Courses
Leveling the Playing Field: Understanding Employment Agreements
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 (7:00m – 8:00pm)
In this webinar, Dr. Leon Klempner and Dr. Eric Ploumis will explore the elements of a balanced employment agreement. Special focus will be given to the two things a recent graduate cares about most: compensation and restrictive covenants.
Whether you are entering your first associate position, considering a new employment opportunity, or evaluating a potential path to practice ownership, understanding the terms of your employment agreement is essential. This webinar will break down some of the most important financial and contractual issues orthodontists should understand before signing on the dotted line. Topics will include the differences between W-2 employee and 1099 independent contractor status, New York State employment guidelines, common compensation structures, and the expenses and benefits that should be addressed when evaluating an offer.
The program will also explore some of the areas where expectations and reality can diverge, particularly promises of future equity, partnership, growth, and practice buy-ins. Attendees will learn what questions to ask about percentage-based compensation, collections versus production, lab fees, refunds, benefits, and other contract terms. The discussion will conclude with restrictive covenants—including noncompete and non-solicitation provisions—and the evolving New York legislative landscape, helping orthodontists better recognize potential pitfalls and make more informed decisions about their employment and career opportunities.
HOST
Dr. Leon Klempner
Dr. Klempner is Director of Orthodontics and Assistant Clinical Professor in the Departments of Dentistry and Global Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. He also serves as part-time orthodontic faculty at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center.
After earning his doctorate from the University of Maryland, Dr. Klempner completed his specialty training in orthodontics at Tufts University and became a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. He practiced clinical orthodontics in New York for 38 years and has published articles in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics, and numerous trade publications on early Class III treatment and orthodontic marketing.
Dr. Klempner is also CEO of People + Practice and co-hosts The Golden Age of Orthodontics podcast with his daughter and business partner, Amy Epstein.
SPEAKER
Dr. Eric Ploumis
Dr. Ploumis is an attorney with the firm of Rivkin Radler, a dental practice broker with Wicklow Healthcare Advisors, an orthodontist, and an adjunct clinical professor of orthodontics at New York University. He limits his legal practice to business and transactional issues related to the practice of dentistry including practice transitions, partnership and employment agreements, office leases, and the defense of allegations of professional misconduct.