Contracts, Coverage, and Career Paths: What D3s and D4s Need to Know

As you move from dental school to professional practice, understanding the business side of dentistry becomes just as critical as mastering clinical skills. This session is designed to give D3s and D4s the financial clarity and legal insight they didn’t teach in the classroom.

We’ll break down the fundamentals of dental contracts and malpractice insurance—two key areas that can directly shape your income, liability, and long-term security. You’ll learn how to spot red flags in employment agreements, understand the difference between claims-made and occurrence policies, and know exactly what your malpractice insurance does (and doesn’t) cover.

We’ll also compare the real-world income potential of associates versus owners, revealing how contract structure impacts taxes, flexibility, and your future earning capacity. Whether you’re a D3 gearing up for externships or a D4 weighing job offers, this session will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make career-defining decisions.

What You’ll Learn:✅ Key contract terms and red flags every new dentist should know🛡️ What malpractice insurance actually protects—and where gaps exist🧠 Claims-made vs. occurrence coverage, simplified💸 Associate vs. owner: a real-world income comparison🗂️ How contract structure affects your taxes, liability, and options📈 The long-term upside of practice ownership🎓 Tailored insights for D3s and D4s entering the job market🔑 Actionable takeaways to boost confidence and protect your career path

Also check out other Nonprofit events in Flowood.