ORTHALLIANCE INC
10-K, 1998-03-31
MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Previous: L 3 COMMUNICATIONS CORP, 424B3, 1998-03-31
Next: KENDLE INTERNATIONAL INC, 10-K, 1998-03-31



<PAGE>   1
============================================================================= 

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



                                    FORM 10-K

[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE 
     ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

                   For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997


                                       OR

[ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES 
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]

           For the transition period from _____________ to ___________

                        Commission file number 000-22975


                               ORTHALLIANCE, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                    DELAWARE                               95-4632134
         (State or other jurisdiction of                (I.R.S. employer
         incorporation or organization)                identification no.)


      23848 HAWTHORNE BOULEVARD, SUITE 200                    90505
           TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA 90505                      (Zip code)
    (Address of principal executive offices)

       Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (310) 791-5656

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(B) OF THE ACT: None

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(G) OF THE ACT: Class A Common
Stock, par value $.001 per share

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES X   NO
                                             ---     ---
         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained,
to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]

         The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates
of the registrant as of March 26, 1998 (based on the last reported closing 
price per share of Common Stock as reported on The Nasdaq National Market on 
such date) was approximately $161,117,958. As of March 31, 1998, the 
registrant had 12,472,950 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding and 
250,000 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

         Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
to be held on June 5, 1998 are incorporated by reference in Part III.


===============================================================================
<PAGE>   2
                                     PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS.

         Certain statements in this Form 10-K under the captions "Business"
and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and in certain documents incorporated by reference herein constitute
"forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"), and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"). Those statements
include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of
OrthAlliance, Inc. (the "Company") and members of its management team.
Management cautions that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees
of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual
results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking
statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements
are set forth in the Safe Harbor Compliance Statements included as Exhibit 99.1
to this Form 10-K, and are hereby incorporated herein by reference. The Company
undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to
reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes
to future operating results over time.


GENERAL

         The Company was incorporated on October 21, 1996 to provide practice
management or consulting services to orthodontic practices throughout the United
States. The Company (i) manages certain business aspects of orthodontic
practices affiliated with the Company (the "Allied Practices"), and (ii)
provides capital for the development and growth of Allied Practices. On August
26, 1997, the Company affiliated with 55 Allied Practices with 82 orthodontists
at the Allied Practices (the "Allied Orthodontists") operating 147 offices in 16
states pursuant to long-term management services or consulting agreements, and
commenced its initial operations. From August 26, 1997 to December 31, 1997, the
Company increased the number of Allied Practices to a total of 66, with 99
Allied Orthodontists operating 178 offices in 18 states. The Company intends to
continue to expand its network of Allied Practices and to target orthodontic
practices that management believes are leading practices in their markets based
upon a variety of factors, including size, profitability, historical growth and
reputation for high quality care, among local consumers of orthodontic services
and within the orthodontic services industry.

         The Company provides fee-based management or consulting services to its
Allied Practices thereby allowing Allied Orthodontists to concentrate on
providing cost effective, quality patient care. The Company does not practice
orthodontics or dentistry, but generally acquires certain operating assets of an
orthodontic practice, employs the employees (except orthodontists, and where
applicable law requires, hygienists and dental assistants), and enters into
service or consulting agreements with the Allied Practices whereby the Company
provides management or consulting services to the Allied Practices, including
billing and collections, cash management, purchasing, inventory management,
payroll processing, advertising and marketing, financial reporting and analysis,
productivity reporting and analysis, training, associate orthodontist recruiting
and capital for satellite office development and acquisitions. Where state law
allows and upon request by an Allied Practice, the Company leases equipment or
office space to the Allied Practices. Unless otherwise indicated by the context,
references herein to practice management services, agreements or rights


                                      -2-
<PAGE>   3
include consulting or similar arrangements that the Company has or will enter
into with certain Allied Practices in order to comply with applicable
regulations in certain states regarding practice management.

         For the year ending December 31, 1997, the Company generated an
operating loss, after taking into account a $3,392,000 non-recurring organizer
compensation charge, of $165,000 on $18,081,000 in net revenue.

THE ORTHODONTIC INDUSTRY

         Orthodontics, the art and science of correcting the misalignment of
teeth, has historically been one of the most profitable specialties in
dentistry. Orthodontic research and education have aided the development of new
materials and techniques of orthodontic treatment, including the use of
computers to help solve complex cases. In 1994, orthodontists in the United
States conducted examinations of nearly 2.5 million potential new patients and
initiated treatment for approximately 1.5 million patients. The typical
orthodontist initiated treatment for approximately 170 patients in 1994 and
maintained approximately 380 active cases. Unless otherwise indicated, industry
information is derived from the 1995 Journal of Clinical Orthodontists
Orthodontic Practice Study (the "JCO Study") and relates to 1994. The
information compiled in the JCO Study relates to orthodontists who have
completed accredited graduate orthodontic training programs and does not include
general dentists who also perform certain orthodontic services.

         The primary target market for orthodontic treatment is children ages 8
to 18. In 1994, approximately 80%, or 1.2 million, of all patients treated were
children. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that as of July 1, 1996, there were
approximately 37.6 million children and adolescents between the ages of 10 and
19. Management believes that as many as 80% of these children and adolescents
could benefit from orthodontic treatment. In addition to the traditional
juvenile market, the adult market has been a rapidly growing market for
orthodontic services. Based on statistics obtained from the JCO Study,
management believes that the adult market for orthodontic services remains
largely untapped, as the number of adults who need or want orthodontic treatment
substantially exceeds the number of patients currently seeking treatment. In
1994, standard case fees averaged approximately $3,500 for children and $3,800
for adults.

         There are approximately 9,000 practicing orthodontists in the United
States, nearly all of whom have graduated from accredited graduate programs of
orthodontics. The industry is highly fragmented, with approximately 90% of the
practicing orthodontists acting as sole practitioners and the balance practicing
in multiple-doctor practices (generally two orthodontists) or in groups
affiliated with the Company or its competitors. The training and qualification
of an orthodontist is extremely rigorous. Generally, a dentist must graduate in
the top 10% of his or her class at an accredited graduate school of dentistry,
pass national and state board examinations, and complete an accredited graduate
orthodontic program to become an orthodontist. These programs typically are
structured as two- or three-year programs. Each year about 200 new orthodontists
graduate from accredited orthodontic programs.

OPERATING STRATEGY

         The Company's operating strategy focuses on enabling the Allied
Practices to compete more effectively and realize greater profitability than
other orthodontic practices, thereby providing an inducement for additional
orthodontists to affiliate with the Company. Key elements of the Company's
operating strategy include:

         EMPHASIZING QUALITY PATIENT CARE. Management believes that the services
and support it provides the Allied Orthodontists impact the level of patient
care positively by increasing the Allied Orthodontists' time available to
concentrate on patient care. The qualifications of providers of orthodontic
services vary from general dentists who have


                                      -3-
<PAGE>   4
taken weekend courses in orthodontics to graduates of accredited three-year
programs. Nearly all Allied Orthodontists affiliated with the Allied Practices
are graduates of accredited orthodontic programs. The Company established a
clinical care advisory committee consisting of Allied Orthodontists to
formulate quality assurance programs and to consult with each other on current
treatments, techniques and issues. Furthermore, orthodontic graduates recruited
by the Company will be required (in most cases) to complete a mentoring program
pursuant to which such graduates will provide treatment under the supervision
and guidance of an experienced Allied Orthodontist for a period of time before
assuming primary responsibility for patient care at a satellite office of an
Allied Practice.

