EXHIBIT 10.35[*]
DENTAL GROUP MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
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THIS DENTAL GROUP MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is dated as of
October 11, 1996 and is effective as of the date set forth in Section 6.1
("Effective Date") by and between GMS DENTAL GROUP MANAGEMENT OF HAWAII, INC., a
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Hawaii corporation (formerly known as Dental Care Management, Inc.) ("Manager")
which is wholly-owned by GMS Dental Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company") and DENTAL CARE CENTERS OF HAWAII, INC., a Hawaii professional dental
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corporation ("Dental Group").
RECITALS
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A. Dental Group engages in the practice of dentistry by providing dental
services to patients of Dental Group ("Group Patients") and to enrollees
("Beneficiaries") of dental plans ("Plans") under contracts ("Payor Contracts")
between Dental Group and Plans or between Beneficiaries and Plans.
B. Dental Group provides dental services to Beneficiaries and to Group
Patients through arrangements with licensed individuals ("Providers"). Such
arrangements may include contracts ("Employment Agreements") with dentist
employees and allied health professional employees (collectively "Employee
Providers") and agreements ("Provider Subcontracts") with independent contractor
dentists and non-dentist providers of various dental care services (collectively
"Subcontract Providers").
C. All activities of Dental Group subject to this Agreement are
referenced as the "Practice." All references to "dental" care and services
include general and specialist dental services. All references to "dentists"
include generalists and specialists.
D. Manager is a management services company that has been organized to
provide certain support services for the Practice and for other dental groups.
Manager is in the business of providing or arranging for management services,
facilities, equipment and certain personnel necessary for the operation of the
Practice.
E. Dental Group desires to retain Manager on an independent contractor
basis to provide management services that are more particularly described below,
and Manager desires to provide such management services under the terms and
conditions set forth in this Agreement.
AGREEMENTS
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NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants and conditions contained
herein, Manager and Dental Group agree as follows:
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[*] Confidential Treatment Requested.
ARTICLE 1
DEFINITIONS
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Terms that are capitalized within this Agreement and its addenda and
exhibits are defined in Addendum 1.
ARTICLE 2
SCOPE OF AGREEMENT
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2.1 General Scope of Agreement. This Agreement shall apply to the
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Practice, including, without limitation, all professional, administrative and
technical services, marketing, contracting, case management, ancillary dental
services, outpatient services and dental care facilities, equipment, supplies
and items, except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement. Dental
Group's Employment Agreements shall encompass substantially all such activities
of Employee Providers and shall provide that all revenues derived from such
activities (and not excluded below) are Revenues. Nothing in this Agreement
shall be construed to alter or in any way affect the legal, ethical and
professional relationship between and among Providers and Provider's patients,
nor shall anything contained in this Agreement abrogate any right or obligation
arising out of or applicable to the dentist-patient relationship.
2.2 License. Dental Group grants Manager an exclusive license to use any
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and all of Dental Group's assets, whether tangible or intangible, in carrying
out Manager's duties and responsibilities under the provisions of this
Agreement.
2.3 Intellectual Property. Dental Group hereby grants to Manager a non-
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exclusive, perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide license to use and sublicense the
use of any intellectual property owned by Dental Group to the extent necessary
in carrying out Manager's duties and responsibilities under the provisions of
this Agreement. This license shall cover, but not be limited to, use of the
following:
(a) Service Xxxx. Dental Group hereby grants Manager the right to use all
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service marks and trademarks of Dental Group (the "Marks") for marketing and
promotional materials in connection with Dental Group's offering of dental
services. Manager agrees to use the Marks solely in the design format used by
Dental Group as of the date of this Agreement or another design format approved
in advance in writing by Dental Group. Dental Group shall have the opportunity
to review any marketing or other materials using the Marks in advance of any
public distribution. Manager agrees that it will include these restrictions on
use in any sublicense of the Marks.
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(b) Copyrighted Materials. Dental Group hereby grants Manager the right to
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use any and all copyrighted materials authored or owned by Dental Group
including, specifically, the Dental Group dental management system software
programs (the "Programs"). This license includes the right to sublicense the
Programs and the right to prepare and own derivative works based on the
Programs, all without a duty of accounting to Dental Group. Dental Group shall
execute all documents required to enable Manager to own, use and exploit all
such rights.
2.4 Revenues. "Revenues" shall mean all of Dental Group's accounts
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receivable (net of contractual adjustments and bad debt), and cash collections.
Revenues shall include all funds collected by, or legally due to, Dental Group
or any Affiliate of Dental Group, including, without limitation, the following:
(a) all fee-for-service payments for services to Group Patients or
Beneficiaries; (b) all payments established under Payor Contracts; (c) all
coordination of benefits or deductibles and third-party liability recoveries
related to the Group's services; (d) all payments, dues, fees or other
compensation to Dental Group, (e) any income, profits, dividends, distributions
or other payments from Dental Group's investments; and (f) any interest or other
non-operating income of Dental Group.
2.5 Deposit Accounts. All cash received by Dental Group from whatever
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source shall be deposited into an account or accounts ("Accounts") in the name
of Dental Group at a banking institution selected by Dental Group and approved
by Manager. Dental Group authorizes Manager to xxxx and collect, in Dental
Group's name, all charges and reimbursements for Dental Group's dental related
activities and to deposit such collections in the Accounts. Dental Group agrees
to assist and cooperate, at no cost or expense to Dental Group, with Manager in
the billing and collection process and to immediately deliver to Manager for
deposit any monies Dental Group may receive.
2.6 Assignment.
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(a) Assets. Except as prohibited by contract or by law, Dental Group
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hereby assigns, sells, conveys, transfers, and delivers to Manager, and Manager
hereby accepts from Dental Group, all of the assets and properties of Dental
Group of every kind, character and description, whether tangible, intangible,
real, personal, or mixed, and wherever located, including, but not limited to,
all Revenues, cash, accounts receivable, advances, prepaid expenses, deposits,
equipment and improvements. The assets shall be valued at their fair market
value which has been determined to be their respective book values. Manager
shall have the authority, and Dental Group shall execute any and all documents
as may be necessary or appropriate to transfer the assets to Manager, authorize
Manager to transfer the funds in the Accounts to a separate account in the name
of Manager, and effectuate the intention of this provision.
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(b) Liabilities. Manager shall be responsible for paying all claims and
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obligations associated with the operation of Dental Group pursuant to this
Agreement; provided, Manager shall be deemed to fully discharge its
responsibility to Dental Group for the liabilities described in this
subparagraph by its timely payment on Dental Group's behalf of, or timely
delivery to Dental Group of an amount sufficient to discharge, all of Dental
Group's obligations and liabilities now existing or arising in the future,
including, but not limited to, those under Provider Subcontracts, Employment
Agreements, Dental Group's professional liability insurance and any other
operational expenses for which Dental Group retains responsibility or that are
delegated to Dental Group, whether pursuant to this Agreement or any other
agreement of the parties or action of the Joint Operations Committee ("Dental
Expenses"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Manager does not assume any
liabilities of Dental Group which are unrelated to the dental business or any
liabilities for income taxes which are unrelated to the dental business.
ARTICLE 3
GOVERNANCE AND CONTROL
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3.1 Appointment. Dental Group hereby appoints Manager as its sole and
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exclusive manager for the operation of the Practice and covenants not to enter
into an agreement with any Person other than Manager to perform or assume any of
Manager's rights, duties or responsibilities as provided herein. Manager hereby
accepts full responsibility for such management as more fully set forth herein.
3.2 Professional Matters. Pursuant to applicable laws and requirements
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governing the practice of dentistry, Dental Group shall retain ultimate
responsibility for all activities of Dental Group that are within the scope of a
dentist's licensure and cannot be performed by Manager due to Manager's non-
licensed status. The parties understand and agree that during the term of this
Agreement, Dental Group shall be the provider of dental services for all
purposes, including, but not limited to, licensure and reimbursement.
3.3 Relationship of Parties. In the performance of its duties and
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obligations under this Agreement, it is understood and agreed that Manager
shall, at all times, be acting and performing as an independent contractor and
not as an employee of Dental Group. Except as provided in this Agreement or as
required by law, Dental Group shall neither have nor exercise any control or
direction over the methods by which Manager shall perform its obligation
thereunder; nor shall Manager have or exercise any control or direction over the
methods by which Dental Group shall practice dentistry. It is expressly agreed
by the parties that no work, act, commission or omission of Manager pursuant to
the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be construed to make or
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render Manager or Manager's employees or agents, the employees of Dental Group.
Manager and Dental Group are not partners or joint venturers with each other and
nothing herein shall be construed so as to make them partners or joint venturers
or impose upon either of them any liability as partners or joint venturers.
Dental Group's responsibility is to assure that the services covered by this
Agreement shall be performed and rendered in a competent, efficient and
satisfactory manner.
3.4 Authority and Control. Strategic planning, overall direction and
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control of the business and affairs of Dental Group, and authority over the day-
to-day activities of Dental Group shall be accomplished as follows:
(a) Exclusive Authority.
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(1) Dental Group. Dental Group shall be solely and exclusively in control
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of all aspects of the practice of dentistry and delivery of dental services by
Providers. The rendition of all dental professional services, including, but
not limited to, diagnosis, treatment, surgery, therapy and prescription medicine
and drugs, and the supervision and preparation of dental reports shall be the
responsibility of Dental Group. Notwithstanding, the foregoing, Dental Group
shall consult with Manager or the Joint Operations Committee to the extent
reasonable and not inconsistent with the licensure of dentists.
(2) Manager. After reasonable consultation with Dental Group or the Joint
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Operations Committee, Manager shall have the sole responsibility and authority
for decisions related to the administration of the Practice.
(b) Joint Authority. All other decision-making authority related to the
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business and affairs of Dental Group shall be vested in a joint operations
committee (the "Joint Operations Committee"). Nothing herein shall be construed
as preventing the Joint Operations Committee from appointing representatives and
delegating authority to such representatives so long as the Joint Operations
Committee may revoke such appointment and delegation at any time and so long as
the Joint Operations Committee retains ultimate responsibility for the decisions
of such representatives.
3.5 Joint Operations Committee. Strategic planning, overall direction and
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control of the business and affairs of Dental Group, and authority over the day-
to-day activities of Dental Group shall be overseen by the Joint Operations
Committee as follows:
(a) Joint Operations Committee Membership. The Joint Operations Committee
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shall consist initially of three (3) individuals (the "Committee Members").
