Associateship - Group Corporate Practice
The term "group dentistry" or "corporate dentistry" can mean different things. Many individual dentists own professional corporations for tax and business purposes. This is different from larger organizations that own or manage multiple dental practices.
There is no single definition of corporate dentistry in Canada. Some people use the term to describe organizations with multiple clinic locations, while others use it to describe practices supported by a dental management or service organization (DMO/DSO). Regardless of the practice model, dentists remain responsible for meeting the professional, ethical, and regulatory requirements established by the provincial or territorial regulatory authority where they practise.
Group and corporate practices often centralize administrative functions such as human resources, payroll, purchasing, marketing, and information technology. This allows dentists to spend more time providing patient care and less time managing the day-to-day operations of a business. Many practices also offer opportunities for mentorship, collaboration, continuing education, and peer support, which can be particularly valuable to new graduates.
Like any practice model, group and corporate practices have both advantages and challenges. Dentists generally maintain responsibility for their own clinical decisions, but they also work within the policies, systems, and business structure of the organization. Before accepting an associateship, it's important to understand how the practice operates and ensure its philosophy and approach to patient care align with your own professional values.
Practice structure can also affect areas such as information sharing, business relationships, and administrative responsibilities. Because professional and legal requirements vary across Canada, dentists should ensure they understand the regulatory framework that applies in the province or territory where they practise.
It's also helpful to distinguish between a large corporate organization and a dentist who owns multiple practices. While both may operate several clinics, larger organizations often have centralized management and dedicated business support teams, whereas an owner with multiple practices may continue to be directly involved in both patient care and practice management.
Group and Corporate Practice FAQs
Choosing an associateship in a group or corporate practice is an important career decision. Every organization operates differently, so it's important to understand how the practice is structured, what is expected of associates, and what opportunities are available before signing an Associate Agreement.
The questions below address many of the topics commonly raised by new dentists considering a group or corporate practice.
Every group or corporate practice is different. The information below provides general guidance only. Your responsibilities, contractual arrangements, and professional obligations may vary depending on the practice and the province or territory where you practise.
Compensation and Benefits
How are associates typically compensated?
Compensation varies between organizations and should be clearly outlined in your Associate Agreement.
Associates may be compensated through:
- a percentage of collections or production
- a salary or guaranteed minimum income
- bonuses or other performance incentives
The agreement should also explain how laboratory fees, recall examinations, radiograph interpretation, and any production targets are managed.
If bonuses or performance incentives are offered, ensure you understand how they are calculated. Regardless of the compensation model, treatment decisions should always be based on the patient's best interests.
Clinical Practice
How much clinical autonomy will I have?
While practices may establish common systems, materials, and administrative policies, dentists remain responsible for exercising their professional judgment, making treatment decisions in the best interests of their patients, and meeting their professional obligations.
Before accepting a position, discuss:
- the procedures you will be expected to perform
- the materials, equipment, and laboratories used by the practice
- referral processes to specialists
- how treatment planning is managed
- how patients are assigned and followed over time
Practice Operations
What should I expect day to day?
Every practice operates differently. Before accepting an associateship, discuss:
- work schedules, evenings, weekends, and emergency coverage
- vacation, continuing education, and other leave
- patient allocation and expected patient volumes
- administrative support and staffing
- opportunities to participate in hiring or supervising staff
Understanding these expectations early will help you determine whether the practice is a good fit for your professional goals.
How are treatment plans managed?
Whenever possible, patients benefit from continuity of care with the same dentist. In practices where patients may be seen by multiple providers, dentists should communicate openly with one another and ensure any changes to treatment plans are discussed professionally and explained clearly to the patient.
If concerns arise regarding previous treatment, they should be managed respectfully and with the patient's best interests as the primary consideration.
Contracts and Practice Policies
What should my Associate Agreement include?
Your Associate Agreement should clearly outline:
- compensation and payment schedules
- work hours and scheduling expectations
- restrictive covenants, if applicable
- patient allocation
- use of equipment and materials
- responsibilities for laboratory fees or other expenses
- termination provisions
- opportunities for future ownership or buy-in, where applicable
Because contracts vary considerably, it is strongly recommended that you obtain independent legal advice before signing.
Career Development
Is mentorship available?
Many larger practices offer mentorship through experienced dentists, specialists, study clubs, or continuing education programs. Ask how mentorship is provided and whether protected time is available to support your professional development.
Organizations may also provide continuing education opportunities, study clubs, or access to specialists to support professional development.
Are there opportunities for ownership?
Ownership opportunities vary among organizations. Some group practices may offer future partnership or buy-in opportunities at the clinic level, while larger corporate organizations may not offer ownership or equity opportunities.
If practice ownership is one of your long-term goals, ask early in the recruitment process whether future ownership opportunities exist and, where appropriate, whether they can be reflected in your Associate Agreement. Understanding the organization's long-term approach to ownership can help you determine whether the position aligns with your career goals.
Before Accepting a Position
What questions should I ask before joining a practice?
Before accepting an associateship, consider asking:
How many new patients does the practice typically see?
What has staff and associate turnover been like?
Is mentorship available?
What continuing education opportunities are offered?
How are patients allocated among dentists?
Are there plans for future growth or additional practice locations?
Why is this position available? Am I replacing another associate or is this a new role?
Take time to evaluate each opportunity carefully.
Understanding the practice culture, asking thoughtful questions, and carefully reviewing your Associate Agreement can help you choose a position that supports both your professional development and your long-term career goals.