As 2026 approaches, Los Angeles dental practice owners face new compliance duties, contract updates, staffing considerations, regulatory filings, and privacy requirements. A yearly legal review ensures your practice stays protected, efficient, and ready for growth. This checklist highlights the areas every LA dental owner should evaluate to start 2026 on a solid footing.
Why Every LA Dental Practice Needs an Annual Legal Checklist
Dental practices operate within one of California’s most regulated business environments. Employment laws shift, insurance plans update their requirements, vendor contracts renew automatically, and compliance standards evolve. Without a yearly legal review, many practices unknowingly take on financial or regulatory risk.
A structured legal checklist helps you prevent disputes, maintain compliance, and align operations with your long-term goals. It also gives practice owners peace of mind as they enter a new year of patient care and business growth.
Review Worker Classification and Employment Compliance
Reassess Contractor vs. Employee Roles
California’s ABC Test creates a serious risk of misclassification. Review the status of hygienists, specialists, temp coverage providers, and administrative staff. If someone works regular hours, performs core clinical functions, or follows practice protocols, they may need to be classified as an employee under California law.
Update Employment Policies and Handbooks
Employment laws change frequently in California. For 2026, examine:
- New minimum wage rates in Los Angeles
- Leave policies and schedule requirements
- Remote work or hybrid rules
- Onboarding and training documentation
A handbook review keeps your practice compliant and reduces HR-related risk.
Confirm Malpractice and Liability Coverage
Verify that new hires or expanded roles are included on your malpractice and professional liability policies. Coverage gaps often appear when providers change hours or add new procedures.
Review Vendor and Supplier Agreements
Many Los Angeles vendors, labs, and supply companies use contracts with auto-renewals, hidden price increases, or restrictive performance terms. Look closely at:
- Pricing escalators
- Delivery guarantees
- Renewal deadlines
- Equipment warranties
- Termination rights
Outdated contracts can cost your practice money or reduce your leverage in disputes.
Update Billing, Marketing, and IT Service Contracts
Any partner handling patient data must meet HIPAA requirements. Review:
- Data security obligations
- Service-level expectations
- Ownership of marketing materials and branding
- Termination provisions
These contracts often require tightening after a year of operational changes.
Refresh Associate and Provider Agreements
Compensation models, scheduling details, malpractice obligations, and clinical expectations should all be updated for 2026.
Review HIPAA, Privacy, and Cybersecurity Requirements
Update Business Associate Agreements
Any outside company accessing patient information—such as billing services, software providers, call centers, or marketing firms—must have current BAAs.
Evaluate Cybersecurity Policies
A 2026 review should include:
- Password and access controls
- Data encryption
- Secure backup systems
- Multi-factor authentication
- Incident-response procedures
Cyber incidents are a significant threat across California’s healthcare sector, making security a top priority.
Refresh Patient Forms and Notices
Review your privacy notices, financial agreements, and consent forms to ensure they align with updated HIPAA guidance and California consumer-privacy laws.
Check Corporate and Regulatory Requirements
Renew Annual Corporate Filings
For Los Angeles dental practices operating as California professional corporations, ensure your:
- Statement of Information is current
- Business licenses are updated for your city or district
- Fictitious business names are renewed if applicable
Confirm Corporate Practice of Dentistry Compliance
Ownership, clinical oversight, and management arrangements must follow California’s strict rules. This is especially important if you expanded, brought on partners, or joined a network in 2025.
Review Regulatory Policies
Consider whether 2026 requires updates to align with:
- OSHA standards
- DEA registration
- Infection-control protocols
- Radiation safety policies
Regulators increasingly focus on compliance during audits.
Evaluate Real Estate and Lease Obligations
Check key dates, cost increases, and provisions in your commercial lease, including:
- Rent escalations
- CAM charges
- Renewal options
- Signage rules
- Parking requirements
An annual review prevents unpleasant surprises.
Review Financial, Tax, and Growth Planning
Review whether your current structure (e.g., PC, S-Corp, or C-Corp) still makes sense based on your 2026 goals.
Evaluate Compensation and Bonus Structures
Ensure 2026 employee pay plans comply with California wage and hour laws.
Assess Long-Term Growth Plans
Growth may involve:
- A second location
- A transition or partnership
- A property purchase
- Expansion into higher-demand parts of LA
Annual planning aligns your legal structure with your vision.
Start 2026 With a Stronger, Compliant Dental Practice
A yearly legal review protects your practice from risk, strengthens your operations, and supports long-term success. If you need assistance reviewing contracts, compliance, or employment policies, turn to Polished Legal. Let our team help to prepare your dental practice for the year ahead. Get in touch today.