Dental Group shall designate one (1) Committee Member (the "Dental Group
Member") and the remaining two (2) Committee Members (the "Manager Members")
shall be appointed by Manager. The number of Committee Members may be increased
by agreement of the parties. Each party shall
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continue to direct the appointment of the same percentage of Committee Members
as described above. Each Committee Member shall serve at the pleasure of the
party designating such Committee Member and may be replaced, with or without
cause, at any time by such party upon the delivery of written notice thereof to
the other Committee Members. Manager, Dental Group and their respective
Committee Members shall diligently pursue any preliminary activities that are
necessary to allow the Joint Operations Committee to take an action. Where
Committee Members are required to consult with the organization appointing such
Committee Members, the Committee shall establish and agree on a deadline for
accomplishing such consultation.
(b) Joint Operations Committee Action.
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(1) Joint Action. Except as otherwise expressly set forth above, the Joint
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Operations Committee shall take all other actions that have been approved by a
majority of the Committee Members.
(2) Consultation Forum. Consultation between Dental Group and Manager, if
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any, shall take place at a meeting of the Joint Operations Committee, and Dental
Group and Manager hereby agree to be bound by the decision of the Joint
Operations Committee.
(c) Joint Operations Committee Meetings. Meetings of the Joint Operations
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Committee may be held by telephone or similar communications equipment so long
as all Committee Members participating in a meeting can hear and speak to each
other. The Joint Operations Committee shall prepare and maintain written
minutes of all meetings and shall provide a copy of the minutes to the parties
within fifteen (15) business days following each meeting.
(1) Regular Meetings. The Joint Operations Committee shall hold not less
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than four (4) regular meetings each year, at such specific times and places as
the Committee Members may determine.
(2) Special Meetings. A special meeting of the Joint Operations Committee
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may be called by a majority of the Committee Members.
(3) Notice Requirement. A Committee Member calling a special meeting must
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provide all other Committee Members with ten (10) days' advance written or
telephonic notice. Notice must be given or sent to the Committee Member's
address or telephone number as shown on the records of the Joint Operations
Committee. Notice may delivered directly to each Committee Member or to a
person at the Committee Member's principal place of business who would
reasonably be expected to communicate that notice promptly to the Committee
Member.
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(4) Waiver of Notice Requirement.
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(A) Written Waiver, Consent or Approval. Notice of a special meeting need
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not be given to any Committee Member who, either before or after the meeting,
signs a waiver of notice or a written consent to the holding of the special
meeting, or an approval of the minutes of the special meeting. Such waiver,
consent or approval need not specify the purpose of the special meeting. All
such waivers, consents, and approvals shall be filed with the Joint Operations
Committee records or made a part of the minutes of the special meetings.
(B) Failure to Object. Notice of a special meeting need not be given to
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any Committee Member who attends the special meeting and does not protest before
or at the commencement of the special meeting such lack of notice.
(5) Quorum. The smallest number of Committee Members that exceed fifty
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percent (50%) of all Committee Members shall constitute a quorum of the Joint
Operations Committee.
(6) Proxies. The Joint Operations Committee shall provide for the use of
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proxies, telephonic conference calls, written consents or other appropriate
methods by which the full participation of the Dental Group Members and Manager
Members can be assured.
(d) Limitation of Responsibility. Notwithstanding any other provisions
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hereof, Committee Members shall be liable to the parties only for actions
constituting bad faith, gross negligence or breach of an express provision of
this Agreement (so long as such breach remains uncured after ten (10) days of
receiving notice of the nature of such breach). In all other respects,
Committee Members shall not be liable for negligence or mistakes of judgment.
3.6 Budgets. A capital and operating budget ("Annual Budget") shall be
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established regarding all financial aspects of the Practice. The Annual Budget
shall include the following elements and other items, as appropriate:
(a) A capital expenditure budget outlining a program of capital
expenditures, if any, that are required for the next succeeding fiscal year;
(b) An operating budget setting forth an estimate of Revenues and expenses
for the next succeeding fiscal year, together with an explanation of anticipated
changes or modifications, if any, in the Practice's utilization, rates, charges
to patients or third party payors, salaries, costs of Providers, non-wage cost
increases, and all other similar factors expected to differ significantly from
those prevailing during the current fiscal year;
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(c) Other expenses of operation;
(d) The amount of a reasonable reserve to satisfy possible shortfalls from
operations. The allocation of such reserve shall be made by the Joint
Operations Committee as and when necessary; and
(e) The Management Fee, as defined below, for the next succeeding fiscal
year.
3.7 Budget Process.
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(a) Initial Annual Budget. Not later than 45 days after the Effective
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Date, the Joint Operations Committee will have prepared the initial Annual
Budget for the first fiscal year (which shall initially be the calendar year)
during the term of this Agreement. If the Effective Date is other than the
first day of a fiscal year, then such initial Annual Budget shall encompass only
such portion of the then current fiscal year as remains, or, at the option of
the parties, such portion of the then current fiscal year plus the immediately
subsequent fiscal year.
(b) Preliminary Budget. Not later than forty-five (45) days prior to the
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end of each fiscal year during the term of this Agreement, the Manager shall
prepare and deliver to the Joint Operations Committee a preliminary Annual
Budget for the next succeeding fiscal year ("Preliminary Budget").
(c) Joint Operations Committee Approval. The Joint Operations Committee
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shall review and suggest modifications to the Preliminary Budget within ten (10)
days of receipt. Manager shall prepare a revised budget based upon the Joint
Operations Committee's recommendations and the Preliminary Budget as revised
shall become the Annual Budget.