         CAPITALIZING ON THE BEST DEMONSTRATED PRACTICES OF ALLIED
ORTHODONTISTS. Management evaluates the policies and procedures of the Allied
Practices, including such critical areas as treatment quality, delivery of
patient care, practice-building, marketing, patient financing programs and
expense control. The Company provides Allied Orthodontists with comparative
operating and financial data to enable Allied Orthodontists to detect areas of
their practices that could be improved. The Company provides its own analysis of
such operating and financial data and recommends changes to improve performance.
The Company consults with Allied Practices that have had demonstrated success in
a certain area and generally seeks to facilitate communication among Allied
Practices through periodic conferences and meetings and, ultimately, through a
proprietary intranet system.

         ACHIEVING OPERATING EFFICIENCIES AND ECONOMIES OF SCALE. The Company
implements a variety of operating procedures and systems to improve the
productivity and profitability of each Allied Practice and to achieve economies
of scale including, without limitation, centralized payroll processing,
inventory control and national group purchasing contracts. The Company
implements appropriate credit and collection policies which accommodate specific
needs of the target market of each Allied Practice. Operating efficiencies and
economies are instituted on a per market or per Allied Practice need basis after
analysis of work flow, patient flow, aged accounts receivable history,
facilities, employee work load and productivity, and patient satisfaction.

         INCREASING THE AFFORDABILITY OF ORTHODONTIC CARE THROUGH FLEXIBLE
PAYMENT PLANS. The Company assists Allied Practices in developing and
implementing payment plans designed to make orthodontic services more affordable
to prospective patients. Many of the Allied Practices historically received a
down payment of approximately 25% of the total cost of services. Recognizing
that orthodontic services are largely discretionary and that a significant down
payment is often a deterrent to prospective patients, the Company believes that
flexible payment plans are an effective means of increasing patient volume.
Payment plans are tailored to respond to the various market demands and
opportunities. The Company makes general recommendations to all Allied Practices
with respect to instituting flexible payment plans and develops and implements
market-tailored plans at the request of individual Allied Practices. In
addition, the Company provides the working capital necessary for the Allied
Practices to implement flexible payment plans which may result in the reduction
or elimination of down payments.

         STIMULATING DEMAND IN LOCAL MARKETS THROUGH AGGRESSIVE MARKETING. In
consultation with and upon approval of the Allied Practices, the Company
develops and implements aggressive and innovative marketing plans to augment
each Allied Practice's referral and other marketing systems. Certain Allied
Practices have developed referral systems with local dentists. Upon the request
of an Allied Practice and in appropriate markets, the Company attempts to assist
such Allied Practice in reaching potential patients through print, local
television and radio advertising.

GROWTH STRATEGY

         The Company's growth strategy includes affiliation with existing
orthodontic practices in both new and existing markets, the development of
satellite offices for existing Allied Practices and internal growth through
improved operating efficiencies.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>   5
         AFFILIATIONS WITH EXISTING ORTHODONTIC PRACTICES. The Company targets
for affiliations a market that includes approximately half of the orthodontic
practices in the United States (approximately 4,500 practices), which practices
fit the Company model of quality and opportunity for revenue and earnings
growth. The Company (i) provides the capital to open and integrate new
orthodontic offices into existing Allied Practices, (ii) identifies and recruits
qualified associate orthodontists for the Allied Practices, (iii) designs and
offers business and clinical systems for each Allied Practice, (iv) with the
approval of the Allied Orthodontist, hires the necessary business and
non-orthodontic personnel for each new Allied Practice, (v) helps increase each
Allied Practice's market share and the number of new patients seen by
recommending successful marketing and advertising strategies, and (vi) reduces
the time Allied Orthodontists spend on administrative and business related
tasks, allowing them to focus on delivering quality patient care.

         DEVELOPMENT OF ORTHODONTIC SATELLITE OFFICES. If management determines
market demand supports practice expansion, the Company assists Allied
Orthodontists in developing satellite offices to be integrated into Allied
Practices. The Company provides capital for practice expansion, market research,
site selection, office design and marketing support for satellite office
development.

         INTERNAL GROWTH THROUGH IMPROVED OPERATING EFFICIENCIES. The Company
offers a variety of operating procedures and systems to improve the productivity
and profitability of the Allied Practices. The Company implemented payroll
processing, financial reporting and analysis, inventory management and national
group purchasing discounted contracts and implements appropriate credit and
collection policies which accommodate specific needs of each Allied Practice.
Operating efficiencies and economies are instituted on a per market or per
Allied Practice need basis.

PAYMENT PLAN AND CASE FEES

         PAYMENT PLAN; CASE FEES. At the initial orthodontic treatment,
generally the patient signs a contract outlining the terms of the treatment,
including the anticipated length of treatment and the total fees. Each Allied
Orthodontist determines the appropriate fee to charge for services to patients
based upon market conditions in the area served by that Allied Orthodontist.
Generally, the amount charged by the Allied Orthodontists is independent of the
patient's source of payment. The number of required monthly payments is
estimated at the beginning of the case and generally corresponds to the
anticipated number of months of treatment. Depending on the patient's credit
history, the down payment ranges from a substantial down payment to no down
payment. Patients are typically required to pay equal monthly installments,
although each Allied Practice offers a payment plan tailored to its market and
patients.

         If the treatment period exceeds the period originally estimated by the
orthodontist, the patient and the Allied Orthodontist will determine whether
payment for additional treatment will be required. If the treatment is completed
prior to the scheduled completion date, the patient is required to pay the
remaining balance of the contract. If a patient terminates the treatment prior
to the completion of the treatment period, the patient is required to pay the
balance due for services rendered to date.

         Other payment plans with lower monthly payments are available for
patients who have insurance coverage for the treatment. Payments from patients
with insurance may be lower, depending upon the amount of the fee paid on behalf
of the patient by insurance policies. For patients with insurance coverage, the
portion of the fee not covered by insurance is paid by the patient and is
generally not waived or discounted by the Allied Practice.

LOCATION

         As of December 31, 1997, the Company provided management services to
Allied Practices at the following locations:


                                      -5-
<PAGE>   6
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Number of              Number of         Number of
         State                                Orthodontists(1)          Offices            Cities
         -----                                ----------------          -------          ----------
<S>                                           <C>                      <C>               <C>
         Alabama........................            3                       3                  3
         Arizona........................            3                       5                  4
         California.....................           21                      28                 27
         Florida........................           18                      33                 25
         Georgia........................           22                      52                 33
         Illinois.......................            1                       1                  1
         Indiana........................           11                      14                 13
         Kentucky.......................            2                       6                  6
         Michigan.......................            1                       1                  1
         Minnesota......................            2                       2                  2
         Mississippi....................            2                       6                  6
         Oregon.........................            1                       3                  3
         Pennsylvania...................            2                       3                  3
         South Carolina.................            3                       5                  5
         Tennessee......................            2                       3                  3
         Texas..........................            4                       9                  9
         Utah...........................            2                       2                  2
         Virginia.......................            2                       2                  2
                                                  ---                     ---                ---
              Total.....................          102                     178                148
                                                  ===                     ===                ===
</TABLE>

AGREEMENTS WITH ALLIED PRACTICES AND ALLIED ORTHODONTISTS

         Each Allied Practice has entered or enters into the following three
material agreements: (i) an acquisition agreement, which may be in the form of a
purchase and sale agreement whereby the Company acquires certain of the assets,
or stock of an entity holding certain assets, of the Allied Practice, or an
agreement and plan of reorganization, whereby the Allied Practice transfers
certain assets to the Company; (ii) either a service agreement or a consulting
agreement (depending upon the applicable state regulatory requirements), whereby
the Company provides management or consulting services to the Allied Practice;
and (iii) an employment agreement between the Allied Practice and each related
Allied Orthodontist who is an equity holder in the Allied Practice or who
provides orthodontic services through such practice for more than ten days each
month.

         ACQUISITION AGREEMENTS. Each acquisition agreement generally results in
the sale by the Allied Practice of its equipment, licenses (to the extent
assignable by law), inventory, accounts receivable, furniture and other personal
property, or some combination thereof based on applicable state laws or
regulations, in exchange for consideration based on the Allied Practice's
adjusted patient revenue. The aggregate purchase price paid by the Company is
generally payable in cash and shares of Class A Common Stock, as determined by
each Allied Practice and the Company. The aggregate consideration paid by the
Company in connection with the affiliation of the 11 Allied Practices from
August 26, 1997 to December 31, 1997 was approximately $12.4 million,
comprised of $2.1 million in cash and 863,775 shares of Class A Common Stock

- --------
         (1)        Three Allied Orthodontists operate in two states.



                                      -6-
<PAGE>   7
         SERVICE AGREEMENTS. Each service agreement generally requires the
Company to perform the following services for the Allied Practices: provide and
maintain specified furnishings and equipment; provide necessary employees
(except orthodontists and, where applicable law requires, hygienists and dental
assistants); establish appropriate business systems; purchase and maintain
inventory; perform payroll and accounting functions; provide billing and
collection services with respect to patients, insurance companies, and
third-party payors; arrange certain legal services not related to malpractice
litigation; design and execute a marketing plan; advise with respect to new
office locations; and manage and organize the Allied Practice's files and
records, including patient records where permitted by applicable law. If the
Allied Practice lacks sufficient funds to pay its current expenses, the Company
is required to advance funds to the Allied Practice for the purpose of paying
such expenses, subject to terms to be initially agreed upon. In exchange for
performing the services described above, the Company receives a management fee
based on one of the three fee structures described in Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. The Company
has entered into agreements with certain Allied Practices to make the payment
of such management fees after the first two years contingent on various
factors, including practice profitability compared to acquisition consideration,
timely reporting of information, participation in practice improvement programs
and orthodontist hours worked. Prior patient revenue is not necessarily
indicative of the level of revenue that these practices may be expected to
generate in the future.

         The term of each service agreement is for 20 or 25 years, subject to
prior termination by either party in the event the other party becomes subject
to voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy proceedings or materially breaches the
agreement, subject to a cure period. In addition, the Allied Practices may
terminate the service agreements upon the occurrence of a change of control of
the Company (as defined therein, which does not include a transaction approved
by the Company's Board of Directors). Upon the expiration or termination of the
service agreement, the Allied Practice may, and in certain circumstances must,
repurchase for cash (at book value) certain assets, including all equipment, and
assume certain liabilities of the Company related to the Allied Practice.

         Each service agreement is generally not assignable by either party
thereto without the written consent of the other party; however, the Company may
assign the service agreement without the Allied Practice's consent to any entity
under common control with the Company. The Company and the Allied Practice
indemnify each other for costs and expenses incurred by such other party that
are caused directly or indirectly by, as the case may be, the Company's or the
Allied Practice's intentional or negligent acts or omissions. In the case of the
Allied Practice's obligation to indemnify the Company, such obligation also
applies to intentional or negligent acts and omissions occurring prior to the
date of the service agreement. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had entered
into service agreements with 40 Allied Practices.

         CONSULTING AGREEMENTS. Certain provisions of the consulting agreement
are substantially similar to the service agreement, including provisions
relating to the Company's obligation to loan funds to the Allied Practice in the
event the Allied Practice is unable to pay its current expenses, termination of
the consulting agreement, repurchase of assets and assumption of liabilities by
the Allied Practice upon expiration or termination, assignment, and
indemnification.

         The services provided by the Company to the Allied Practice under each
consulting agreement generally include consulting with respect to equipment and
office needs; preparing staffing models appropriate for an Allied Practice;
advising and training with respect to business systems; purchasing and
maintaining inventory; advising with respect to and providing or arranging
accounting and bookkeeping services; advising with respect to developing a
marketing plan; assessing the financial feasibility of establishing new offices;
providing billing and collection services; and assisting the Allied Practice in
organizing and developing filing and recording systems. In exchange for such
services, the Company receives a consulting fee based on one of the three fee
structures described in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had
entered into consulting agreements with 26 Allied Practices.

         Pursuant to both the service agreements and consulting agreements,
Allied Orthodontists maintain full control over and ownership of their
orthodontic practices, determine which personnel will be allied with the Allied
Practices and set their own standards of practice. The Company does not engage
in the practice of orthodontics or dentistry. Each Allied Orthodontist is
responsible for compliance of his or her Allied Practice with state and local
regulations applicable to the practice of orthodontics and with licensing or
certification requirements. Each Allied Practice, in its sole


                                      -7-
<PAGE>   8
discretion, determines the fees to be charged for services provided to patients
based upon market conditions in the service area and other factors deemed
appropriate by the Allied Practice. Each Allied Practice executes payor
contracts and acquires and pays for its own malpractice insurance coverage.

         Employment Agreements. Each Allied Orthodontist who is or becomes an
equity holder in an Allied Practice or who provides orthodontic services through
an Allied Practice for more than 10 days a month is required to execute an
employment agreement with the Allied Practice. Each employment agreement
generally provides that the Allied Orthodontist will perform professional
services for the Allied Practice for a period of five years, subject to prior
termination (i) for cause by the Allied Practice (which generally means death,
incapacity, willful misconduct, conviction for a felony, or chronic alcoholism
or drug addiction) and (ii) by the Allied Orthodontist in the event of a
material breach by the Allied Practice. The Allied Orthodontist agrees that
following termination or expiration of the employment agreement, he or she will
not compete for a period of two years in the market in which the Allied Practice
operates an office and will limit the methods of advertising in the area in
which an Allied Practice is located.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

         General. The field of orthodontics is highly regulated, and there can
be no assurance that the regulatory environment in which the Company operates
will not change significantly in the future. In general, regulation of
healthcare companies is increasing. Every state imposes licensing requirements
on individual orthodontists and on facilities operated by and services rendered
by orthodontists. In addition, federal and state laws regulate health
maintenance organizations and other managed care organizations for which
orthodontists may be providers. In connection with the entry into new markets,
the Company, Allied Practices and Allied Orthodontists may become subject to
compliance with additional regulations.

         The operations of the Allied Practices must meet federal, state and
local regulatory standards in the areas of safety and health. Historically,
compliance with those standards has not had any material adverse effect on the
operations of the Allied Practices. Based on its familiarity with the historical
operations of the Allied Practices and the activities of the Allied
Orthodontists, management believes that the Allied Practices are in compliance
in all material respects with all applicable federal, state and local laws and
regulations relating to safety and health.

         State Legislation. The laws of several states prohibit orthodontists
from splitting fees with non-orthodontists. Furthermore, many states prohibit
non-orthodontic entities from practicing dentistry, including orthodontics,
employing orthodontists, or in some circumstances, employing hygienists and
dental assistants. The laws of some states prohibit advertising orthodontic
services under a trade or corporate name and require that all advertising be in
the name of the orthodontist. A number of states also regulate the content of
advertisement of orthodontic services and the use of promotional gift items. A
number of states limit the ability of a non-licensed dentist or non-orthodontist
to own equipment or offices used in an orthodontic practice. Some of these
states allow leasing of equipment and office space to an orthodontic practice,
under a bona-fide lease, if the equipment and office remain in the complete care
and custody of the orthodontist. Management believes, based on its familiarity
with the historical operations of the Allied Practices, the activities of the
Allied Orthodontists and applicable regulations, that the Company's current and
planned activities do not constitute the prohibited practices contemplated by
these statutes and regulations. There can be no assurance, however, that future
interpretations of such laws, or the enactment of more stringent laws, will not
require structural and organizational modifications of the Company's existing
contractual relationships with its Allied Orthodontists or the operation of the
Allied Practices. In addition, statutes in some states could restrict expansion
of Company operations in those jurisdictions. The Company enters into either a
service agreement or consulting agreement depending upon applicable state
regulations.


                                      -8-
<PAGE>   9
         Regulatory Compliance. The Company monitors developments in laws and
regulations relating to the practice of orthodontics and dentistry. The Company
may be required to modify its agreements, operations and marketing strategies
from time to time in response to changes in the business and regulatory
environment. The Company intends to structure all of its agreements, operations
and marketing in accordance with applicable law, although there can be no
assurance that its arrangements will not be successfully challenged or that
required changes may not materially affect the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations.

COMPETITION

         The business of providing orthodontic services is highly competitive in
each market in which the Allied Practices operate. Allied Practices compete with
orthodontists who maintain single offices or operate a single satellite office,
as well as with orthodontists who maintain group practices or operate in
multiple offices. Allied Practices also compete with general dentists and
pediatric dentists who provide certain orthodontic services, some of whom have
more established practices. The provision of orthodontic services by such
dentists and pediatric dentists has increased in recent years.

         The Company faces substantial competition from other entities as the
Company seeks to affiliate with additional orthodontic practices. The Company is
aware of several practice management companies that are focused in the area of
orthodontics. Additional entities may enter this market and compete with the
Company. Certain of these competitors have greater financial or other resources
than the Company.

EMPLOYEES

         As of December 31, 1997, the Company employed approximately 700
persons, including 645 full-time employees. None of the Company's employees is
represented by a collective bargaining agreement. The Company considers its
relationship with its employees to be good.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

         The Company's intent to use application for the service mark
"OrthAlliance" has been allowed by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
("Trademark Office"). The trademark registration should be issued after the
Trademark Office accepts the Company's Statement of Use, which the Company has
filed. Management intends to continue to utilize the service mark, as allowed by
applicable law, in the Company's marketing and advertising campaigns and in
connection with the Company's services.


INSURANCE

         The Company maintains general liability insurance for itself and on
behalf of the Allied Practices and, where permitted by applicable law and
insurers, the Company is named as an additional insured under the policies of
the Allied Practices. There can be no assurance that any claims against the
Company or any of the Allied Practices will not be successful, or if successful,
will not exceed the limits of available insurance coverage or that such coverage
will continue to be available at acceptable rates. The Allied Orthodontists
purchase and maintain their own malpractice liability insurance coverage.

ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES.

         The Company leases approximately 4,200 square feet of office space in
Torrance, California for its headquarters. In addition, the Company leases
office space for certain Allied Practices (see note 11 to the Company's
financial statements) with aggregate monthly payments of $438,000 as of
December 31, 1997.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>   10
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

         As of December 31, 1997, the Company did not have any pending legal
proceedings that separately, or in the aggregate, if adversely determined, would
have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company and its Allied
Orthodontists may, from time to time, be a party to litigation or administrative
proceedings which arise in the normal course of business.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.

         None.

ITEM 4A. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

         The Company's executive officers and key employees are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Name                      Age      Position with the Company
                  ---                       ---      -------------------------
<S>                                         <C>      <C>
                  Jonathan Wilfong          48       Chairman of the Board of Directors
                  Sam Westover              42       President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
                  Robert S. Chilton         39       Chief Financial Officer
                  P. Craig Hethcox(1)       45       Chief Operating Officer
                  Paul H. Hayase            42       Senior Vice President - Human Resources, General
                                                     Counsel and Secretary
</TABLE>

         Jonathan E. Wilfong has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of
the Company since May 1997. Mr. Wilfong has served as an executive consultant to
the Company since its inception. Mr. Wilfong is the founder and a principal of
Newfound Capital Associates, an investment banking advisory firm founded in 1996
that specializes in advising high growth businesses on capital formation
strategies and acquisition transactions. Mr. Wilfong is a Certified Public
Accountant, and from 1983 to 1996 was a partner with Price Waterhouse LLP in
Atlanta, Georgia and Greenville, South Carolina.

         Sam Westover has served as Director, President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company since October 1996. From August 1993 until July 1996, Mr.
Westover served as President and Chief Executive Officer of SystEmed Inc., a
pharmacy benefit management company, where he also served as Director from July
1992 until February 1997. From January 1993 until August 1993, Mr. Westover
served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of
Wellpoint Health Networks, Inc., a health insurance company. Prior to joining
Wellpoint, Mr. Westover served as Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice
President, Corporate Financial Services of Blue Cross of California, a position
to which he was named in May 1990.

         Robert S. Chilton has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company
since May 1997. From April 1994 until May 1997, Mr. Chilton served as Vice
President/Controller of E&S Ring Management Corporation, a real estate
management firm. Mr. Chilton was Controller of Karl Storz Endoscopy-America,
Inc., a medical device manufacturer and distributor, from October 1987 until
April 1994. Mr. Chilton is a Certified Public Accountant, and from February 1985
to October 1987 was employed by KPMG Peat Marwick.

         P. Craig Hethcox served as Chief Operating Officer of the Company from
August 21, 1997 to January 31, 1998. From January 1997 to August 26, 1997, Mr.
Hethcox served as Chief Executive Officer of US Orothodontic Care, Inc.
("USOC"). From July 1994 to December 1996, Mr. Hethcox served as Chief Operating
Officer for Equimed, Inc., where he directed the corporate operations for
sixty-five ophthamology, oncology and surgical center entities. From 1988 to
June 1994, Mr. Hethcox served as Vice President of Operations for Medical Care
America, where he was responsible for the operations of the then largest
practice management company with surgical centers. Mr. Hethcox also held senior


(1) Effective January 31, 1998, Mr. Hethcox's employment as Chief Operating
    Officer was terminated.


