---
title: "What Is Restrictive covenant? Dental Practice Glossary"
description: "A contract promise that limits future competition, solicitation or hiring, and usually covers a stated time and area after a relationship ends."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/restrictive-covenant
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Ownership and transitions

# Restrictive covenant

A contract promise that limits future competition, solicitation or hiring, and usually covers a stated time and area after a relationship ends.

A restrictive covenant is a promise in a contract that limits what a person may do later. In a dental job contract, the ADA gives this example: it may prevent a former employee dentist from practicing in the geographic area of their choice.

The label covers several clauses. A [non-compete clause](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/non-compete-clause) limits where someone may work. A [non-solicitation clause](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/non-solicitation-clause) limits contact with patients or staff. Practice sale contracts can include them too.

The ADA also notes that recruiters see radius and application of restrictive covenants as a common topic of negotiation. Rules vary by state. An attorney should review any covenant before signing. This entry is general information, not legal advice.

[Next stepPractice consulting with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=consulting)

## Related terms

-   [Non-compete clause](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/non-compete-clause)
-   [Non-solicitation clause](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/non-solicitation-clause)
-   [Employment agreement](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/employment-agreement)
-   [Practice acquisition](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/practice-acquisition)

## Sources

1.  [ADA, Dentist Employment Agreements: A Guide to Key Legal Provisions](https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/coronavirus/covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/dentist_employment_agreements.pdf)
2.  [ADA, Dentist Employment Agreements: A Guide to Key Legal Provisions](https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/coronavirus/covid-19-frequently-asked-questions/dentist_employment_agreements.pdf)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)