Dentistry is far more than oral healthcare; it’s a highly regulated business operation. Complex legal, financial, and regulatory issues arise at every turn. That’s exactly why dentists often need a specialized dental attorney like Wood and Delgado. With decades of experience, this firm delivers bespoke legal solutions tailored specifically for dental professionals.
1. Specialized Legal Understanding of Dental Practice Needs
Wood and Delgado have represented dentists for over 35 years in areas such as practice purchase agreements, corporate formations, partnership agreements, real estate transactions, and board defense. Their entire practice is built around dental industry-specific legal services.
General malpractice or business attorneys may lack the nuanced understanding that comes from handling hundreds of dental transitions each year, a gap that can lead to oversights and weakened protection.
2. Safeguarding Transactions: Practice Purchases & Partnerships
Transitioning a dental practice, whether buying, selling, or forming a partnership, requires customized agreements. With more than three decades drafting dental practice purchase agreements, Wood and Delgado know the industry’s pitfalls, such as restrictive covenants, patient records transfer, accounts receivable, completed/redo work obligations, and referral sources. Their approach ensures that no critical detail is overlooked.
Partnerships and shareholder agreements can become messy if roles, rights, and exit strategies aren’t clearly defined. At Wood and Delgado, they craft precise partnership and shareholder agreements that include buy-sell rights, minority/majority rights, compensation structures, and dispute provisions, all tailored for dental practices.
3. Corporate Formations & Real Estate Expertise
Dentists face restrictions on business entity structures in certain states, requiring careful selection between PLLCs, S-corps, or DBAs. Wood and Delgado attorneys guide dentists through compliance, tax implications, asset protection, and long-term planning when forming a corporate entity.
Additionally, acquiring or leasing real estate for a dental office is more than a deal; it’s a strategic investment. With services covering property evaluations, zoning, purchase agreements, due diligence, financing, and build-to-suit or ground lease options, Wood and Delgado ensure smooth closings and clear documentation at every step.
4. Defending License and Responding to Litigation Risk
Dental professionals sometimes face disciplinary actions from licensing boards. Allegations, even minor ones, can threaten both reputation and livelihood. Wood and Delgado provide robust dental board and license defense services, helping dentists preserve their credentials and practice identity before issues escalate.
When contract disputes, employment issues, partnership conflicts, or shareholder litigation arise, Wood and Delgado bring dedicated dental business litigation expertise. Their team resolves issues via mediation or courtroom litigation with strategic focus, minimizing disruption and preserving professional relationships.
5. Estate Planning & Succession
A dentist’s practice often represents a lifetime of effort. Estate planning ensures that legacy and value are preserved. Wood and Delgado assist with structuring succession, deferring liability, and safeguarding assets to support both professionals and their heirs. This strategic support ensures the practice remains intact, even in unforeseen transitions.
Why Choose Wood and Delgado?
From their founding in 1984 through today, Wood and Delgado have built a reputation as leaders in dental transitions nationwide, guiding dentists through practice sales, partnerships, real estate deals, and regulatory challenges. Their founding partner, Patrick J. Wood, alone has represented dentists for nearly four decades, lectured widely, and negotiated hundreds of leases and practice transitions annually.
Their legal team also includes partners and associates with deep dental-law experience, including Jason P. Wood and Charles Delgado, who bring added expertise in business transactions, litigation, and regulatory defense. Together, they deliver business-savvy strategies framed in dental practice realities.
Situations Where Dentists Most Need Wood and Delgado
- Transition planning: Purchasing or selling a practice demands tailored agreements and seamless transition phases.
- Partnership conflicts: Disputes over ownership, control, or finances require strong legal frameworks to avoid destabilizing the practice.
- Corporate structuring: Selecting the correct entity type affects tax liability and personal asset protection.
- Real estate decisions: Location, lease terms, zoning, and financing all involve high-stakes negotiation and legal risk.
- Regulatory or licensing issues: Dental board actions or claims demand urgent, knowledgeable legal defense.
- Business litigation: From employment lawsuits to contract breaches, focused legal support is key to navigating threats.
- Succession planning: Ensuring long-term stability through estate and transition planning protects both personal and professional legacy.
In Summary
Dentists today face more than clinical challenges; they face business, legal, and regulatory complexity at every turn. That’s precisely why seasoned legal counsel makes a difference.
Wood and Delgado isn’t a general practice; they’re dental attorneys first, trusted advisors second, supporting dentists through every major decision in their careers. From seamless practice transitions to layered legal protections, partnering with Wood and Delgado means securing not just your practice, but your future.