(d) Adjustments. In the event of a material deviation between financial
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forecasts and financial performance during a fiscal year, Manager or Dental
Group may propose adjustments to the Annual Budget which adjustments shall be
approved or disapproved pursuant to the procedures set forth above.
3.8 Personnel.
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(a) Providers. Manager shall not employ or contract with any Providers for
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the provision of dental services. All Providers who provide dental services to
Group Patients or to Beneficiaries shall be either (1) Employee Providers, (2)
Subcontract Providers or (3) employees of Subcontract Providers.
(b) Non-Providers. With the exception of employees of Subcontract
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Providers, Manager shall employ all non-Provider personnel necessary for the
operation of the Practice.
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(c) Salary and Benefits. Each party to this Agreement shall remain liable
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for the salary and benefits paid to such party's own employees and shall be
ultimately responsible for compliance with state and federal laws pertaining to
employment taxes, workers' compensation, unemployment compensation and other
employment-related statutes pertaining to the party's own employees.
(d) Payments to Subcontract Providers. Dental Group shall be liable for
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any payments due Subcontract Providers under Provider Subcontracts after timely
receipt of funds from Manager.
ARTICLE 4
MANAGEMENT SERVICES
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4.1 General Description of Services. Within the limitations set out
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elsewhere in this Agreement, Manager shall provide or arrange for the provision
to Dental Group of all support services reasonably necessary and appropriate for
the efficient operation of the Practice. Such services include all
administrative services necessary to Dental Group's performance of its
obligations under Payor Contracts, contracting, marketing, capital formation and
assistance with long term strategic planning.
4.2 Facilities. When appropriate, Manager shall secure and maintain
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facilities, including, without limitation, office space, improvements,
furnishings, equipment, supplies and personal property, of a nature and in a
condition necessary and appropriate for the efficient and effective operations
of the Practice subject to the general approval of the Joint Operations
Committee. Manager shall secure and maintain said facilities in the name of
Dental Group. Manager shall ensure that said facilities are reasonably safe and
free of hazards.
4.3 Purchased Items and Services. Manager shall serve as the purchasing
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agent for Dental Group and shall arrange for personnel benefits, insurance, and
any other items and services required for the proper operation of the Practice.
4.4 Manager Personnel.
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(a) Management Team. Subject to any approval or consulting rights of the
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Joint Operations Committee, Manager shall engage or designate one or more
individuals experienced in dental group management and direction, including, but
not limited to, an administrator, who will be responsible for the overall
administration of the Practice including day-to-day operations and strategic
development activities.
(b) Other Manager Personnel. Manager shall select, hire, train, supervise,
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monitor and terminate all non-Provider personnel necessary for the operation and
management of the Practice.
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4.5 Day-to-Day Management and Supervision. Subject to any approval or
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consulting rights of the Joint Operations Committee, Manager shall provide
general management including, but not limited to, day-to-day supervision of:
(a) Manager personnel;
(b) Equipment and supply acquisition;
(c) Office space and facility maintenance;
(d) Patient records organization and retention;
(e) Third party payor contracting;
(f) Case management;
(g) Billing, collections and accounting activities as set forth below;
(h) All operating aspects and policies of the Practice including, but
not limited to, hours of operation, work schedules, standard duties and job
descriptions, for all nondentist personnel; and
(i) Other related and incidental matters.
4.6 Billing and Collection Payment of Expenses. Manager shall be
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responsible for all billing and collecting activities required by Dental Group.
Manager shall also be responsible for reviewing and paying accounts payable of
Dental Group. Dental Group hereby appoints the Manager its true and lawful
attorney-in-fact to take the following actions for and on behalf of and in the
name of Dental Group:
(a) Xxxx and collect in Dental Group's name or the name of the individual
practicing dentist, all charges and reimbursements for Dental Group. Dental
Group shall give Manager all necessary access to Patient records to accomplish
all billing and collection. In so doing, Manager will use its best efforts but
does not guarantee any specific level of collections, and Manager will comply
with Dental Group's reasonable and lawful policies regarding courtesy discounts;
(b) Take possession of and endorse in the name of Dental Group any and all
instruments received as payment of accounts receivable;
(c) Deposit all such collections directly into Accounts and make
withdrawals from such Accounts in accordance with this Agreement; and
(d) Place accounts for collection, settle and compromise claims, and
institute legal action for the recovery of accounts.
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4.7 Bookkeeping and Accounting. Manager shall provide bookkeeping
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services, financial reports, and shall implement and manage a computerized
management information system appropriate for the Practice.
(a) Financial Reporting. Manager shall prepare, analyze, and deliver to
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the Joint Operations Committee financial reports to the extent necessary or
appropriate for the operation of the Practice, including the following:
(1) Financial statements, including balance sheets and statements of
cash flow and income;
(2) Accounts payable and accounts receivable analysis;
(3) Billing status including any Medicaid remittances; and
(4) Reconciliation of assets, liabilities and major expenses.
(b) Audits. Dental Group shall have the right to review and, at its sole
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cost and expense, obtain an audit (separate from any annual audit or review of
Dental Group's financial statements performed at the direction of the Manager)
of Dental Group's financial books and records maintained by the Manager;
provided, however, that in the event there is a material discrepancy between the
information set forth in an audit performed at the direction of the Manager and
the information set forth in an audit performed at the direction of Dental
Group, and such discrepancy is materially adverse to Dental Group, then the cost
of the audit performed at the direction of Dental Group shall be borne by
Manager. Upon five (5) days' prior written notice, Manager shall allow Dental
Group access during reasonable business hours to all information and documents
reasonably required for such review or audit. Upon Dental Group's request and
at Dental Group's expense, Manager shall also provide copies of such documents.
