The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) recently submitted comments to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), requesting reconsideration of its proposed ban on noncompete clauses. Representing nearly 40,000 general dentists and dental students, AGD opposes the proposed ban and requests an immediate reconsideration and withdrawal of the proposed rule to ban noncompete clauses.

The proposed ban prohibits employers from imposing noncompete clauses on employees. In the recent FTC update, the Commission defines unfair methods of competition and addresses employers’ attempts to enter a noncompete clause with employees and contractors. The AGD is addressing the ban because dental practice owners rely on legal arrangements and agreements to protect their real estate, intellectual property, goodwill and financial security.

“The AGD’s leadership acknowledges that the updated rule is broad in scope in terms of professions and industries but also can impact business owners like dentists in protecting their assets,” said Darren S. Greenwell, DMD, MAGD, Chair, AGD Dental Practice Council. “In consideration of updated policies, we are urging the FTC to consider the large impact this rule would have on general dentists who operate their own practices and how this this new rule potentially threatens the security of their intellectual property.”

The full letter can be read in entirety on agd.org.