When a contract is in writing, what is required for it to be valid?

• A. It must be notarized
• B. It must be signed by both parties
• C. It must be witnessed
• D. It must be kept confidential

Answer: (B)

Signing by both parties is what makes a written contract binding. The act of signing shows that each party has read, understood, and agreed to the terms, creating mutual assent and a enforceable obligation. Notarization is not generally required for validity, though some documents or jurisdictions may mandate it for specific transactions. Witnessing is also not a universal requirement. Confidentiality isn’t a requirement for a contract to be valid either. In a dentistry context, a written agreement outlining treatment terms and fees becomes binding once both the patient and the dentist sign, assuming the basic elements of a contract (like capacity and legality) are present.