sometimes even disagree. To avoid complications when one of these events occurs, a well-drafted dental partnership agreement is crucial—especially when it comes to exit clauses.
Exit clauses are essential to ensure that when a partner exits the practice—whether by choice or necessity—the transition is smooth, fair, and legally sound. Here's what every dental partnership agreement should include regarding exit clauses.
Types of Exit Events
Understanding the various scenarios under which a partner might exit is crucial. Every partnership agreement should anticipate potential events and specify the terms of how each exit will be handled.
- - Retirement: When a partner decides to retire, it's vital to have a clear timeline for their exit. This includes the notice they need to provide and the specific steps to transition out, such as patient handover and financial settlements. Having a retirement clause ensures that all parties are prepared and that the transition is orderly, avoiding disruptions to the practice.
- - Disability or Death: An unexpected event like a disability or death requires immediate and clear guidance. How will the practice continue operating? What happens to the deceased or disabled partner’s share? Establishing how the remaining partners can buy out the departing partner's share is critical in these situations.
- - Voluntary Withdrawal: Sometimes, a partner might simply wish to leave the practice due to personal or professional reasons. The agreement should detail the process of withdrawal, including a notice period, exit terms, and how the leaving partner’s share will be valued.
- - Involuntary Removal: If a partner breaches the partnership agreement or is involved in misconduct, the agreement should have provisions for their removal. This clause should outline the process for determining whether a partner’s actions warrant removal and how it will be handled legally.
Buyout Provisions
One of the most important sections of any dental partnership agreement is the buyout clause, which defines how a departing partner’s share of the practice will be handled.
- - Valuation Methodology: The valuation method used to appraise a departing partner’s interest is one of the most important factors in a buyout. Common methods include market value, a multiple of earnings, or an asset-based valuation. These methods ensure fairness and transparency, preventing disputes between partners.
- - Payment Terms: The agreement should specify how the buyout will be paid. Options might include a lump sum payment, installment payments, or deferred payments over time. Clearly outlining the terms of payment protects all parties and ensures the departing partner is fairly compensated.
- - Funding Mechanisms: It’s essential to determine where the funds for the buyout will come from. This could include using practice revenue, taking out a loan, or relying on insurance policies like key person insurance. Specifying the source of funding helps avoid confusion and ensures financial stability during the transition.
Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements
Exit clauses often include non-compete and non-solicitation provisions to protect the business after a partner leaves.
- - Non-Compete Clauses: These clauses prevent a departing partner from opening a competing practice within a specified geographic area and for a defined time period. It’s important to define what constitutes a "competing practice" and to ensure the restrictions are reasonable, both in terms of geography and duration, to increase enforceability.
- - Non-Solicitation Agreements: Non-solicitation clauses prevent departing partners from reaching out to the practice’s patients, employees, or other partners after they leave. This clause is vital to safeguard the practice’s patient base and to prevent the departing partner from taking staff or clients with them.
- - Enforceability Considerations: It's important to ensure that the non-compete and non-solicitation clauses are enforceable under state law. Different states have different regulations regarding what constitutes a reasonable restriction, so it's critical to tailor these provisions to your location and practice type.
Dispute Resolution Mechanisms
Partnerships inevitably experience disagreements from time to time, and disputes over a partner’s exit are no exception. It’s important to have a clear and effective dispute resolution mechanism in place to handle potential conflicts.
- - Mediation and Arbitration: Before resorting to litigation, dental partnerships should specify that any disagreements will be addressed through mediation or arbitration. These methods allow both parties to present their case to a neutral third party, which can help resolve disputes more efficiently and with less public exposure than court trials.
- - Legal Fees and Costs: It's important to outline who will bear the costs associated with dispute resolution. Typically, each party covers their own legal fees, but the agreement could specify a different arrangement, such as one party covering all costs in the event of a dispute.
Succession Planning
A dental practice’s success doesn’t just rely on its current partners—it also depends on how the practice will continue after a partner exits. Succession planning is crucial in maintaining continuity.
- - Identifying Successors: The partnership agreement should outline the process of selecting new partners or associates. Clear criteria should be established to help identify individuals who can take over responsibilities and contribute to the ongoing growth of the practice.
- - Training and Integration: It’s important to have a plan for integrating new partners into the practice. This includes training them on day-to-day operations, introducing them to patients, and ensuring they align with the practice’s culture and goals.
- - Patient Transition Plans: Patients should never feel abandoned during a transition. The agreement should specify how patient relationships and records will be transferred, and how existing patients will be notified of the changes. This helps maintain trust and loyalty during the transition.
Financial and Operational Transition
A partner’s exit often requires significant operational and financial adjustments. Planning for these adjustments in advance can minimize disruption.
- - Asset and Liability Distribution: The partnership agreement should specify how the practice’s assets, such as equipment, real estate, and goodwill, will be distributed among remaining partners. Similarly, how any liabilities, such as debts or obligations, will be handled should be clearly defined.
- - Operational Handover: A well-defined handover process is essential for maintaining continuity. This should include the delegation of responsibilities for managing the practice, handling patient care, and overseeing staff during the transition period.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Partnership agreements should comply with state-specific laws and regulations. This ensures that the exit clauses are enforceable and help avoid future legal headaches.
- - Adherence to State Laws: Ensure that your exit clauses are in compliance with state laws governing dental partnerships. For example, some states may impose restrictions on certain exit provisions, such as non-compete clauses. Working with an attorney familiar with state regulations is crucial to ensure the enforceability of the agreement.
- - Notification Requirements: The agreement should specify when and how the practice and the relevant authorities should be notified of a partner’s departure. This includes informing patients, staff, and any relevant regulatory bodies about changes in the practice’s ownership or management.
Exit clauses in a dental partnership agreement are not just a safeguard—they’re a roadmap for smooth transitions when a partner leaves the practice. These clauses protect both the departing partner and the remaining partners by establishing clear processes, timelines, and responsibilities. By planning ahead, dental partnerships can avoid costly legal battles and ensure continuity of care for patients. Regularly reviewing and updating your partnership agreement, with the help of legal experts, is essential to keeping your practice on track for the future.
Contact Dental & Medical Counsel for Help Drafting or Reviewing Your Dental Partnership Agreement
At Dental & Medical Counsel, we specialize in helping dental professionals navigate the complexities of partnership agreements. Whether you're starting a new practice, entering into a partnership, or need assistance with exit strategies, our team is here to help ensure your legal interests are protected. Contact us today to speak with a member of our team about your dental partnership agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I include in a dental partnership agreement?
A: A solid dental partnership agreement should include the division of responsibilities, ownership percentages, profit-sharing, dispute resolution mechanisms, and detailed exit clauses, including buyout provisions and terms for a partner’s departure.
Q: How do I value a partner’s share in a dental practice when they exit?
A: The valuation of a partner’s share can be done using various methods, such as market value, a multiple of earnings, or an asset-based valuation. It’s important to define the method clearly in the agreement to avoid disputes.
Q: What is a buyout clause?
A: A buyout clause specifies how a departing partner’s share will be handled. It includes the valuation method, payment terms, and whether the remaining partners or the practice will purchase the exiting partner’s interest.
Q: How long should a dental partnership agreement last?
A: A dental partnership agreement should be flexible and reviewed regularly, ideally every 3-5 years. This ensures the terms remain relevant and address any changes in the practice or law.
Q: Can a dental partnership agreement prevent a partner from starting a competing practice?
A: Yes, a non-compete clause can be included to prevent a departing partner from opening a competing practice in a specified geographical area for a defined period of time.
Q: What happens if a partner becomes ill or disabled?
A: The agreement should specify how to handle such a situation, including whether the practice will continue operating, how the partner’s share will be handled, and what provisions will be made for the remaining partners to buy out the disabled partner.
Q: What should I do if a partner is not fulfilling their responsibilities?
A: The partnership agreement should have provisions for addressing breaches of duties, including the process for mediation, potential buyouts, or removal of the partner if necessary.
Q: How can I protect the practice if a partner unexpectedly passes away?
A: A well-structured dental partnership agreement should include provisions for the continuation of the practice, including how the deceased partner’s share will be valued, bought out, and distributed.
Q: How should operational responsibilities be managed when a partner exits?
A: A comprehensive exit clause will include a plan for the transition of responsibilities, including patient care, staffing, and management duties to ensure continuity in the practice’s operations.
Q: Do I need a lawyer to draft a dental partnership agreement?
A: Yes, it’s highly recommended to consult with a lawyer experienced in dental practice law. A lawyer can ensure the agreement is legally sound, addresses all necessary issues, and complies with state laws.
About the Author
At Dental & Medical Counsel, we've been instrumental in realizing the practice goals of countless dentists. Whether you're looking to purchase, launch, or sell a dental practice, our expertise is your guide. Beyond the initial stages, we're committed to ensuring your dental practice remains legally compliant.
We provide comprehensive support, including employment law protections, dental contract reviews, and assistance with dental employment agreements. Additionally, we specialize in incorporating dental practices and securing trademarks. And for long-term planning, our services extend to helping dentists with succession and estate planning. Trust us to be your partner in every step of your dental practice journey.
About Ali Oromchian, Esq.
Your Dental Lawyer
Ali Oromchian, JD, LL.M. is the founding attorney of the Dental & Medical Counsel, PC law firm and is renowned for his expertise in legal matters
Ali Oromchian, JD, LL.M., is a leading legal authority in dental law and the founding attorney of Dental & Medical Counsel, PC, with over two decades of experience. His deep connection to dentistry comes from his wife's nearly two-decade-long career as a pediatric dentist.
This personal insight fuels his dedication to empowering dentists to navigate their legal challenges and achieve their practice goals. In doing so, Ali has helped thousands of doctors open their practices while maintaining legal compliance.
Ali is frequently quoted and contributes articles to dental publications, including the California Dental Society, Progressive Dentist, Progressive Orthodontists, Dentistry Today, Dentaltown, and The New Dentist magazines, further showcasing his commitment to the dental community.