An Intro to Dental Partnership Organizations

If you’ve been in the dental community for any amount of time, you’ve likely heard about dental partnership organizations. There’s no shortage of visibility of DPOs within the dental industry, as they are a key part of business partnerships in the dental field. Dental partnership organizations play a significant role in the world of dentistry, with broad relevance and impact across the global dental industry.

You’ve likely seen them at dental conferences, received collateral from these organizations, or heard about colleagues partnering with a DPO. These organizations are a key part of the dental industry – however, you may have never done a deep dive into the concept of a DPO. If you want to learn about dental partnership organizations, you’re in the right place! These are essential questions to ask yourself when selling your dental practice. Read on to learn more about dental partnership organizations.

What is a Dental Partnership?

A dental partnership is a business arrangement where two or more dentists co-own and operate a dental practice together, often involving multiple stakeholders, aspects, and considerations to ensure a successful collaboration. This partnership can take various forms, including general partnerships, limited partnerships, professional corporations, and limited liability partnerships. Dental partnerships offer numerous benefits, such as shared financial responsibilities, increased productivity, and improved work-life balance. However, they also require careful planning, clear communication, and a well-drafted partnership agreement to ensure the success and longevity of the partnership. Each party in the partnership should have clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and expectations to avoid misunderstandings. By pooling resources and expertise, dental professionals can create a more robust and resilient practice, but it is essential to find the right fit among partners to ensure compatibility and a shared vision for the practice. This approach enables the delivery of high-quality care while managing the complexities of business operations.

Types of Dental Partnerships

Dental partnership structures generally fall into two types: general partnerships and more formal arrangements such as limited partnerships, professional corporations, limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and dental service organizations (DSOs). Understanding these two types is essential for crafting successful and mutually beneficial agreements.

There are several types of dental partnerships, each with its unique characteristics and advantages:

General Partnerships: In a general partnership, each partner has an equal or proportional ownership of the dental practice. This type of partnership involves shared responsibility, meaning that if one partner makes a decision, it’s as if all partners made that decision. This collaborative approach can foster a strong sense of teamwork and mutual support among the partners involved.
Limited Partnerships: A limited partnership includes both general and limited partners. General partners handle the day-to-day operations and make significant decisions for the dental practice, while limited partners invest money in the practice but do not participate in daily management or decision-making. Associates may start as employees or limited partners and later transition to general partners, allowing for a pathway from associate to partner status. This structure allows for financial contributions without the need for all partners to be actively involved in business operations.
Professional Corporations: In a professional corporation, the dental practice becomes its own legal entity. This setup can offer benefits like protecting personal assets and providing tax advantages. Professional corporations can also facilitate smoother transitions in ownership and succession planning, making them an attractive option for many dental professionals.
Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs): An LLP offers protection from the actions of partners. In an LLP, dentists are not personally responsible for their partners’ professional mistakes or negligence. This structure provides a layer of security, allowing partners to focus on their clinical work without worrying about potential liabilities from their colleagues’ actions.
Dental Service Organizations (DSOs): A DSO manages the business aspects of a dental practice, offering services like marketing, billing, and staffing. Partnering with a DSO allows dentists to remain in control of the clinical aspects of their practice while benefiting from professional management of the business side. Associates in DSOs may have specific roles or opportunities to move into partnership or ownership positions, depending on the organization’s structure. This can lead to increased efficiency and profitability.

Structuring a Partnership

Structuring a dental partnership is a vital step in building a successful and sustainable dental practice. The foundation of any effective partnership lies in a well-crafted partnership agreement that clearly outlines the terms, conditions, and expectations of all parties involved. Dental professionals must carefully consider the type of partnership that best suits their goals—whether it’s an expense-sharing arrangement, profit-sharing model, or a silent partnership. Each structure offers unique benefits and potential drawbacks, so it’s important to weigh these factors in light of your practice’s needs.

A successful partnership begins with a clear understanding of each partner’s goals, roles, and responsibilities. This includes determining percentage ownership, profit sharing, and how expenses will be divided. For example, some partnerships may split profits based on production, while others may use a set percentage ownership model. It’s also essential to address important matters such as marketing responsibilities, patient care duties, and financial management within the agreement.

