Did you know that there are specific laws that apply to naming your dental practice?
Your dental practice is not just a workspace that generates income for you. It also carries your name and reputation, and it would be wise to consult with our dental practice transition attorney to make sure you do not run afoul of the laws related to naming dental practices.
Just like any professional practice, dental practices are recognized by their name and choosing a name for your dental practice that does not violate the law is an important decision. Hence, your dental practice can create a first impression by its catchy name and such a name can be found by following some basic yet effective steps while keeping certain laws and regulations in mind to avoid any legal or regulatory pitfalls.
Dental Practice Transition Lawyers for legally naming your dental practice.
For over 15 years, Kamkari Law’s dental practice transition lawyers have served dentists and dental practices. In doing so, we have advised clients so that they can name their dental practices while staying compliant with the rules and regulations. The following are some suggestions regarding choosing a name for your dental practice keeping in my mind that there are specific rules and regulations that apply to naming a dental practice.
1. Naming Your Dental Practice’s Business Entity.
If you choose to form a business entity to protect your personal assets, you then have to choose a name for that business entity. In most States the surname(s) of the dentist(s) that own the business entity, whether it is a professional corporation, LLC, PLLC, must be included in the business entity’s name. For example, if a dentist named “XYZ” decides to incorporate a professional corporation, XYZ’s name must be included in the professional corporation’s name, i.e., “XYZ, P.C.” or “XYZ Dental Care, P.A.” Failure to include the surname(s) of the owner(s) in the business entity’s name could result in disciplinary action by the licensing Board of that State.
You should also check to make sure that the name that you have chosen is not already taken in your State, nor is the name protected at the State or Federal level to avoid a potential lawsuit for infringing on someone’s protected name. Our dental practice transition attorneys are experienced in setting up dental practices including business entity formation.
2. Trade Names or DBAs for Dental Practices.
Often, dentists and doctors see it advantageous to use a different name than their last names if their last name is not an established brand. Nowadays, most of the searches on search engines show the local results first. Therefore, many of our clients prefer to associate the name of their practices with the locale in which they set up their offices. For example, if dentist XYZ has legally registered “XYZ Dental Care, P.C.” and his/her office is going to be located in Green Acres, they may decide to name their practice “Green Acres Dental Care.” To do so, XYZ Dental Care, P.C. can put in an application for trade name Green Acres Dental Care. However, the licensing Boards of States usually require that the trade name be approved by them. Therefore, XYZ must also file an application with the State licensing Board for permission to use Green Acres Dental Care as a trade name for XYZ Dental Care, P.C. Please keep in mind that the same steps should be taken to avoid choosing an already taken trade name in your State or a trade name that is protected at State or Federal level.
3. Using Your Personal Branding Wisely
In some cases, dentists have already served in their respective field for years so they have built a good personal brand for their name and that branding can be helpful to them. There are several methods by which you can use your own name to create an attractive name for your practice, whether as a business entity name or a trade name. You just have to make sure that you know the rules and regulations, so you do it in a lawful manner that is accepted under the State, Federal, and licensing Board’s requirements.
4. Mention Your Specialty in The Name
Many times people find dentists with any specific specialty to solve their problems. In those situations, knowing about your specialty from just the name of your practice can attract them to your practice. Hence, choose the name of your practice wisely to gain an advantage.
5. Pay Attention to Some Minimal Yet Effective Points
A positive, meaningful name that is easy to remember is always a winner. Also, selecting such a name with an objective derived from good demographic research and accompanying it with a nice tagline can attract a large set of families to become your potential regular patients. A little research and planning can also make a great positive impact on the logo as well as your whole brand.
These are some of the tips that can help you select a good name for your dental practice. Our dental practice transition lawyers at Kamkari Law have represented and helped many dentists like you in buying dental practices or starting their dental practices from ground up.
Book your consultation with our Dental Practice Transition Lawyers Today!
A. Shane Kamkari, Esq.
Dental Practice Transition Lawyers
Member of Maryland Bar Maryland Attorney Listing | Maryland Courts (mdcourts.gov)
Maryland Code, Corporations and Associations, § 1-502 sets out the laws regarding naming business entities such as professional corporations, LLCs, LLPs. LPs, etc.:
