FQHC Contract

The following model dental services agreement between a private practice dentist and a community health center was developed for the Connecticut Health Foundation through the Connecticut Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, Inc., a nonprofit public interest law center, by Jones Day Attorneys at Law of Washington, D.C. It was provided to the American Dental Association and the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACH). It was extensively reviewed and modified by Attorney Marcie Zakheim of Feldesman Tucker Leifer Fidell LLP, general counsel to the NACH.

The language provides guidance to dentists and health center executives as they explore a contractual arrangement. In addition to model language, a number of notations are provided to address specific circumstances and/or options available to the contracting parties.

The model contract is intended for dentists and FQHCs to use as a starting point in drafting and negotiating a final agreement. It should not be used as the definitive document without first consulting legal counsel because state-specific regulations and other considerations may impact the proper structuring of a particular agreement.