The ACCC has decided to grant authorisation to the Australian Dental Association Inc (ADA) and its members to continue to make and give effect to contracts, arrangements and understandings between 2 or more dental practitioners on the fees to be charged for dental services provided within a 'shared practice', where at least one party is a member of ADA.
A shared practice is one where the dental practitioners are independent businesses, but they operate at a particular premises in a way that presents to patients as a shared practice (for example by using a common practice trading name) with a common reception and shared staff, dental records, treatment of patients across the practice, dental equipment and supplies.
These arrangements have been authorised since 2008. The ACCC recognises these arrangements are likely to continue to result in public benefits in the form of patient certainty of price and access to practitioners, practitioner co-operation improving efficiency in the provision and quality of dental services, and supporting flexible working arrangements for dental practitioners.
The ACCC has granted authorisation until 3 October 2029, as sought. Further information is available on the ACCC public register at: Australian Dental Association Inc
