Document:

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                                                                   Exhibit 10.17

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

          THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and entered into
as of the 17th day of June, 1999, by and between COMPDENT CORPORATION, a
Delaware corporation (the "Company") and Bruce A. Mitchell (the "Employee").

                     I. STATEMENT OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION

          The Employee has been an officer and a key employee of the Company and
the parties desire to ensure that the Employee's expertise, knowledge and
experience will continue to be available to the Company in providing
full-service dental benefits and offering network-based dental care, reduced
fee-for-service, third party administration and dental practice management (the
"Business").

                           II. STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT

          In consideration of the mutual covenants, promises and conditions set
forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the
parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

          1. EMPLOYMENT. The Company hereby employs the Employee in the position
of Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Company, and the Employee
hereby accepts such employment upon the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, "employment" shall mean any period of
time during the term hereof which the Company is paying the Employee salary or
wages. By execution of this Agreement, the parties hereby: (a) terminate, as of
the date hereof, that certain Employment Agreement between the Company and the
Employee dated July 6, 1998 (the "Prior Employment Agreement") and (b)
acknowledge and agree that no provisions of the Prior Employment Agreement shall
survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

          2. DUTIES OF THE EMPLOYEE. The Employee agrees to perform and
discharge the duties which may be assigned to the Employee from time to time by
the Company's Board of Directors or its designees and consistent with the
Employee's general area of experience, knowledge and skill. The Employee also
agrees to materially comply with all of the Company's material policies,
standards and regulations and to follow the reasonable instructions and
directives of the Employee's superiors within the Company, as promulgated by the
Board of Directors of the Company. The Employee will devote his full
professional and business related time, skills and commercially reasonable
efforts to the Business and the Employee will not, during the term of this
Agreement, be engaged (whether or not during normal business hours) in any other
business or professional activity (excluding reasonable and appropriate
charitable activities), whether or not such activity is pursued for gain, profit
or other pecuniary advantage without the prior written consent of the Board of
Directors of the Company, which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.

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          3. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS.

          (a) Annual Salary. For all services rendered by the Employee under
this Agreement, the Company will pay the Employee a base salary of at least two
hundred thousand dollars ($200,000) per annum in equal monthly installments, or
a greater amount as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors of the Company (the "Base Salary").

          (b) Annual Bonus Payment. Upon completion of each fiscal year and as
determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the
Company, the Employee shall be eligible to receive a bonus ("Annual Bonus") in
accordance with any bonus plan then in effect for executives of the Company of
equivalent position and title, provided the Employee is employed by the Company
at the end of such fiscal year.

          (c) Other Benefits. The Employee will be entitled to such fringe
benefits as may be provided from time-to-time by the Company to its employees,
including, but not limited to, group health insurance, disability, dental,
retirement and any other fringe benefits now or hereafter provided by the
Company to its employees, if and when the Employee meets the eligibility
requirements for any such benefit. The Company reserves the right to change or
discontinue any employee benefit plans or program now being offered to its
employees; provided, however, that all benefits provided for executive officers
of the Company will be provided to the Employee on an equal basis and the
aggregate of such benefits shall not be less than those currently in effect or
otherwise be materially less favorable to the Employee.

          (d) Business Expenses. The Employee will be reimbursed for all
reasonable expenses incurred in the discharge of the Employee's duties under
this Agreement pursuant to the Company's standard reimbursement policies.

          (e) Vacation. The Employee shall receive paid vacation annually in
accordance with the Company's practices for executive officers of the Company.

          (f) Withholding. The Company will deduct and withhold from the
payments made to the Employee under this Agreement, state and federal income
taxes, FICA and other amounts normally withheld from compensation due employees.

          (g) Car Allowance. The Employee shall receive a car allowance of $800
per month during the term of this Agreement. The Employee otherwise shall bear
all expenses and liabilities with respect to such car.

          (h) Special Services. The Company shall pay to Employee on the date
hereof a one time payment for special services rendered in connection with the
Company's merger in the amount of $81,250 less withholdings under Section 3(f).

          4. TERM AND TERMINATION. The Employee's employment with the Company
will be for a period commencing on the date hereof and expiring on the first to
occur of (i)

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termination by the Company (with or without Cause) and (ii) the Employee's
resignation (with or without Good Reason).

          (a) Definition of Cause. For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall
mean the occurrence of any of the following:

               (i) the Employee (A) materially breaches any of the terms or
     conditions set forth in Sections 5, 6, or 7 of this Agreement or (B)
     materially breaches any of the other terms and conditions set forth in this
     Agreement including, without limitation, the failure to use commercially
     reasonable efforts in the performance of duties assigned to the Employee on
     a full time basis, and, in the case of either clause (A) or clause (B),
     fails to cure such breach within twenty (20) days after the Employee's
     receipt from the Company of written notice of such breach, which notice
     shall describe in reasonable detail the basis for the Company's belief that
     the Employee is in breach hereof;

               (ii) the Employee commits any act in bad faith materially
     detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company;

               (iii) the Employee is convicted of (or admits in writing to the
     commission of) any crime involving fraud, deceit or moral turpitude or the
     Employee intentionally engages in dishonest or illegal activities that have
     a material adverse effect upon the business or reputation of the Company;
     or

               (iv) the Employee dies or becomes mentally or physically
     incapacitated or disabled so as to be unable to perform the Employee's
     duties under this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, the Employee
     shall be deemed to be mentally or physically incapacitated or disabled so
     as to be unable to perform his duties if and to the extent he becomes
     permanently disabled under the Company's long-term disability policy then
     in effect.

          (b) Definition of Good Reason. For purposes of this Agreement, "Good
Reason" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following:

               (i) the Company materially breaches any of the terms or
     conditions set forth in this Agreement and fails to cure its breach within
     twenty (20) days after its receipt from the Employee of written notice of
     such breach, which notice describes in reasonable detail the Employee's
     belief that the Company is in breach hereof;

               (ii) the Company materially diminishes the Employee's duties or
     reassigns the Employee to a position not consistent with the Employee's
     general area of knowledge, experience and skills, or assigns substantial
     additional responsibilities to the Employee;

               (iii) the Company reduces the Employee's Base Salary;

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               (iv) the Company relocates the Employee's principal place of
     employment to more than 35 miles from the Employee's then current principal
     place of employment;

               (v) the Company materially increases the Employee's travel
     obligations; or

               (vi) the Company transfers substantially all of its assets to a
     successor entity and such entity fails to assume the Company's obligations
     under this Agreement.

For purposes of this Agreement, "termination of employment" "termination of the
Employee" and "termination of this Agreement" shall have the same meaning unless
otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties hereto.

          (c) Severance Payments. In the event of termination of the Employee by
the Company without Cause or resignation by the Employee with Good Reason:

               (i) if such termination occurs prior to the second anniversary of
     the date of this Agreement, the Employee shall be entitled to receive
     severance payments equal his Base Salary until the second anniversary of
     the date of such termination which amounts will be payable at the same
     times as the Base Salary would have been payable had the Employee not been
     terminated;

               (ii) if such termination occurs on or after the second
     anniversary of the date of this Agreement, the Employee shall be entitled
     to receive severance payments equal to his Base Salary until the first
     anniversary of the date of such termination which amounts will be payable
     at the same times as the Base Salary would have been payable had the
     Employee not been terminated;

               (iii) during the period of time during which the severance
     payments are being made pursuant to (i) or (ii) above, the Company will
     either continue the Employee's health (medical and dental) insurance as
     provided in Section 3(c) to the extent permitted under applicable law and
     the Company's group health insurance policies or reimburse the Employee for
     his cost for comparable coverage to the extent such coverage cannot be
     provided under such policies; provided that, notwithstanding anything
     herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to continue to
     provide the Employee with health benefits under this paragraph to the
     extent the Employee becomes entitled to receive benefits substantially
     similar to those which the Employee otherwise would have been entitled to
     receive hereunder.

All payments under this Section 4 shall be subject to tax withholding to the
extent required under applicable law. The severance pay and continuation of
health benefits contemplated by this Section 4 are agreed by the parties hereto
to be in full satisfaction and compromise of any claim arising out of any
termination of the Employee's employment by the Company without Cause or by the
Employee with Good Reason.

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          (d) Termination for Other Reasons. In the event of termination of the
Employee for any reason other than (i) by the Company without Cause or (ii)
resignation by the Employee with Good Reason (e.g., termination by the Company
with Cause or resignation by the Employee without Good Reason), the Employee
shall be entitled to receive his Base Salary and the other benefits described in
Section 3 above through the date of termination.

          (e) Other Benefits. Except as otherwise provided in Section 4(c), the
Employee's eligibility to receive or participate in benefit and compensation
plans shall terminate as of the date of termination of his employment unless
specifically provided otherwise under the terms of a particular benefit or
compensation plan or unless otherwise provided by law. Subject to the preceding
sentence, all of the Employee's rights to benefits and bonuses which accrue or
become payable after the termination of his employment shall cease upon such
termination.

          5. NON-DISCLOSURE AND USE OF PROPRIETARY INFORMATION. The Employee
recognizes and acknowledges that the Company's Proprietary Information (as
defined below), as they may exist from time-to-time, are valuable, special and
unique assets of the Business. The Employee further acknowledges that access to
such Proprietary Information relating to the Business of the Company is
essential to the performance of the Employee's duties under this Agreement.
Therefore, in order to obtain access to such Proprietary Information, the
Employee agrees that the Employee will not, in whole or in part, disclose such
Proprietary Information to any person, firm, corporation, association or any
other entity for any reason or purpose whatsoever, nor will the Employee make
use of any such information for the Employee's own purposes or for the benefit
of any person, firm, corporation, association or other entity (except the
Company). For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Proprietary Information"
means information that is not generally known to the public and that is used,
developed or obtained by the Company in connection with its business, including
but not limited to (i) products or services, (ii) fees, costs and pricing
structures, (iii) designs, (iv) analysis, (v) drawings, photographs and reports,
(vi) computer software, including operating systems, applications and program
listings, (vii) flow charts, manuals and documentation, (viii) data bases, (ix)
accounting and business methods, (x) inventions, devices, new developments,
methods and processes, whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not
reduced to practice, (xi) customers and clients and customer or client lists,
(xii) copyrightable works, (xiii) all technology and trade secrets, and (xiv)
all similar and related information in whatever form. These restrictions will
not apply to any Proprietary Information which: (A) is in the public domain,
provided that the Employee was not responsible, directly or indirectly, for such
Proprietary Information entering the public domain without the Company's
consent; (B) becomes known to the Employee, during the term of this Agreement,
from a third party not known to the Employee to be under a confidential
relationship with the Company; or (C) is required by law or governmental
tribunal to be disclosed; provided, however, that if the Employee is legally
compelled to disclose any Proprietary Information, the Employee will provide the
Company with prompt written notice of such legal compulsion so that the Company
may seek a protective order or other available remedy.

          6. NON-COMPETITION COVENANT.

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          (a) Basic Covenant. During the term of this Agreement and for the
period ending on the first anniversary of the date of termination of employment
(the "Restricted Period") for any reason, the Employee will not, directly or
indirectly, on the Employee's own behalf or in the service of or on behalf of
any other individual or entity, compete with the Company in the Business within
the Geographical Area (as hereinafter defined). The term "compete" means to
engage, directly or indirectly, on the Employee's own behalf or in the service
of or on behalf of any other individual or entity, either as a proprietor,
employee, agent, independent contractor, consultant, director, officer, partner
or stockholder (other than a stockholder of a corporation listed on a national
securities exchange or whose stock is regularly traded in the over-the-counter
market, provided that the Employee at no time owns, directly or indirectly, in
excess of five percent of the outstanding stock of any class of any such
corporation and does not participate in its management) in providing management,
executive, marketing or other services. For purposes of this Agreement, the term
"Geographical Area" means those areas in the United States and in foreign
countries in which the Employee or the Company is or has engaged in providing or
marketing Business products or services at any time prior to the termination of
employment. The Geographical Area currently includes Alabama, Arkansas,
Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana,
Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma,
Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.

          (b) Non-interference. During the Restricted Period, the Employee will
not, directly or indirectly, on the Employee's own behalf or in the service of
or on behalf of any other individual or entity, interfere with, disrupt, or
attempt to disrupt the past, present or prospective relationships, contractual
or otherwise, between the Company and any supplier, consultant, or client of the
Company. The term "prospective relationship" is defined as any relationship
where the Company has actively sought an individual or entity as a prospective
supplier, consultant, or client.

          (c) Construction. The parties hereto agree that any judicial authority
construing all or any portion of this Section 6 or Section 7 below will be
empowered to sever any portion of the Geographical Area, Business or time
period, client base, prospective relationship or prospect list or any prohibited
business activity from the coverage of such Section and to apply the provisions
of such Section to the remaining portion of the Geographical Area, Business or
time period, the client base or the prospective relationship or prospect list,
or the remaining business activities not so severed by such judicial authority.
In addition, it is the intent of the parties that the judicial authority replace
each such severed provision with a provision as similar in terms to such severed
provision as may be possible and be legal, valid and enforceable. It is the
intent of the parties that Sections 6 and 7 be enforced to the maximum extent
permitted by law. In the event that any provision of either such Section is
determined not to be specifically enforceable, the Company shall nevertheless be
entitled to bring an action to seek to recover monetary damages as a result of
the breach of such provision by the Employee.

          (d) Non-Solicitation of Employees Covenant. The Employee further
agrees and represents that during the Restricted Period, the Employee will not,
directly or indirectly, on the Employee's own behalf or in the service of, or on
behalf of any other individual or entity, (i) divert or solicit, or attempt to
divert or solicit, to or for any individual or entity which is engaged in
providing Business services, or (ii) otherwise hire or engage, any person
employed by the Company

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who was employed by the Company at any time during the Restricted Period,
whether or not such employee is a full-time employee or temporary employee of
the Company whether or not such employee is employed pursuant to a written
agreement and whether or not such employee is employed for a determined period
or at-will, unless such person has not been employed by the Company for a period
of at least 180 days, and except as otherwise agreed to by the Company.

          7. EXISTING RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS. The Employee represents and
warrants that the Employee's employment with the Company does not and will not
breach any agreement which the Employee has with any individual or entity to
keep in confidence confidential information or not to compete with any such
individual or entity. The Employee will not disclose to the Company or use on
either of their behalf any confidential information of any other party required
to be kept confidential by the Employee.

          8. RETURN OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. The Employee acknowledges that
as a result of the Employee's employment with the Company, the Employee may come
into the possession and control of Proprietary Information, such as proprietary
documents, drawings, specifications, manuals, notes, computer programs, or other
proprietary material. The Employee acknowledges, warrants and agrees that the
Employee will return to the Company all such items and any copies or excerpts
thereof, and any other properties, client lists, client contracts, files or
documents obtained as a result of the Employee's employment with the Company,
immediately upon the termination of the Employee's employment with the Company.

          9. REMEDIES. The Employee agrees and acknowledges that the violation
of any of the covenants or agreements contained in Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8 of
this Agreement would cause irreparable injury to the Company, that the remedy at
law for any such violation or threatened violation thereof would be inadequate,
and that the Company will be entitled, in addition to any other remedy, to
temporary and permanent injunctive or other equitable relief without the
necessity of proving actual damages including, without limitation, the right to
terminate all payments under this Agreement. Sections 4 through 17, inclusive,
of this Agreement, shall survive termination of the Employee's employment under
this Agreement.

          10. NOTICES. Any notice or communication under this Agreement will be
in writing and sent by registered or certified mail addressed to the respective
parties as follows:

If to the Company:                      If to the Employee:

CompDent Corporation                    Bruce A. Mitchell
100 Mansell Court East, Suite 400       77 East Andrews Drive NW
Roswell, Georgia 30076                  Apartment 329
Attention: President                    Atlanta, Georgia 30305

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          11. SEVERABILITY. Subject to the application of Section 6(c) to the
interpretation of Sections 6 and 7, in case one or more of the provisions
contained in this Agreement is for any reason held to be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect, the same will not affect any other provision in
this Agreement, and this Agreement will be construed as if such invalid or
illegal or unenforceable provision had never been contained therein. It is the
intent of the parties that this Agreement be enforced to the maximum extent
permitted by law.

          12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement embodies the entire agreement of
the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior
agreements, oral or written, regarding such subject matter. No amendment or
modification of this Agreement will be valid or binding upon the parties unless
made in writing and signed by the parties.

          13. BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement will be binding upon the parties
and their respective heirs, representatives, successors, transferees and
permitted assigns, as applicable.

          14. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement is one for personal services and is not
assignable by the Employee. The Company may assign this Agreement to any of its
affiliates, provided that the Company shall remain liable for the obligations of
its affiliates under this Agreement.

          15. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in separate
counterparts, each of which is deemed to be an original and all of which taken
together constitute one and the same agreement.

          16. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement is entered into and will be
interpreted and enforced pursuant to the laws of the State of Delaware. The
parties hereto hereby agree that the appropriate forum and venue for any
disputes between any of the parties hereto arising out of this Agreement shall
be any federal court in the State of Delaware and each of the parties hereto
hereby submits to the personal jurisdiction of any such court. The foregoing
shall not limit the rights of any party to obtain execution of judgment in any
other jurisdiction. The parties further agree, to the extent permitted by law,
that a final and unappealable judgment against either of them in any action or
proceeding contemplated above shall be conclusive and may be enforced in any
other jurisdiction within or outside the United States by suit on the judgment,
a certified or exemplified copy of which shall be conclusive evidence of the
fact and amount of such judgment.

          17. NO STRICT CONSTRUCTION. The language used in this Agreement shall
be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their
mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any
party.

                                   * * * * *

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          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Employment
Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

COMPDENT CORPORATION

By:                                     /s/ Bruce A. Mitchell
    ---------------------------------   ----------------------------------------
Title:                                  Bruce A. Mitchell
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                                                                   Exhibit 10.18

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     Employment Agreement, dated this 22nd day of November, 1999, between
American Prepaid Professional Services, Inc. ("American Prepaid") and Alan
Stewart (the "Executive").

                                   WITNESSETH

     WHEREAS, American Prepaid desires to employ Executive in the capacity and
on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth and Executive is willing to
serve in such capacity and on such terms and conditions.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     1. Employment. Subject to the provisions of Section 6, American Prepaid
hereby employs the Executive and the Executive accepts such employment upon the
terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

     2. Term of Employment. The term of the Executive's employment pursuant to
this Agreement shall be effective as of the date of this Agreement, and shall
remain in effect for a period of five (5) years from said date or until
terminated in accordance with Section 6. The period during which the Executive
serves as an employee of American Prepaid or any of its subsidiary operations in
accordance with and subject to the provisions of this Agreement is referred to
in this Agreement as the "Term of Employment."

     3. Duties. During the Term of Employment, the Executive (a) shall serve as
an officer of American Prepaid, (b) shall perform such duties and
responsibilities as may be reasonably determined by the President of American
Prepaid consistent with the Executive's position as an officer of American
Prepaid, provided that such duties and responsibilities shall be within the
general area of the Executive's experience and skills, (c) upon the request of
the Board of Directors of American Prepaid, shall serve as an officer of any of
its subsidiaries; and (d) shall render all services incident to the foregoing.
The Executive agrees to use his best efforts in, and shall devote his full
working time, attention, skill and energies to, the advancement of the interests
of American Prepaid, CompDent Corporation (parent company of American Prepaid),
and their subsidiaries and Affiliates and the performance of his duties and
responsibilities hereunder.

     4. Compensation.

          (a) During the Term of Employment, American Prepaid shall pay the
Executive a salary (the "Base Salary") at an annual rate as shall be determined
from time to time by the President of American Prepaid, provided, however, that
such rate per annum shall not be less than $145,000. Such salary shall be
subject to withholding under applicable law and shall be

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payable in periodic installments in accordance with American Prepaid's usual
practice for its executives, as in effect from time to time.

          (b) Upon the completion of each calendar year, the Executive shall be
eligible to receive a bonus ("Bonus") provided he is employed by American
Prepaid at the end of such calendar year to the extent payable pursuant to a
bonus plan then in effect from time to time for executives of American Prepaid
of equivalent position and title, provided, however, during the first twelve
(12) months of this Agreement ("Initial Term"), Executive is guaranteed a Bonus
equal to fifteen (15%) percent of Executive's Base Salary paid during the
Initial Term ("Guaranteed Bonus"). Said Guaranteed Bonus shall be due and
payable first quarter, 2001.

     5. Benefits.

          (a) During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall be entitled to
participate in any and all bonus plans, medical, pension and dental insurance
plans and disability income plans as in effect from time to time for executives
of American Prepaid. Such participation shall be subject to (i) the terms of the
applicable plan documents, (ii) generally applicable policies of American
Prepaid, and (iii) the discretion of the Board of Directors of American Prepaid
or administrative or other committee provided for in or contemplated by such
plan.

          (b) American Prepaid shall promptly reimburse the Executive for all
reasonable business expenses incurred by the Executive during the Term of
Employment in accordance with American Prepaid's practices for executives of
American Prepaid, as in effect from time to time.

          (c) During the Term of Employment, the Executive shall receive paid
vacation annually in accordance with American Prepaid's practices for executives
of American Prepaid, as in effect from time to time.

          (d) Except as contemplated by Sections 5 (b) and 5 (c), compliance
with provisions of this Section 5 shall in no way create or be deemed to create
any obligation, express or implied, on the part of American Prepaid or any of
its subsidiaries or Affiliates with respect to the continuation of any benefit
or other plan or arrangement maintained as of or prior to the date hereof or the
creation and maintenance of any particular benefit or other plan or arrangement
at any time after the date hereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the benefits
provided to the Executive during the Term of Employment will not be materially
less favorable in the aggregate than the benefits in effect for the executives
of American Prepaid as of the date of this Agreement.

     6. Termination of Employment of the Executive. This Agreement and the
Executive's employment with American Prepaid and/or its subsidiaries may be
terminated as follows:

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          (a) At any time by the mutual consent of the Executive and American
Prepaid.

          (b) At any time for "cause" by American Prepaid upon written notice to
the Executive. For purposes of this agreement, a termination shall be for
"cause" if:

               (i) the Executive shall commit an act of fraud, embezzlement,
misappropriation or breach of fiduciary duty against American Prepaid or any of
its subsidiaries or affiliates or shall be convicted by a court of competent
jurisdiction or shall plead guilty or nolo contendere to any felony or crime
involving moral turpitude;

               (ii) the Executive shall commit a material breach of any of the
covenants, terms or provisions of Section 8 hereof;

               (iii) the Executive shall commit a material breach of any of the
covenants, terms or provisions hereof (other than pursuant to Section 8 hereof)
which breach has not been remedied within thirty (30) days after delivery to the
Executive by American Prepaid of written notice thereof; or

               (iv) the Executive shall consistently disobey reasonable written
instructions from American Prepaid's President consistent with the terms of this
Agreement and Executive's duties, title, and general area of expertise;

               (v) the Executive shall fail or be unable to carry out
effectively Executive's duties and obligations to American Prepaid and/or its
subsidiaries, or to participate effectively and actively in the management of
American Prepaid as determined in the reasonable judgment of American Prepaid's
President, after written notice and an opportunity to cure.

     Upon termination for cause as provided in this Section 6 (b), (A) all
obligations of American Prepaid under this Agreement shall thereupon immediately
terminate other than any obligations with respect to earned but unpaid Base
Salary; provided, however, that the Executive shall not be entitled to receive
any bonus from American Prepaid with respect to the year during which such
termination occurred, and (B) American Prepaid shall have any and all rights and
remedies under this Agreement and applicable law.

          (c) Upon the earlier death or permanent disability (as defined below)
of Executive continuing for a period of ninety (90) days. Upon any such
termination of the Executive's employment, all obligations of American Prepaid
under this Agreement shall thereupon immediately terminate other than any
obligations with respect to (i) earned but unpaid salary including any earned
but unpaid bonus from the previous fiscal year, if applicable, through the date
of termination, (ii) bonus payments with respect to the calendar year which such
termination occurred on the basis of and to the extent contemplated in any bonus
plan then in effect with respect to executive officers of American Prepaid,
pro-rated on the basis of number

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of days of the Executive's actual employment hereunder during such calendar year
through such termination, and (iii) in the case of permanent disability
continuation of health insurance benefits until the first anniversary of the
date of termination to the extent permitted under Executive's group health
insurance policy. As used herein, the definition of the term "permanent
disability" or "permanently disabled shall parallel the definition of same as
provided under the long-term disability insurance policy then in effect on
executives of the Company. In the event that no such policy is in existence at
the time of the contended disability, "permanent disability" shall be defined as
the inability of the Executive, by reason of injury, illness or other similar
cause, to perform a major part of his duties and responsibilities in connection
with the conduct of the business and affairs of American Prepaid.

          (d) At any time by the Executive upon sixty (60) days' prior written
notice to American Prepaid. Upon termination by the Executive as provided in
this Section 6 (d), all obligations of American Prepaid under this Agreement
shall thereupon immediately terminate other than any obligations with respect to
earned but unpaid Base Salary including any earned but unpaid bonus from the
previous fiscal year, if applicable, it being understood that the Executive
shall not be entitled to receive any bonus from American Prepaid with respect to
the year during which such termination occurred.

          (e) At any time during the Term of Employment without "cause" (as
defined in Section 6 (b)) by American Prepaid upon thirty (30) days' prior
written notice to the Executive.

          (f) At any time for "good reason" by Executive by written notice to
American Prepaid. For purposes of this Agreement, a termination shall be for
"good reason" if:

               (i) American Prepaid materially breaches any of the terms or
conditions set forth in this Agreement and fails to cure its breach within
thirty (30) days after its receipt from the Executive of written notice of such
breach, which notice describes in reasonable detail the Executive's belief that
American Prepaid is in breach hereof;

               (ii) American Prepaid materially diminishes the Executive's
duties or reassigns Executive to a position not consistent with Executive's
general area of knowledge, experience, and skills;

               (iii) Any material diminution of the Executive's Base Salary;

               (iv) Any relocation of Executive's principal place of employment
to more than thirty-five (35) miles from the principal place of employment
immediately preceding a Change in Control;

               (v) American Prepaid transfers substantially all of its assets to
a successor entity and such entity fails to assume American Prepaid's
obligations under this Agreement.

                                       4

<PAGE>

          (g) Upon termination of the Executive's employment with American
Prepaid at any time, under this Agreement or otherwise, regardless of the
circumstances thereof, the Executive's obligations under Section 8 hereof shall
survive such termination.

     7. Severance Payments.

          In the event of termination of the Executive by American Prepaid
pursuant to Section 6(e), or by Executive pursuant to 6(f), then American
Prepaid shall, in lieu of the payments and arrangements specified above, pay the
Executive severance pay in an amount equal to one-half (1/2) times the
Executive's Base Salary on the termination date ("Severance Pay"). Such
Severance Pay shall be payable over six (6) months in equal monthly installments
and shall be subject to withholding to the extent required under applicable law.
The Severance Pay contemplated by this Section 7 is agreed by the parties hereto
to be in full satisfaction and compromise of any claim arising out of any
termination of the Executive's employment pursuant to Section 6(e) or 6(f).
Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount of any payment provided
for in this Agreement by seeking other employment or otherwise.

     8. Non-Competition.

          (a) During any period in which the Executive serves as an employee of
American Prepaid and for the greater of (i) the period Executive continues to
receive Separation Pay, or (ii) a period of one (1) year after the date of
termination of the Executive's employment at any time, regardless of the
circumstances thereof, the Executive shall not, without the express written
consent of American Prepaid, directly or indirectly, engage, participate, invest
in, be employed by or assist, whether as owner, part-owner, shareholder,
partner, director, officer, trustee, employee, agent or consultant, or in any
other capacity, any Person other than American Prepaid and its Affiliates whose
activities, products, and/or services are in the Designated Industry. Without
limiting the foregoing, the foregoing covenant shall prohibit the Executive
during the period set forth above from (i) hiring or attempting to hire for or
on behalf of any Person in the Designated Industry any officer, Employee, or
Affiliated Person of American Prepaid or any of its Affiliates, (ii) encouraging
for or on behalf of any such Person in the Designated Industry any officer,
Employee, or Affiliated Person to terminate his or her relationship or
employment with American Prepaid or any of its Affiliates, (iii) soliciting for
or on behalf of any such Person in the Designated Industry any customer of
American Prepaid or any of its Affiliates and (iv) diverting to any such Person
in the Designated Industry any customer of American Prepaid or any of its
Affiliates; provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed as
preventing the Executive from making passive investments in a Person in the
Designated Industry if the securities of such Person are publicly traded and
such investment constitutes less than five percent of the outstanding shares of
capital stock or comparable equity interests of such Person. As of the date of
this Agreement, the Executive is not performing any other duties for, and is not

                                       5

<PAGE>

a party to any similar agreement with, any Person competing with American
Prepaid or any of its affiliates.

          (b) In the course of performing services hereunder and otherwise, the
Executive has had, and it is anticipated that the Executive will from time to
time have, access to confidential records, data, customer lists, trade secrets
and similar confidential information owned or used in the course of business by
American Prepaid and its subsidiaries and affiliates (the "Confidential
Information"). The Executive agrees (i) to hold the Confidential Information in
strict confidence, (ii) not to disclose the Confidential Information to any
Person (other than in the regular business of American Prepaid), and (iii) not
to use, directly or indirectly, any of the Confidential Information for any
competitive or commercial purpose; provided, however, that the limitations set
forth above shall not apply to any Confidential Information which (A) is then
generally known to the public; (B) became or becomes generally known to the
public through no fault of the Executive; or (C) is disclosed in accordance with
an order of a court of competent jurisdiction or applicable law. Upon the
termination of the Executive's employment with American Prepaid, all data,
memoranda, customer lists, notes, programs and other papers and items, and
reproductions thereof relating to the foregoing matters in the Executive's
possession or control, shall be returned to American Prepaid and remain in its
possession.

