In an associateship, the associate uses the practice's surgery space to see and treat patients; practice owners fulfil their part of the bargain by providing the surgery space, equipment, heating, lighting and staff support. Associates need to strike a deal with the practice owner over how much they are going to pay for the use of the premises and facilities. Generally, associates and practice owners reach an agreement based on splitting the associate's gross earnings according to set percentage. This arrangement could go on with no change forever, a percentage split applying to whatever fees, NHS payments and private capitation. But with recent trends in inflation, practice costs and the DDRB reviews it is important that you review it. There are lots of factors that have to be weighed up when deciding on the appropriate percentage in your practice.
The BDA would never recommend a percentage - not least because all practices and their circumstances are unique; though the General Dental Practice Committee (GDPC) issues a policy statement, which was last reviewed in 2021, as shown in the box below. However, from the associate contracts reviewed by the BDA Practice Support team, associates often retain between 40 and 50% (practices getting 50 to 60%). This is only an anecdotal analysis and you must bear in mind that the fee apportionment you decide upon has to be a commercial decision influenced by your practice circumstances. Nevertheless, we recommend that associates and practice owners should review their apportionment every year, looking at recent performance and practice costs.
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