4.8 Marketing and Public Relations Services. Manager shall provide such
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marketing and public relations services as Manager determines reasonably
necessary to promote, market and develop the dental services of Dental Group.
Manager shall provide Dental Group with marketing materials and activities.
4.9 Dental Group Agreements. On behalf of Dental Group, Manager shall
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review, evaluate and negotiate Payor Contracts and Provider Subcontracts and any
other contracts or agreements regarding the provision of dental related items or
services by Dental Group or Providers.
4.10 Utilization Review Quality Improvement and Outcomes Monitoring.
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Manager shall be responsible for providing administrative support for Dental
Group's utilization review,
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quality improvement and outcomes monitoring activities, including, without
limitation, data collection, analysis and reporting for Group Patients and
Beneficiaries. Manager shall also support the development and implementation of
relevant policies, procedures, protocols, practice guidelines and other
interventions based on such activities.
4.11 Applicable Law. Manager and Dental Group shall comply with all
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applicable federal and state laws, statutes, rules and regulations, including
without limitation, those relating to Medicaid reimbursement and any other
applicable governmental rules or the guidelines governing the standards for
administering a professional dental practice.
4.12 Third Party Contracts. Manager shall be in substantial compliance
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with all contracts, agreements and arrangements, including any contracts that
exist on the Effective Date, between Manager and third parties.
ARTICLE 5
DENTAL GROUP SERVICES
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5.1 Provision of Dental Services by Dental Group. Dental Group shall
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operate the Practice during the Term as a dental practice in accordance with
terms of this Agreement and the Annual Budget.
5.2 Providers.
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(a) Professional Dental Services. Dental Group shall employ or contract
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with the number of Providers Dental Group deems necessary for the efficient and
effective operation of the Practice and in accordance with quality assurance,
credentialing and utilization management protocols approved by the Joint
Operations Committee. Dental Group shall provide full and prompt dental
coverage for the Practice, including emergency service twenty-four hours per
day, seven days per week, including holidays according to policies and schedules
approved by the Joint Operations Committee.
(b) Provider Subcontracts and Employment Agreements. Dental Group shall not
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negotiate or execute any Provider Subcontract, Employment Agreement, or any
amendment thereto, without the approval of the Joint Operations Committee. The
Joint Operations Committee shall have the right of review and reasonable
approval of any Provider Subcontract and Employment Agreement. Dental Group
shall be responsible for the payment, in accordance with the Annual Budget, of
all Employee and Subcontract Providers.
5.3 Peer Review. Dental Group, after consultation with the Joint
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Operations Committee, shall implement, regularly review, modify as necessary or
appropriate and obtain the commitment of
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Providers to actively participate in peer review procedures for Providers.
Dental Group shall assist Manager in the production of periodic reports
describing the results of such procedures. Dental Group shall provide Manager
with prompt notice of any information that raises a reasonable risk to the
health and safety of Group Patients or Beneficiaries. In any event, after
consultation with the Joint Operations Committee, Dental Group shall take such
action as may be reasonably warranted under the facts and circumstances.
5.4 Billing Information and Assignments. Dental Group shall promptly
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provide Manager with all billing and patient encounter information reasonably
requested by Manager for purposes of billing and collecting for Dental Group's
services. Dental Group shall use reasonable efforts to procure consents to
assignments and other approvals and documents necessary to enable Manager to
obtain payment or reimbursement from third party payors and patients. With the
assistance of Manager, Dental Group shall obtain all provider numbers necessary
to obtain payment or reimbursement for its services.
5.5 Third Party Contracts. Dental Group shall be in substantial
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compliance with all contracts, agreements and arrangements, including any
contracts that exist on the Effective Date, between Dental Group and third
parties.
5.6 Use of Manager's Goods and Services. Dental Group shall not use any
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goods or services provided by Manager pursuant to this Agreement for any purpose
other than the provision of and management of dental services as contemplated by
this Agreement and purposes incidental thereto.
5.7 Negative Covenants. During the Term, Dental Group shall not, without
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the prior approval of the Joint Operations Committee, (a) assign, pledge,
mortgage or otherwise encumber any of its property, (b) transfer substantially
all of its assets, including its goodwill, (c) merge or consolidate with any
other entity, (d) allow the transfer or issuance of any of its stock (other than
in accordance with the terms and provisions of that certain Share Ownership
Agreement dated October __, 1996, between an affiliate of Manager, GMS Dental
Group Management, Inc. and Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx), or (e) take or allow any act that
would materially impair the ability of Dental Group to carry on the business of
the Practice or to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.
ARTICLE 6
TERM
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6.1 Term. This Agreement shall be effective as of October __, 1996 (the
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"Effective Date"), and shall remain in effect for an initial term of forty (40)
years from the Effective Date, expiring on the fortieth (40th) anniversary of
the Effective Date, unless
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earlier terminated pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The word "Term"
shall include such initial term and, where applicable, any extension of such
initial term (whether extended pursuant to Section 6.2(a) or otherwise), subject
to earlier termination pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement.
6.2 Termination and Extension.
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(a) Automatic Extension. At the end of the initial term and any subsequent
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term, this Agreement shall automatically be renewed for a five (5) year term
unless one of the parties provides the other party with written notice of intent
not to renew, not less than one hundred eighty (180) day prior to the expiration
of the then current term.