Consulting with an experienced dental attorney is a wise move to ensure your partnership agreement is comprehensive and legally sound. A dental attorney can help draft provisions that protect your personal assets, clarify profit sharing, and establish a non-compete provision to prevent conflicts if the partnership dissolves. This legal guidance is crucial for safeguarding the interests of all partners and ensuring the long-term success of the dental practice.

Additionally, dental professionals should assess their own financial situation and risk tolerance before entering into a partnership, as each partner may be liable for the actions of others. Regularly reviewing and updating the partnership agreement helps maintain alignment with evolving goals and industry changes, reducing the risk of disputes and supporting ongoing success. By taking these steps, dental partnerships can be structured to maximize benefits, minimize risks, and create a strong foundation for future growth.

Benefits

A DPO or Dental Partnership Organization is merely an organization that partners with dentists to create more efficient and impactful dental practices. This partnership can take various forms, including general partnerships, limited partnerships, professional corporations, and limited liability partnerships. A limited liability partnership offers protection from the actions of partners, safeguarding personal assets from business liabilities. The how of each DPO will vary, but all DPOs work by partnering small dental practices with a broader network for more support and operational efficiency. DPOs also assist dentists by providing support in daily operations and business growth, fostering a collaborative environment that helps practices thrive. DPOs provide a plethora of benefits for many dentists. The list below isn’t exhaustive, but it is a good overview of why many dentists partner with dental partnership organizations.

Time-Savings

By some estimates, dentists are one of, if not the most overworked professions. Small dental practice owners might be the most overworked. That’s one of the principal reasons many dentists are interested in partnering with a dental partnership organization. The opportunity to get their nights and weekends back is incredibly tantalizing to many dentists. All the administrative tasks involved in running a dental practice, often considered the ‘grunt work’ of the profession, can be subsumed by the Dental Partnership Organization, allowing the dentist in question to focus on patient care.

Financial Gain for Dental Practices

Working with a DPO can also help you grow your practice. The balancing act between being a healthcare provider and a business owner is one that many dentists struggle with. By bringing on an experienced DPO, you’re better poised to invest in marketing, find ways to increase profit margin, retain customers, and provide better service. Plus, you’ll likely keep a seat at the table regarding business operations. As a partner within your practice, you’ll be supported by the DPO’s expertise but will also retain some degree of ownership in the direction and profits of the practice. Clear profit-sharing arrangements can help ensure transparent and equitable financial management within the practice, including how pay is structured and distributed among partners. That’s an excellent place for many dentists to be.

Upskilling for Dental Professionals

If you’re a dentist looking to further your education and career, a dental partnership organization can help better connect you with your peers and the industry. Access to these conferences provides many dentists with continuing education and a network of colleagues. For associates, these organizations often offer valuable opportunities for career advancement, including pathways to transition from associate roles to partnership within the practice. Depending on the organization, you might have access to funding for certain continuing education pursuits.

Economies of Scale & Access to Resources

Running a dental practice as a solo practitioner has its perks, but it also comes with drawbacks. One of those drawbacks is the cost-prohibitiveness of being a small business owner. On the other hand, dental partnership organizations have extensive experience supporting practices nationwide. This expertise proves invaluable when looking to support your dental practice better. By partnering with a DPO, you can access more capital to better staff and equip your practice and efficient economies of scale for procurement. This partnership also facilitates collaboration among dentists and other dental professionals, allowing for shared resources and knowledge.

Important Aspects of a Dental Partnership Agreement

A dental partnership agreement is a crucial contract that outlines the terms and conditions of the partnership, providing a formal legal framework for the relationship. Important aspects of a dental partnership agreement include:

Membership Interest: The value paid for the interest should not be the full amount paid for the practice. This ensures that the financial contributions of each partner are fairly represented and that the partnership remains equitable. It is important to determine whether the prospective partner’s philosophy and goals align with the practice before proceeding.
Purchase Price: The purchase price is generally split between a small amount for the interest upfront and the balance to be paid as deferred compensation to the seller. This structure helps manage cash flow and ensures that the seller remains invested in the success of the practice during the transition period. When purchasing an interest in the practice, careful review of all documents and agreements is essential.
Warranties and Hold-Harmless Provisions: These provisions protect the partners from potential liabilities. They ensure that each partner is safeguarded against unforeseen issues that may arise from the actions or omissions of other partners.
Employment Agreements: Each partner should have a new employment agreement that outlines their compensation, benefits, responsibilities, and hours of employment. Clear employment agreements help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that all partners are on the same page regarding their roles and expectations. A non compete agreement should be included as a key contractual clause to protect the practice from competition after a partner leaves.
Asset Definition: The partnership agreement should clearly define what assets are considered to be assets of the partnership. This clarity helps avoid disputes and ensures that all partners understand what is included in the partnership’s assets.
Valuation of Assets: The valuation of assets should be tied to the individual production of each owner. This approach ensures that the value of the partnership reflects the contributions of each partner, promoting fairness and transparency.
Profit Splits: Profit splits are typically based on production, but profits are split by ownership. This method aligns the financial rewards with the contributions of each partner, incentivizing productivity and collaboration. Deciding on the method for splitting profits and other key business terms is a critical step in forming a successful partnership.
Expense Splits: Expenses may be split by production, but rent and other facility-related expenses are often split equally. This arrangement ensures that all partners share the costs of maintaining the practice, promoting a sense of shared responsibility.
Letter of Intent (LOI): An LOI should be established to outline the preliminary terms of a buy-in/buyout situation. This document serves as a roadmap for the transition process, providing a clear framework for negotiations and ensuring that all parties understand the terms of the agreement.

All terms and agreements should be documented in writing to prevent disputes and clarify the responsibilities of each partner. Non-compete clauses and other restrictions should be clearly defined to set appropriate limits and protect the interests of the practice.

By understanding the different types of dental partnerships and the important aspects of a dental partnership agreement, dentists can make informed decisions and create a successful and sustainable partnership that benefits all parties involved. Before finalizing any partnership agreements, it is strongly recommended to consult with legal or financial professionals to ensure compliance and protect your interests.

Process and Business Operations

Do you love dentistry but find yourself spending most of your time tending to the non-dentistry elements of running a dental practice? Do procurement, marketing, HR, and general administrative tasks take up countless hours of your day? If so, a dental partnership organization might be an excellent fit for you! If you’re considering partnering with a DPO, they likely have extensive experience templating and coordinating all the humdrum elements of business ownership you don’t enjoy. The amount of process a DPO brings to your practice is quite freeing for dentists trying to wear multiple hats independently.

Finding the Right Collaboration

Finding the right collaboration is an important aspect of establishing a successful dental partnership. The process goes beyond simply matching skills or sharing expenses—it requires a clear understanding of each partner’s goals, values, and expectations. Dental professionals should seek out partners who share their vision for the practice and are equally committed to delivering high-quality patient care. This alignment is key to building trust and ensuring a smooth working relationship.

When evaluating potential partners, consider factors such as personality, work style, and communication skills. These elements can significantly impact the day-to-day dynamics of the partnership and the overall success of the practice. Collaborating with other dentists who have complementary expertise can enhance the range of services offered, attract new patients, and increase profitability. It’s also important to assess the financial implications of the partnership, including the potential for increased income and reduced expenses through shared resources.

A well-structured partnership agreement is essential for preventing misunderstandings and conflicts. However, open and honest communication remains just as important. Regular meetings and reviews help partners stay aligned, address any issues that may arise, and adapt to changes in the dental industry. As dental partnerships become increasingly popular, more dental professionals are discovering the benefits of collaboration, such as improved work-life balance, access to greater resources, and the ability to provide better care to patients.

By carefully considering these factors and prioritizing clear communication, dental professionals can find the right collaboration, structure a successful partnership, and build a thriving dental practice that stands the test of time.

Call Your Triumphant Transition Dental Partnerships Advisor Today!

Are you considering selling your dental practice? Do you need help understanding your practice’s value, potential options, and closing the deal? It’s always wise to seek professional advice from experienced attorneys or advisors to ensure your decisions are legally sound and in your best interest.