                                      -10-
<PAGE>   11
management positions with Medical Corporation of America, Inc., and Omni Eye
Services, Inc., both ophthalmology practice management operations, and was Chief
Executive Officer of Lakeside Community Hospital.

         Paul H. Hayase has served as Senior Vice President - Human Resources,
General Counsel and Secretary of the Company since October 1996. From August
1995 until January 1997, Mr. Hayase served as Vice President - Human Resources,
General Counsel and Secretary of Systemed, Inc. Mr. Hayase served as Senior
Counsel of Ralphs Grocery Company, a supermarket chain in California, from
November 1993 to August 1995. From January 1985 to November 1993, Mr. Hayase
served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel for Knapp Communications
Corporation, a magazine publishing company.


                                     PART II

ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

         (a) The Company's Class A Common Stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock
Market's National Market System under the symbol "ORAL." There is no established
public trading market for the Company's Class B Common Stock. No transfers are
permitted of Class B Common Stock, except to the Class B stockholder's spouse,
parents, siblings, lineal descendants, trusts for the benefit of any such
individual or as determined by laws of descent or wills. The high and low 
prices of the Company's Class A Common Stock as reported on The Nasdaq Stock 
Market during each quarter from August 21, 1997 are shown below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1997                                   High             Low
- ----                                   ----             ---
<S>                                    <C>             <C>
Fourth Quarter                         15 1/2            8 1/2
Third Quarter                          15 3/8           13 1/2
</TABLE>

1998
- ----

First Quarter 
  (through March 26, 1998)             13 11/16         10 1/4

         At March 26, 1998, the last reported sale price of the Class A Common
Stock was $13 11/16 per share and there were approximately 181 record holders of
Class A Common Stock and 52 record holders of Class B Common Stock.

         Except for the payment of $13.8 million cash consideration paid to the
initial 55 Allied Practices which was recorded as a cash dividend, the Company
has not declared any dividends on either its Class A Common Stock or its Class B
Common Stock. The Company expects that future earnings, if any, will be retained
for the growth and development of the Company's business and, accordingly, the
Company does not anticipate that any dividends will be declared or paid on the
Class A Common Stock or Class B Common Stock for the foreseeable future. The
declaration, payment and amount of future dividends, if any, will depend upon
the future earnings, results of operations, financial position and capital
requirements of the Company, among other factors, and are limited by the
Company's Credit Agreement.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

         On August 26, 1997, simultaneously with the closing of the Company's
initial public offering of its Class A Common Stock pursuant to a Registration
Statement on Form S-1, the 55 initial Allied Practices received 5,882,985 shares
of unregistered Class A Common Stock as partial consideration for certain assets
or stock of such Allied Practices pursuant to the exemption set forth in Section
4(2) of the 1933 Act regarding non-public offerings.


                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12
         On August 26, 1997, pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of
Merger between the Company, USOC and Premier Orthodontic Group, Inc. ("POG"),
the Company issued 1,750,000 shares of unregistered Class A Common Stock and
250,000 shares of unregistered Class B Common Stock as merger consideration to
the shareholders of USOC and POG in reliance on the exemption set forth in
Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act regarding non-public offerings.

         (b) Pursuant to the registration statement on Form S-1, as amended (No.
333-27143), that became effective on August 21, 1997, the Company offered and
sold to the underwriters (managed by J.C. Bradford & Co.) 2,990,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock in the Company's initial public offering ("IPO") for an
aggregate offering price of $35,880,000. As of December 31, 1997, the amount of
expenses incurred by the Company in connection with the issuance and
distribution of the Class A Common Stock in the IPO for underwriting discounts
and commissions, finders fees, expenses paid to or for underwriters was
approximately $2,511,600. The net proceeds received by the Company after
deducting the above expenses is approximately $31,137,400. The Company has used
the net proceeds from the Offering as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                <C>
           Dividend to founding Allied Practices                   $13,759,266
           Payment of Debt Assumed in merger
             between the Company, USOC and POG                     $ 4,407,812
           Acquisition of Allied Practices                         $ 2,062,749
                                                                   -----------
                                                                   $20,229,827
</TABLE>

         Of the $4,407,812 used of payment for assumed debt, $271,461 was paid
to Sam Westover (President, Chief Executive Officer and Director), $172,647 was
paid to Paul H. Hayase (Senior Vice President - Human Resources, General Counsel
and Secretary), $162,877 was paid to J. Dalton Gerlach (Senior Vice President -
Development) and $250,000 was paid to Jonathan E. Wilfong (Chairman of the
Board) for consulting services related to the public offering.

         Of the $13,759,266 used for payment of the dividend to the founding 55
Allied Practices, $280,403 was paid to Douglas D. Durbin (Director), $107,432
was paid to Randall A. Schmidt (Director) and $582,857 was paid to Randall K.
Bennett (Director).

         As of December 31, 1997, the balance of the funds generated from the
offering of approximately $10,907,573 has been used for general corporate
purposes or remains available for working capital.

ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                                         -------------------------------
                                                                                1997        1996(1)
                                                                                ----        ------
                                                                       (In thousands, except per share data)
<S>                                                                           <C>             <C>
         STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
           Revenues ...................................................       $ 18,081        $ --
           Income before taxes (benefits) and extraordinary item                   105
           Loss before extraordinary items ............................           (736)
           Net loss ...................................................           (736)(2)      --
           Net loss attributable to common shares .....................           (736)
           Net loss per common
            and common equivalent shares ..............................          (0.18)         --
           Weighted average common and common equivalent outstanding
             shares ...................................................          4,026           0
</TABLE>

(1) The Company did not have any operations in 1996.

(2) Includes non-recurring compensation expense. (See note 10 to financial
    statements).


                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                AS OF DECEMBER 31,
                                                                                ------------------
                                                                                1997           1996
                                                                                ----           ----
<S>                                                                           <C>             <C>
         BALANCE SHEET DATA:

           Working capital (deficit) ..................................       $ 13,085          $-

           Total assets ...............................................         44,363          $-

           Long term liabilities ......................................            121          $-           
           Redeemable common stock, common stock,
              additional paid-in-capital, retained
              earnings and treasury stock .............................         34,028          $-
</TABLE>

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS.

The following discussion should be read in conjuction with the accompanying
Consolidated Statements of Operations and notes thereto for the year ended
December 31, 1997.

General

         The Company began providing practice management services to Allied
Practices in the United States on August 26, 1997. The initial 55 Allied
Practices included 82 Allied Orthodontists operating 147 offices in 16 states.
By the end of 1997, the Company had affiliated with 11 new practices, including
17 additional orthodontists operating out of 31 new locations. Four of these new
locations were new satellite offices to existing Allied Practices which were
created as part of the Company's strategy to grow the revenue potential of
Allied Practices though expansion into new markets. The Company anticipates that
future growth will come from both entering into long-term management contracts
with existing non-affiliated practices, and from satellite expansion of Allied
Practices and operating efficiencies.