(b) Early Termination. This Agreement may be terminated according to the
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provisions of this Section.
(1) Material Breach. In the event either party materially breaches this
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Agreement and such breach is not cured to the reasonable satisfaction of the
non-breaching party within thirty (30) days after the non-breaching party serves
written notice of the default upon the defaulting party (the "Default Notice"),
the Agreement shall automatically terminate at the election of the non-breaching
party upon the giving of a written notice of termination to the defaulting party
not later than forty-five (45) days after service of the Default Notice;
provided that if such uncured breach is only capable of being cured within a
reasonable period of time in excess of thirty (30) days, the non-breaching party
shall not be entitled to terminate this Agreement so long as the defaulting
party has commenced such cure and thereafter diligently pursue such cure to
completion.
(2) Refusal To Comply. In the event that Dental Group or Manager refuses
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or fails to comply with a decision of the Joint Operations Committee, the
aggrieved party shall have the option to require the non-complying party to
participate in good faith mediation under the auspices of the American Mediation
Association, and if the parties participate in such dispute between Dental Group
and Manager continues for sixty (60) days after the date the aggrieved party
exercises its option regarding mediation, and the mediator finds in favor of the
aggrieved party, the non-complying party shall have thirty (30) days in which to
comply with the decision of the Joint Operations Committee. If the non-
complying party has not complied by the end of such thirty (30) day period, the
aggrieved party shall have the option to terminate this Agreement upon fifteen
(15) days' prior written notice. During such mediation, Manager and Dental
Group shall continue to operate and manage the Practice in good faith.
(3) Bankruptcy. A party may, upon three (3) days' prior written notice,
----------
terminate this Agreement if the other party:
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(A) Applies for or consents to the appointment of a receiver, trustee
or liquidator of all or a substantial part of its assets, files a voluntary
petition in bankruptcy or consents to an involuntary petition, makes a general
assignment for the benefit of its creditors, files a petition or answer seeking
reorganization or arrangement with its creditors, or admits in writing its
inability to pay its debts when due, or
(B) Suffers any order, judgment or decree to be entered by any court
of competent jurisdiction, adjudicating such party bankrupt or approving a
petition seeking its reorganization or the appointment of a receiver, trustee or
liquidator of such party or of all or a substantial part of its assets, and such
order, judgment or decree continues unstayed and in effect for ninety (90) days
after its entry.
(4) Nonperformance. Manager may terminate this Agreement in the event that
--------------
in any two consecutive fiscal quarters the Manager has not been paid the
Management Fee and, in the sole discretion of the Manager, it is not reasonably
likely that the Management Fee will be paid in the next fiscal quarter. Any
such termination shall be effective as of the last day of such third fiscal
quarter provided at least 60 days notice shall have been given; otherwise, such
termination shall be effective on the sixtieth day after notice is given.
(5) Change in Law. In the event of any material change in federal or state
-------------
law that has a significant adverse impact on either party hereto in connection
with their performance under this Agreement, or if performance by a party of any
duties under this Agreement be deemed illegal by any court or administrative
agency or in a formal opinion rendered to Dental Group or Manager by legal
counsel knowledgeable in health law matters retained by Dental Group or the
Manager, the affected party shall have the right to require that the other party
renegotiate the terms of this Agreement. Unless the parties otherwise mutually
agree in writing, such renegotiated terms shall be effective not later than
twenty (20) days after receipt of written notice of such request for
renegotiation. If the parties fail to reach such an agreement within thirty
(30) days of the request for renegotiation, either party may (subject to the
severability provision of this Agreement) terminate this Agreement upon thirty
(30) days' prior written notice to the other party.
(c) Effect of Termination. Upon termination of this Agreement:
---------------------
(1) Dental Group shall surrender to Manager all of Manager's property used
primarily in the operation of the Practice in the same condition as received,
reasonable wear and tear excepted.
(2) Manager shall deliver to Dental Group all records related to the
business of and provision of dental care through the Practice including, without
limitation, patient records and
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any corporate, personnel and financial records maintained for the Practice and
Providers, provided, that except as limited by law, including, but not limited
to laws governing the confidentiality of patient records, Manager shall have the
option to copy (or otherwise duplicate) at its sole cost and expense such
records of Dental Group and to retain and utilize such records for its own use;
(3) Manager shall deliver to Dental Group any other property of Dental
Group in Manager's possession;
(4) Both parties shall cooperate to ensure the provision of appropriate
dental care to Group Patients and Beneficiaries;
(5) Dental Group shall promptly deliver to Manager any Revenues that it may
receive in payment for dental services rendered by Dental Group prior to
termination; and
(6) Both parties shall cooperate to ensure the appropriate billing and
collections for dental services rendered by Dental Group prior to the effective
date of termination, and any such cash collected shall be retained by Dental
Group and/or paid to Manager pursuant to Article 7.
ARTICLE 7
MANAGEMENT FEE
--------------
For its services hereunder, which shall include the providing of all
facilities and furniture, fixtures and equipment at the Practice, all non-
dentist employees of Manager who perform services at or for the Practice and all
management services provided hereunder, Manager shall retain as a Management Fee
(the "Management Fee")[*].