          (c) For purposes of this Section 8, the following terms shall have the
meanings specified unless defined otherwise herein:

               (i) "Affiliates" shall mean any subsidiary company of American
Prepaid, whether wholly or partially owned.

               (ii) "Affiliated Person" shall mean any individual, professional,
or otherwise, who is providing, or has provided, during a one-year period
immediately prior to the date of any hiring or solicitation for hire of such
individual, services to any dental office or facility under management by
American Prepaid Professional Services, Inc.;

               (iii) "Employee" shall mean any individual employed currently or
during a one-year period immediately prior to the date of any hiring or
solicitation for hire of such individual by American Prepaid or its Affiliates;

               (iv) "Designated Industry" shall mean (A) the business of
providing dental health care services and any and all activities relating
thereto, including, without limitation, the provision and administration of
discount fee-for-service dental plans, prepaid dental plans, PPO dental plans
and indemnity dental plans and operation and/or ownership of dental health care
practices, (B) the business of providing dental practice management, and (C) any
other revenue generating business conducted by American Prepaid or its
Affiliates;

                                       6

<PAGE>

               (v) "Person" shall mean an individual, a corporation, an
association, a partnership, an estate, a trust, and any other entity or
organization.

     9. Specific Performance: Severability. It is specifically understood and
agreed that any breach of the provisions of this Agreement including, without
limitation, Section 8 hereof by the Executive is likely to result in irreparable
injury to American Prepaid and its subsidiaries and affiliates, that the remedy
at law alone will be inadequate remedy for such breach and that, in addition to
any other remedy it may have, American Prepaid shall be entitled to enforce the
specific performance of this Agreement by the Executive and to seek both
temporary and permanent injunctive relief (to the extent permitted by law),
without the necessity of proving actual damages. In case any of the provisions
contained in this Agreement shall for any reason be held to be invalid, illegal
or unenforceable in any respect, any such invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement, but
this unenforceable provision had been limited or modified (consistent with its
general intent) to the extent necessary to make it valid, legal and enforceable,
or if it shall not be possible to so limit or modify such invalid, illegal or
unenforceable provision or part of a provision, this Agreement shall be
construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision or part of a
provision had never been contained in this Agreement.

     10. Notices. All notices, requests, demands and other communications
hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if
delivered personally or mailed by certified or registered mail (return receipt
requested) as follows:

                                       7

<PAGE>

               To American Prepaid:

                    100 Mansell Court East
                    Suite 400
                    Roswell, Georgia 30076
                    Attention: President

               To the Executive:

                    Alan Stewart
                    2751 West Fontainebleau Drive
                    Atlanta, GA 30360

or to such other address of which any party may notify the other parties as
provided above. Notices shall be effective as of the date of such delivery or
mailing.

     11. Entire Agreement. This Agreement supersedes any and all other
agreements, either oral or in writing, by and between the parties hereto with
respect to the employment of Executive by American Prepaid and/or its
subsidiaries. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations,
inducements, or other agreements, oral or otherwise, have been embodied herein,
and no other agreement, statement, or promise not contained in this Agreement
shall be valid or binding.

     12. Arbitration. Disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement
shall be determined by binding arbitration in accordance with the then current
Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, provided,
however, that any dispute arising out of the non-competition provision of this
Agreement (paragraph 8) shall not be subject to arbitration.

     13. Miscellaneous. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under
the laws of the State of Georgia, and shall not be amended, modified or
discharged in whole or in part except by an Agreement in writing signed by both
of the parties hereto. The failure of either of the parties to require the
performance of a term or obligation or to exercise any right under this
Agreement or the waiver of any breach hereunder shall not prevent subsequent
enforcement of such term or obligation or exercise of such right or the
enforcement at any time of any other right hereunder or be deemed a waiver of
any subsequent breach of the provision so breached, or of any other breach
hereunder. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of successors of American
Prepaid by way of merger, consolidation or transfer of all or substantially all
of the assets of American Prepaid, and may not be assigned by the Executive.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement under seal as
of the date first set forth above.

                                       8

<PAGE>

                                        AMERICAN PREPAID PROFESSIONAL SERVICES,
                                        INC.

                                        By: /s/ Phyllis A. Klock
                                            ------------------------------------
                                        Name: Phyllis A. Klock
                                        Title: President

                                        EXECUTIVE:

                                        /s/ Alan Stewart
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Alan Stewart

                                       9

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