         The Company earns revenue by providing services pursuant to long-term
service agreements or consulting agreements provides (collectively, "Management
Agreements") with Allied Practices. The Company provides management or
consulting services to each Allied Practice and assumes substantially all
operating expenses except for compensation to Allied Orthodontists and other
employees that the Company cannot employ according to applicable state laws. In
exchange for assuming these expenses and providing services, the Company records
revenues in amounts equal to the assumed expenses plus a service fee or
consulting fee, as described below. In general, the Management Agreements
provide for the recognition of fees to the Company based on a negotiated
percentage of the "Adjusted Patient Revenue" of Allied Practices. The timing of
the payment of such service fees is based upon cash collected. Adjusted Patient
Revenue is net patient revenue, as determined under generally accepted
accounting principles, including adjustments for contractual allowances and
other discounts, plus an adjustment for uncollectable accounts. Patient
revenue is recognized as services are performed. For orthodontic services,
approximately 20% of the orthodontic contract revenue is recognized at the
time of initial treatment. The balance of the contract revenue is realized
evenly over the remaining treatment period. The 20% estimated revenue at the
initial treatment date is based on the estimated costs incurred by the
practice at that time as compared to the total costs of providing the
contracted services and is consistent with industry standards. The percentage
includes the

                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14
estimated costs of diagnosis and treatment plan development, initial treatment
by orthodontic personnel, orthodontic supplies, and associated administrative
services.

         The service fee is earned and paid monthly to the Company by each
Allied Practice using one of three different fee structures set forth in the 
Management Agreements:

         (i) a designated percentage of Adjusted Patient Revenue, ranging from
         14% to 17%, subject to an annual adjustment based upon improvements in
         the Allied Practice's operating margin in the most recent calendar year
         as compared with the immediately preceding calendar year. No annual
         adjustment shall be made which would result in reducing the designated
         percentage below the percentage applicable during the first year of the
         Management Agreement. Operating margin is defined as the percentage
         determined by dividing operating profit by Adjusted Patient Revenue.
         Operating profit is equal to Adjusted Patient Revenue less operating
         expenses, excluding the management fee and such expenses associated
         with the Allied Practices which the Company is prohibited from
         incurring, primarily consisting of orthodontist compensation. The
         average designated percentage is 16.9% for the Allied Practices subject
         to this fee structure.

         (ii) a designated percentage ranging from 13.5% to 17% of Adjusted
         Patient Revenue with a potential annual adjustment of 25% of the
         increase in operating margin (as defined in subparagraph (i) above) in
         a calendar year as compared to the preceding calendar year multiplied
         by the Adjusted Patient Revenue for the current calendar year. The
         supplemental fee for improvement in operating margin, if applicable, is
         paid in a lump sum payment upon final determination of the Allied
         Practice's operating margin for the calendar year. The average
         designated percentage is 16.7% for the Allied Practices subject to this
         fee structure. In some cases, the Allied Orthodonist must guarantee a
         minimum level of management fees to be paid by the Allied Practice for
         a portion of the agreement ranging from one to 25 years. The period
         covered by the minimum Service Fee varies by agreement, but ranges from
         one to 25 years.

         (iii) a fixed dollar fee with annual fixed dollar increases for each
         year of the term of the Management Agreement.

         The Company has entered into agreements with certain Allied Practices
to make the payment of such management fees after the first two years
contingent on various factors, including practice profitability compared to,
acquisition consideration, timely reporting of information, participation in
practice improvement programs and orthodontist hours worked. Prior patient
revenue is not necessarily indicative of the level of revenue that these
practices may be expected to generate in the future.

         Expenses reported by the Company include certain of the expenses to
operate the orthodontic offices and all of the expenses of any corporate
offices, facilities or functions. Therefore, salaries and benefits include the
wages, benefits, taxes or other employment costs for all employees of the
Company, including practice office staff, business office staff and management
personnel. Rent includes facility expenses for both practice offices and
corporate offices. Advertising and marketing includes practice activities to
attract new patients and corporate activities to attract new orthodontists to
join the Company. General and administrative expenses include professional
services, such as legal and accounting, utilities, advertising, marketing,
insurance, telephone, license fees, office supplies and shipping expenses.
Practice supplies include only those expenses required by the Allied
Orthodontist to provide treatment to patients.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31,
1997 reflect a net loss of $736,000 on revenues of $18,081,000. This reflects
the results of operations for the period August 26, 1997 to December 31, 1997.
Excluding the impact of the non-recurring compensation expense in the amount of
$3,392,000, the Company recognized income before income taxes of $105,000. The
Company began operations in 1997; therefore, the presentation of prior period
information is not applicable.

The following table sets forth, the percentage of certain items in relation to
net revenues.


                                      -14-
<PAGE>   15
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Year ended
                                                                December 31, 1997
                                                                -----------------
<S>                                                             <C>
   Net Revenue ...............................................       100.0%
   Direct Expenses:
       Employee costs ........................................        31.9%
       Practice supplies .....................................         9.3%
       Rent ..................................................         9.7%
       Depreciation and amortization .........................         1.4%
       General and administrative ............................        29.9%
                                                                     -----

       Total operating expenses ..............................        82.2%
                                                                     -----

   Operating profit ..........................................        17.8%
   Non-recurring organizer compensation expense ..............       (18.8%)
   Interest income, net ......................................         1.5%
                                                                     -----

   Income before income taxes ................................         0.5%
   Provision for income taxes ................................         4.6%
                                                                     -----

   Net loss ..................................................        (4.1%)
                                                                     =====
</TABLE>

         Net Revenue. The Company began operations on August 26, 1997 and
therefore annual revenues reported include only the revenue generated from
operations during the period from August 26, 1997 to December 31, 1997. Adjusted
patient revenue during this period was $22,975,000, of which 89.1% was generated
by the 55 Allied Practices that affiliated with the Company in connection with
the IPO. The remaining 10.9% was generated by Allied Practices that affiliated
with the Company subsequent to the completion of the IPO. Net Revenue reported
by the Company is derived by applying the appropriate management fee percentage
against Adjusted Patient Revenue, and adding the reimbursement from the Allied
Practices of practice expenses paid by the Company. In addition, the Company
does include in revenue the amortization of certain prepaid revenue balances
that were acquired from the 55 founding Allied Practices. The amortization
recognizes that the orthodontist has provided the services that were prepaid by
patients prior to the practice affiliated with the Company. From August 26 to
December 31, 1997, the Company recognized $453,000 of amortized prepaid revenue
into net revenue. As of December 31, 1997, $1,609,000 of prepaid patient revenue
acquired from the 55 founding Allied Practices remained unamortized on the
Company's balance sheet. Management expects to amortize most of this balance
into revenue during 1998 as the patients receive orthodontic services.

         Operating Expenses. The amounts reported for operating expenses
represent the amounts incurred from August 26, 1997 to December 31, 1997. All of
the expense categories are consistent with management's expectations based upon
expense information provided by the Allied Practices prior to affiliation with
the Company. Operating expenses as a percentage to revenue are consistent with
levels seen within the industry.

         Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense
primarily relates to the depreciation of capital assets and the amortization of
excess cost over the fair value of net assets acquired (goodwill) and certain
other intangibles. The Company's policy is to amortize goodwill over the
expected period to be benefited, not to exceed the term of the Management
Agreements. For the period August 26, 1997 to December 31, 1997, depreciation
and amortization was $245,000.

