DSO Non-Compete Agreement

[Big Time Hoosier]

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Greetings people of the interweb,

For those in the know, what’s a typical non-compete agreement look like with a DSO? Asking for a friend.

Sincerely,

Big Hoss

 

[deleted685719]

Aspen: none really. Just language about non solicit
Heartland: radius is negotiable on location/city size/ saturation. 2miles-10 miles is common for two years
Pacific: radius 5-10miles for 2 years
Many Smaller DSOs have literally copied and pasted heartland contract

Obviously aspen is the “best” freedom wise but it’s a different company culture than others listed. Biggest thing is everything is negotiable. Especially if the employer really wants you. They will cut down radius pretty easily. All companies are hungry for employees and will do what it takes. If they won’t move the radius ask for a bigger sign on bonus to make possibly moving worth your while. (and doctors please don’t be fooled, you’re an EMPLOYEE, not “owner” 😉)that’s a different story tho

 

[deleted685719]

Also all the above don’t care if you work outside their business just have to disclose it and make sure you have your own malpractice as the company policy won’t cover outside activities.

 

[AONLINE]

Here are a few offers that I have received. I am a new grad GP located in a metro area in the Midwest so I don’t have a lot of bargaining power. Things might be different for specialists and also location-dependent.

Aspen and Pacific: no non-compete, just non-solicitation
Heartland, location is 1 hour from the city: 25-mile for two years. I understand that is negotiable, but the 25% of collections is non-negotiable, which is ridiculous to me so I didn’t even bother get back to them.
Local DSO in a suburb 25-min from the city: 7 miles for 2 years. I almost signed this contract.
Another smaller local DSO: they initially put 7 miles for 2 years in their contract, but the location is downtown of a major city with a handful of other dental offices within a few blocks so I successfully negotiated down to 3 miles.

I would highly recommend having an attorney look over your contract. A very well-spent $300 for me.