ARTICLE 8
INDEMNITY AND INSURANCE
-----------------------
8.1 Indemnity.
---------
(a) Indemnification. Each party shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless
---------------
the other party from any and all liability, loss, claim, lawsuit, injury, cost,
damage or expense whatsoever (including insurance deductibles, reasonable
attorneys' fees and court costs) arising out of, incident to or in any manner
occasioned by the performance or nonperformance of any duty or responsibility
under this Agreement by such indemnifying party, or any of their employees,
agents, contractors or subcontractors; provided, however, that neither party
shall be liable to the other party hereunder for any claim covered by insurance,
except to the
__________
[*] Confidential Treatment Requested.
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extent that the liability of such party exceeds the amount of such insurance
coverage. Specifically, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
Dental Group agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Manager for all
liability, loss, claim, lawsuit, injury, cost, damage or expense whatsoever
(including reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs) arising out of the
professional negligence of Dental Group, its employees, agents, contractors or
subcontractors, including any amounts in excess of the professional liability
insurance coverage of Dental Group or its employees, agents, contractors or
subcontractors.
(b) Mutual Indemnity. Each party to this Agreement shall be indemnified by
----------------
the other party for any claim under this Agreement or otherwise against the
indemnified party for vacation pay, sick leave, retirement benefits, Social
Security benefits, workers' compensation benefits, disability or unemployment,
insurance benefits, or other employee benefits of any kind accrued during the
term of this Agreement by an employee of the indemnifying party.
8.2 Manager's Insurance. Manager shall, on its own behalf and at its sole
-------------------
cost and expense, procure and maintain in force during the term of this
Agreement policies in the following categories in the amount indicated:
(a) Comprehensive general liability insurance covering the risks of
Manager, in an amount determined by the Joint Operations Committee;
(b) Workers' compensation insurance covering the employees of Manager, in
such amounts as is usual and customary under the circumstances;
(c) Property insurance covering the facilities, equipment and supplies
owned or leased by Manager or Dental Group for use in the operation of the
Practice.
8.3 Dental Group's Insurance. At Dental Group's sole cost and expense,
------------------------
and subject to the review of the Joint Operations Committee, Manager shall
obtain, and maintain on behalf of Dental Group in full force and effect during
the Term, policies in the following categories in the amount indicated:
(a) Comprehensive professional liability insurance coverage for Dental
Group and Dental Group's Employee Providers, in such amounts as Manager shall
reasonably deem necessary;
(b) Workers' compensation insurance covering the employees of Dental Group,
in such amounts as is usual and customary under the circumstances;
(c) Comprehensive general liability insurance covering the risks of Dental
Group, in an amount determined by the Joint Operations Committee;
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(d) Directors and officers liability insurance covering the directors and
officers of Dental Group.
ARTICLE 9
BOOKS AND RECORDS
-----------------
9.1 Ownership of Records. All business records and information relating
--------------------
exclusively to the business and activities of either party shall be the property
of that party, irrespective of identity of the party responsible for producing
or maintaining such records and information. Without limiting the foregoing,
all patient charts and records maintained by Manager relating to the dental
services of Dental Group shall be the property of Dental Group. Dental Group
also shall be entitled to a copy at Dental Group's sole cost of all business
records pertaining to Dental Group. Except as limited by law, including, but
not limited to laws governing the confidentiality of patient records, Manager
shall be entitled to a copy at Manager's sole cost of all records of Dental
Group.
ARTICLE 10
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
------------------------
10.1 Assignment. Neither party shall assign this Agreement to any other
----------
party or parties without the prior written consent of the other party, which
consent may be withheld arbitrarily or capriciously, for any reason or for no
reason whatsoever and any attempted assignment in violation of this Agreement
shall be null and void.
10.2 Headings. The article and section headings used in this Agreement
--------
are for purposes of convenience only. They shall not be construed to limit or
to extend the meaning of any part of this Agreement.
10.3 Waiver. Waiver by either Dental Group or Manager of any breach of
------
any provision of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such
provision or of any subsequent breach of the same or of any other provision of
this Agreement.
10.4 Notices. Any notice, demand, approval, consent, or other
-------
communication required or desired to be given under this Agreement in writing
shall be personally served or given by overnight express carrier or by mail, and
if mailed, shall be deemed to have been given when five (5) business days have
elapsed from the date of deposit in the United States mails, certified and
postage prepaid, addressed to the party to be served at the following address or
such other address as may be given in writing to the parties.
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Dental Group: Dental Care Centers of Hawaii, Inc.
00-000 Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xx. Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Manager: GMS Dental Group Management of Hawaii, Inc.
c/o GMS Dental Group, Inc.
000 Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxx
Xxxxx 000
Xxxxxxx Xxxxx, XX 00000
Attn: Xx. Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
10.5 Attorneys' Fees. If any legal action or arbitration or other
---------------
proceeding is commenced, whether by Manager or Dental Group concerning this
Agreement, the prevailing party shall recover from the losing party reasonable
attorneys' fees and costs and expenses, including those of appeal and not
limited to taxable costs, incurred by the prevailing party, in addition to all
other remedies to which the prevailing party may be entitled. If a claim or
claims asserted by a third party against Manager or Dental Group or any of them
arise from an action or omission by the other, the party responsible for the
action or omission shall be the losing party, and the other party shall be the
prevailing party, for purposes of the foregoing sentence.
10.6 Successors. Without limiting or otherwise affecting any restrictions
----------
on assignments of this Agreement or rights or duties under this Agreement, this
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and
assigns of Dental Group and Manager.
10.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement
----------------
between Dental Group and Manager and supersedes all prior negotiations and
agreements, written or oral, concerning or relating to the subject matter of
this Agreement, and this Agreement may not be modified except by a writing
executed by all parties and subject to the provisions thereof.
10.8 Governing Law. This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the
-------------
parties hereto shall be governed by, and construed according to, the laws of the
State of Hawaii.
10.9 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be
------------
invalid or unenforceable by any court or administrative agency of competent
jurisdiction, or in a written opinion to Dental Group or the Manager by legal
counsel knowledgeable in health law matters retained by Dental Group or the
Manager, such holding or opinion shall not affect the validity and
enforceability of the other provisions of this Agreement and the remainder of
this Agreement shall be considered valid and operative to the fullest extent
permitted by law, but only if and to the extent such enforcement would not
materially and adversely frustrate the parties essential objectives as expressed
herein.
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10.10 Time is of the Essence. Time is of the essence in this Agreement.
----------------------
10.11 Authority. Any Person signing this Agreement on behalf of any
---------
entity hereby represents and warrants in its individual capacity that it has
full authority to do so on behalf of such entity.
10.12 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more
------------
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken
together shall constitute on and the same instrument.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Dental Group and Manager have caused their authorized
representatives to execute this Agreement on the date first above written.
"DENTAL GROUP"
DENTAL CARE CENTERS OF HAWAII, INC., a Hawaii
professional dental corporation
By: /s/ Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
-----------------------
Its: President
"MANAGER"
GMS DENTAL GROUP MANAGEMENT OF HAWAII, INC., a
Hawaii corporation
By: /s/ Xxxxx X. Xxxxxx
----------------------
Its: President
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ADDENDUM 1.
----------
For purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meaning
indicated below or defined at the indicated section:
(1) Accounts. See Section 2.5(a).
--------
(2) Affiliate. "Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any Person, (i) any
---------
individual or entity directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person,
(ii) any individual or entity directly or indirectly owning or controlling such
Person or (iii) any individual or entity directly or indirectly owned or
controlled by the same family member, individual or entity as owns or controls
such Person. For purposes of this Agreement, neither Dental Group nor Manager
shall be deemed an Affiliate of the other.
(3) Agreement. "Agreement" means this Dental Group Management Agreement.
---------
(4) Annual Budget. See Section 3.6, first sentence.
-------------
(5) Beneficiaries. See Recital A.
-------------
(6) Books and Records. "Books and Records" means Dental Group's books of
-----------------
account, accounting and financial records and all other records relating to and
used in the conduct of Manager's duties hereunder and also used in the
preparation of reports and financial statements. The books and records at all
times shall be correct and complete and contain correct and timely entries made
with respect to transactions entered into pursuant hereto in accordance with
GAAP.
(7) Capital Costs. "Capital Costs" shall mean any and all investments that
-------------
are or would be capitalized pursuant to GAAP.
(8) Committee Members. See Section 3.5(a).
-----------------
(9) Default Notice. See Section 6.2(b)(1).
--------------
(10) Effective Date. See Section 6.1.
--------------
(11) Employee Providers. See Recital B.
------------------
(12) Employment Agreements. See Recital B.
---------------------
(13) GAAP. "GAAP" means at any particular time generally accepted
----
accounting principles as in effect at such time. Any accounting term used in
this Agreement shall have, unless otherwise specifically provided herein, the
meaning customarily given in accordance with GAAP, and all financial
computations hereunder shall be computed unless otherwise specifically provided
-21-
herein, in accordance with GAAP as consistently applied and using the same
method of valuation as used in the preparation of Manager's financial
statements.
(14) Group Patients. See Recital A.
--------------
(15) Joint Operations Committee. See Section 3.4(b).
--------------------------
(16) Management Fee. See Article 7.
--------------
(17) Manager. See first paragraph of this Agreement.
-------
(18) Manager Members. See Section 3.5(a).
---------------
(19) Manager's Costs. "Manager's Costs" means all costs incurred by
---------------
Manager including amortization associated with costs acquiring assets of the
Dental Group or covering operations and Capital Costs, direct labor costs,
supplies, direct overhead and indirect overhead expense attributable to the
management and operation of the Practice and direct and indirect corporate
overhead of Manager including all interest expense and other expenses which are
attributable to Manager's business operations in accordance with Manager's
corporate allocation policies.
(20) Marks. See Section 2.3(a).
-----
(21) Dental Group. See first paragraph of this Agreement.
------------
(22) Dental Group Members. See Section 3.5(a).
--------------------
(23) Dental Expenses. See Section 2.6(b).
---------------
(24) Net Revenues. "Net Revenues" means all Revenues net of allowances for
------------
uncollectible accounts.
(25) Payor Contracts. See Recital A.
---------------
(26) Person. "Person" shall mean any natural person, corporation,
------
partnership or other business structure recognized as a separate legal entity.
(27) Plans. See Recital A.
-----
(28) Practice. See Recital A.
--------
(29) Preliminary Budget. See Section 3.7(b).
------------------
(30) Programs. See Section 2.3(b).
--------
(31) Providers. "Providers" shall mean individuals or organizations
---------
licensed to practice dentistry (including specialists) as well as other dental
professionals who provide ancillary reimbursable dental services.
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(32) Provider Subcontracts. See Recital A.
---------------------
(33) Revenues. "Revenues" means all amounts assigned hereunder by Dental
--------
Group to Manager pursuant to Section 2.6(a).
(34) Subcontract Providers. See Recital B.
---------------------
(35) Term. See Section 6.1.
----
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