         Non-recurring Organizer Compensation Expense. Prior to the completion
of the IPO, USOC and POG merged with and into the Company, and the Company
succeeded to the rights and obligations of both USOC and POG. Certain
compensation expenses were


                                      -15-
<PAGE>   16
incurred by USOC and POG during the period from inception (October 21, 1996)
through August 26, 1997 in connection with the IPO. In the second quarter of
1997, the Company issued warrants to owners of certain Allied Practices, and
certain officers and consultants for their assistance in recruiting
orthodontists to the Company and in completing the IPO. In addition, pursuant to
the merger between USOC, POG and the Company, warrants held by Jonathan Wilfong
and Robert Garces to purchase a total of 225,000 shares of USOC stock converted
into warrants to purchase an equal number of shares of the Company's Class A
Common Stock. The Company recorded compensation expense of $3,392,000 related to
these warrants during 1997.

         Interest Income. Net interest income for the period August 26, 1997 to
December 31, 1997 was $270,000. This represents interest earned on excess cash
balances invested primarily in short-term money market accounts.

         Provision for Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes for 1997 was
$841,000. A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes for the year ending
December 31, 1997 to the amount computed at the Federal statutory rate is
included in Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company's
effective income tax rate for the year was higher than the statutory rate
primarily due to the nondeductibility for income tax purposes of the organizer
compensation expense and amortization of goodwill.


QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS

         The Company's unaudited quarterly operating information for 1997 is
shown in the following table. The Company began operations in the third quarter
of 1997, but the Company recognized non-recurring organizer expense related to
warrants, described above, in the second and third quarter. The fourth quarter
represents the only quarter presented when the Company was fully operational
during the entire quarter.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Quarters ended
                                              --------------
                                      March 31           June 30                Sept. 30                 Dec. 31
                                      --------           -------                --------                 -------
<S>                                   <C>              <C>                     <C>                     <C>
   Total Revenues                      $ --            $        --             $ 4,054,000             $14,027,000
   Net Operating Income                $ --            $(1,935,000)            $  (880,000)            $ 2,346,000
   Net Income                          $ --            $(1,935,000)            $  (322,000)            $ 1,521,000
   Basic Earnings Per Share            $ --                  $ N/A             $     (0.07)            $      0.13
</TABLE>


SEASONALITY

         Most patients who seek orthodontic treatment are children, although the
number of adults seeking treatment has been increasing in recent years. Based
upon information provided by the Allied Practices, and based upon the results of
operations in 1997, the Company expects an increase in new patient volume during
the summer months when children are not in school. The Company also expects the
lowest volume of patient starts during the Christmas holiday season when
children are on vacation and when many of the Allied Practices are closed.
Since the Company recognizes 20% of all patients contracts as revenue in the
month treatment begins, the Company expects higher patient revenue in the third
quarter and lower patient revenue in the fourth quarter. Accordingly, the
Company should see an increase or decrease in service fee revenue during these
periods.


                                      -16-
<PAGE>   17
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Pursuant to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (No. 333-27143),
that became effective on August 21, 1997, the Company offered and sold to the
underwriters (co-managed by J.C. Bradford and CIBC Oppenheimer) 2,600,000 shares
of Class A Common Stock at $12.00 per share. Concurrently, the underwriters 
exercised their over-allotment option for an additional 390,000 shares
of Class A Common Stock. The IPO and exercise of the over-allotment option
generated, net of underwriting discounts and commissions, approximately $33.4
million in cash for the Company. The Company has used these funds to pay some of
the expenses for the IPO, to pay a dividend to the owners of
the 55 original Allied Practices that affiliated with the Company in August 1997
($13.8 million), to fund the acquisition of certain operating assets of, or the
stock of entities holding certain operating assets of newly affiliated
practices, to pay debt assumed from Allied Practices as part of the affiliation
process, and for working capital requirements.

As of December 31, 1997, the Company had a working capital balance of
approximately $13.3 million. The Company anticipates the primary uses of capital
will include additional affiliations with orthodontic and pediatric dental
practices, certain costs related to the development of satellite offices, and
funding the working capital needs of the Company and Allied Practices.

On December 30, 1997, the Company entered into a credit agreement with First
Union National Bank to provide a $25 million revolving line of credit. The term
of this facility is for three years. The interest on borrowings accrues at
either the bank's prime rate or LIBOR, plus a margin between 0.25% and 1.875%.
Amounts borrowed are secured by security interests in certain of the Company's
assets, including accounts receivable, Management Agreements and capital stock
in Company's subsidiaries. As of December 31, 1997, no borrowings were
outstanding under this credit facility and the Company was in compliance with
all applicable covenants. The agreement terminates on December 30, 2000, but
does include two one year renewal options, subject to lender's approval.

The working capital requirements and capital resources needed to continue the
acquisition and development efforts will be funded through a combination of cash
flows provided by ongoing operations, funding from the Company's revolving line
of credit, and proceeds remaining from the IPO. Management believes that these
sources of capital will be sufficient to meet the Company's funding requirements
for the next twelve months. The Company may choose to issue debt or equity to
meet its future long-term capital needs as management deems appropriate.

After the completion of the IPO and the affiliation of the founding 55 Allied
Practices, the Company acquired certain operating assets of, or the stock in
entities that held certain operating assets of, 11 additional orthodontic
practices. The total consideration paid for these Allied Practices was $12.4
million, of which $2.1 million was paid in cash and the balance through the
issuance of 863,775 shares of Class A Common Stock, pursuant to a Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-29435).

The Company continually purchases the patient accounts receivable generated by
each Allied Practice and records these receivables on the Company's balance
sheet. The receivables are recorded at net realizable value on the date of
purchase. Any subsequent uncollectible account is written off by the Company and
the Allied Practice revenue is reduced accordingly. The impact on the Company
from such write-offs is the loss of management fee because practice revenue is
reduced. These accounts receivable should generate funds required for (i) the
expenses incurred by the Company to manage and administer the Allied Practices,
(ii) service fees, and (iii) salaries for other employees of the Allied
Practices, with the balance due to the Allied Orthodontists owning the Allied
Practices.

The Management Agreements provide for advances by the Company to the Allied
Practices for working capital requirements and other purposes. Such loans
generally bear interest at the prime plus one percent and are repayable over
varying periods of time not to exceed five years. As of December 31, 1997, the
Company had advanced $2,010,000 to the Allied Practices.

YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE

The Company has reviewed the systems utilized by the corporate office in all
areas of office automation, including payroll, payables, general ledger and data
management. In all cases the systems are already in full compliance with Year
2000 requirements or the developers of the systems has a Year 2000 compliant
version available. The corporate office intends to upgrade any remaining systems
that are not already in compliance, with a compliant version before the end of
1998. The cost to upgrade these systems is minimal since the upgrades are
provided by the developers under the maintenance agreements already in place.

The Company has not performed an evaluation of the practice management systems
installed in each of its Allied Practice offices. Therefore, the Company is not
aware of which systems are currently Year 2000 compliant. The Company does have
a plan to evaluate the practice management systems for Year 2000 compliance
before the end of 1998. Since the Company is not aware of which systems are
currently Year 2000 compliant, the Company is not aware of the costs associated
with upgrading the practice management systems to Year 2000 compliance.
However, any costs incurred by the Company to complete a systems upgrade would
be reimbursed to the Company by each Allied Practice.


                                      -17-
<PAGE>   18
ITEM 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

                  Not Applicable.

ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

         The Company's Financial Statements, together with the report thereon of
Arthur Andersen LLP, dated February 27, 1998 begin on page F-1 of this Report.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

                  Not Applicable.


