Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to Lifestone Institute ("DTI," "we," "us," or "our"). By accessing or using our website, services, or certification programs, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the modified Terms.

2. Services Overview

DTI provides specialized certification programs and educational resources for professionals who advise dental practice owners on practice transitions, valuations, and related matters. Our services include:

• Certified Dental Practice Advisor (CDPA) certification program
• Online training modules and educational content
• Certification examinations and credential maintenance
• Professional resources and continuing education

3. Eligibility and Registration

To enroll in our certification programs, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a licensed professional in good standing (CPA, attorney, financial advisor, consultant, coach, or similar)
• Provide accurate and complete information during registration
• Maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials

You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account. You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.

4. Certification Programs

4.1 Program Requirements

Each certification program has specific requirements, including completion of training modules, passing examinations, and meeting continuing education obligations. Program requirements are subject to change and will be communicated to enrolled participants.

4.2 Examinations

Certification examinations must be completed within the timeframe specified in your program enrollment. Examination retakes are permitted subject to waiting periods and additional fees. Cheating, plagiarism, or other dishonest conduct will result in immediate disqualification and potential revocation of credentials.

4.3 Credential Use

Upon successful completion of the certification program, you are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license to use the Certified Dental Practice Advisor (CDPA) credential designation in accordance with our credential use guidelines. Credentials remain the property of DTI and may be revoked for violation of these Terms or applicable professional standards.

4.4 Credential Maintenance

Credentials require annual renewal, including payment of renewal fees and completion of continuing education requirements. Failure to maintain your credential will result in loss of credential status and the right to use the designation.

5. Fees and Payment

All fees for certification programs, examinations, and credential maintenance are non-refundable unless otherwise specified in writing. Payment is due at the time of enrollment or renewal. We reserve the right to change our fees at any time, but changes will not affect enrollments already paid in full.

If payment is not received by the due date, we may suspend or terminate your access to services and revoke your credential status.

6. Intellectual Property

All content, materials, and resources provided through our services, including course materials, videos, documents, logos, and trademarks, are the exclusive property of DTI or our licensors and are protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

You may access and use our materials solely for your personal, non-commercial use in connection with your certification program. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works from, publicly display, or otherwise exploit our materials without our prior written consent.

7. User Conduct

You agree not to:

• Use our services for any unlawful purpose or in violation of these Terms
• Share your account credentials with others
• Attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or networks
• Interfere with or disrupt the operation of our services
• Upload or transmit viruses, malware, or other harmful code
• Harass, abuse, or harm other users or DTI personnel
• Misrepresent your credentials or affiliation with DTI
• Use our services to compete with DTI or develop competing products

8. Professional Responsibility

DTI certification does not constitute legal, accounting, financial, or other professional advice. You are solely responsible for ensuring that your services to clients comply with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards. DTI is not liable for any professional services you provide or any advice you give to clients.

You must maintain appropriate professional liability insurance and comply with all licensing and regulatory requirements applicable to your profession.

9. Disclaimers

OUR SERVICES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.

We do not guarantee that our services will be uninterrupted, error-free, or secure. We do not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content or materials provided through our services.

We do not guarantee that certification will result in increased income, client acquisition, or professional success.

10. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, DTI AND ITS OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AND AGENTS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, OR GOODWILL, ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO YOUR USE OF OUR SERVICES.

OUR TOTAL LIABILITY TO YOU FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THESE TERMS OR OUR SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO DTI IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless DTI and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to:

• Your use of our services
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of another party
• Your professional services to clients

12. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your access to our services at any time, with or without cause or notice, including for violation of these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use our services and any credentials will immediately cease.

You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us. Termination does not entitle you to a refund of any fees paid.

13. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising out of or related to these Terms or our services shall be resolved through binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration shall take place in Los Angeles County, California. You waive any right to a jury trial or to participate in a class action.

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

14. Miscellaneous

Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement between you and DTI regarding our services and supersede all prior agreements and understandings.

Severability: If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

Waiver: Our failure to enforce any provision of these Terms does not constitute a waiver of that provision.

Assignment: You may not assign or transfer these Terms or your account without our prior written consent. We may assign these Terms without restriction.

15. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms, please contact us: