There's more than meets the eye to building a successful associateship. This practical guide offers strategies for tackling both logistical issues – such as the type of associate arrangement, compensation, contract terms, and buy-ins – and intangible ones, including interpersonal considerations and compatibility, developing a practice philosophy, and conducting a goals assessment. Ideal for either adding or becoming an associate, this valuable book explains:• Common contract provisions, including compensation; sick leave, disability pay, and other benefits; restrictive covenants and nonsolicitation provisions; financing and income distribution; provisions for dissolution; and many more • Differences between an employee and an independent contractor, including financial, interpersonal, and tax considerations• The phased buy-in/buy-out process• Considerations for the dentist who is thinking about joining a large group practiceAlso includes worksheets for cash flow, break-even and associate compensation analyses, as well as a sample associateship contract. Table of ContentsChapter 1: Associateships in General Reasons to Become an Associate Reasons to Add an AssociateStructures of Associateship ArrangementsPotential ProblemsTypes of Associate ArrangementsChapter 2: Adding an Associate Long-range PlanningPersonal AssessmentPractice AssessmentTypical Features of Associate AgreementsDefining Factors of a Prospective AssociateRecruitmentGeneral Considerations Management ConsiderationsInterpersonal ConsiderationsFinancial ConsiderationsMaking the DecisionChapter 3: Becoming an Associate Is Associating for You?Recommended Steps for Becoming an Associate or Entering a Time-share/Solo Group AgreementWhat Type of Associateship Arrangement is Best for You?Financial Considerations for Associate ArrangementsControl ConsiderationsRestrictive ConsiderationsAvailability ConsiderationsConsiderations Relating to an Associateship in a Large Group PracticeChapter 4: Locating Candidates and Associateship Opportunities Traditional SourcesSample AdvertisementsSample Associate Dentist Job DescriptionWeb-based ResourcesSocial Media Making ContactSample Curriculum Vitae (CV)Chapter 5: Candidate or Associateship Evaluation Initial ScreeningComprehensive EvaluationIssues for Prospective AssociatesSpecialty CareTerms of the ContractIssues for Prospective Associates and Group PracticesIssues for Dentist-ownersChapter 6: Financial Compensation Determining a Fair Level of CompensationWho Pays Whom?Compensation MethodsCompensation ExamplesPhased Buy-ins and Buy-outsOther Financial Compensation ConsiderationsBreak-even Analysis for an Associate's ProductionChapter 7: Contractual Considerations The Importance of a Written ContractClassification IndicatorsEmployee or Independent Contractor?Taxes, Social Security and Related MattersCommon Contract ProvisionsIndependent Contractor Sample ProvisionsTime-share/Solo Group Sample ProvisionsSample Employee Associateship AgreementSample Independent Contractor Agreement