                                    PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

         The information contained under the heading "Information Concerning
Directors" in the Company's definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of
stockholders to be held on June 5, 1998 (the "1998 Proxy Statement") is
incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding the Company's executive
officers is set forth in Item 4A of Part I hereof.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

         The information contained under the heading "Executive Compensation" in
the 1998 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


                                      -18-
<PAGE>   19
ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

         The information contained under the headings "Information Concerning
Directors" and "Principal Stockholders" in the 1998 Proxy Statement is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

         The information contained under the heading "Certain Transactions" in
the 1998 Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.


                                     PART IV


ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

(a)(1)   Financial Statements

         Listed on the Index to the Financial Statements and Schedules on page
         F-1 of this Report.

   (2)   Financial Statement Schedules

         Listed on the Index to the Financial Statements and Schedules on page
         F-1 of this Report.

   (3)   Exhibits


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        EXHIBIT                      DESCRIPTION
        -------                      -----------
<S>               <C>
         3.1      Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
                  Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the
                  Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143, as amended).

         3.2      Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 333-27143, as amended).

         4.1      Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-27143, as
                  amended).

         4.2      Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
                  Company, including, without limitation Section 4 (incorporated
                  by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-27143, as
                  amended).

         4.3      Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 333-27143, as amended).

         4.4      Incidental Registration Rights for certain Allied
                  Orthodontist as set forth in the Form of Purchase and Sale
                  Agreement (Exhibit 10.2 hereto), the Form of Stock Purchase
                  and Sale Agreement (Exhibit 10.3 hereto) and the Form of
                  Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (Exhibit 10.5 hereto) 

        10.1      Agreement and Plan of Merger between the Company, USOC and POG
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143, as amended).

         10.2     Form of Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Company and
                  Allied Practices (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of
                  the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration
                  No. 333-27143, as amended).

         10.3     Form of Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Company
                  and Stockholders of the initial Allied Practices (incorporated
                  by reference to Exhibit 2.4 of the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-27143, as
                  amended).


         10.4     Form of Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Company
                  and the Stockholders of the Allied
</TABLE>


                                      -19-
<PAGE>   20
<TABLE>
<S>               <C>
                  Practices.

         10.5     Form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between the
                  Company, Allied Practices and the Stockholders of the Allied
                  Practices (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 of the
                  Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143, as amended).

         10.6     Form of Service Agreement between the Company and Allied
                  Practices (Fixed Percentage Fee) (incorporated by reference to
                  Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form
                  S-1, Registration No. 333-27143, as amended).

         10.7     Form of Service Agreement between Company and Allied Practices
                  (Variable Percentage Fee) (incorporated by reference to
                  Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form
                  S-1, Registration No. 333-27143, as amended).

         10.8     Form of Consulting and Business Services Agreement between the
                  Company and Allied Practices (Variable Percentage Fee)
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143, as amended).

         10.9     Form of Consulting and Business Services Agreement between the
                  Company and Allied Practices (Fixed Percentage Fee)
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143, as amended).

         10.10    Form of Consulting and Business Services Agreement between the
                  Company and Allied Practices (Fixed Dollar Fee) (incorporated
                  by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-27143, as
                  amended).

         10.11    1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-27143).

         10.12    Amended and Restated 1997 Employee Stock Option Plan
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143).

         10.13    1997 Orthodontist Stock Option Plan.

         10.14    Employment Agreement between the Company and Sam Westover
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143).

         10.15    Letter Agreement between the Company and Robert S. Chilton
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143, as amended).

         10.16    Credit Agreement dated December 30, 1997 between the Company
                  and First Union National Bank.

         10.17    Form of Company Practice Improvement Program Guarantee.

         21.1     Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

         23.1     Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.

         27.1     Financial Data Schedule.

         27.2     Restated Financial Data Schedule. 

         99.1     Safe Harbor Compliance Statement.
</TABLE>

(b)      Reports on Form 8-K.

         The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the fourth
quarter of 1997.


                                      -20-
<PAGE>   21


                                   SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the 1934 Act,
the Company has duly caused this Form 10-K to be signed on behalf of the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on March 30, 1998.

                                    ORTHALLIANCE, INC.


                                    By:  /s/ SAM WESTOVER
                                        ------------------------------------
                                        Sam Westover
                                        President and Chief Executive Officer


                                      -21-
<PAGE>   22

                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the Requirements of the 1934 Act, this Form 10-K has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated on
March 30, 1998. Signatures


/s/ SAM WESTOVER              President and Chief Executive Officer and Director
- --------------------------
SAM WESTOVER

/s/ ROBERT S. CHILTON         Chief Financial Officer
- --------------------------
ROBERT S. CHILTON

/s/ RANDALL K. BENNETT        Director
- --------------------------
RANDALL K. BENNETT

/s/ DOUGLAS D. DURBIN         Director
- --------------------------
DOUGLAS D. DURBIN

/s/ U. BERTRAM ELLIS, JR.     Director
- --------------------------
U. BERTRAM ELLIS, JR.

/s/ CRAIG L. MCKNIGHT         Director
- --------------------------
CRAIG L. MCKNIGHT

/s/ RANDALL A. SCHMIDT        Director
- --------------------------
RANDALL A. SCHMIDT

/s/ W. DENNIS SUMMERS         Director
- --------------------------
W. DENNIS SUMMERS

/s/ JONATHAN E. WILFONG       Chairman of the Board
- --------------------------
JONATHAN E. WILFONG


                                      -22-
<PAGE>   23

                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         Page
                                                                         ----
<S>                                                                     <C>
OrthAlliance, Inc.
  Report of Independent Public Accountants............................... F-2
  Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996........... F-3
  Statements of Operations For the Year Ended December 31, 1997 and
    For the Period From Inception (October 21, 1996) to
    December 31, 1996.................................................... F-4
  Statements of Cash Flows For the Year Ended December 31, 1997 and
    For the Period From Inception (October 21, 1996) to
    December 31, 1996.................................................... F-5
  Statements of Changes in Stockholder's Equity For the Period From
    Inception (October 21, 1996) to December 31, 1996 and for the
    year ended December 31, 1997......................................... F-6
  Notes to Financial Statements.......................................... F-7
</TABLE>









                                      F-1
<PAGE>   24
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of OrthAlliance, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of OrthAlliance,
Inc. (a Delaware Corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,
and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and
cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1997 and for the period from
inception (October 21, 1996) to December 31, 1996. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of OrthAlliance, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the year ended December 31, 1997 and for the
period from inception (October 21, 1996) to December 31, 1996 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.


                                              /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

                                              ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Los Angeles, California
February 27, 1998




                                      F-2
<PAGE>   25
                               ORTHALLIANCE, INC.

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                              As of                As of
                                                                           December 31,         December 31,
                                                                               1997                 1996
                                                                           ------------             ----
<S>                                                                        <C>                  <C>
   ASSETS
   Current assets:
      Cash and cash equivalents ...............................            $ 12,647,000             $ --
      Patient receivables, net of allowances of $242,000 and $0               4,470,000               --
      Unbilled patient receivables, net of allowances
        of $293,000 and $0 ....................................               2,642,000               --
      Amounts due from Allied Practices .......................               2,489,000               --
      Current deferred tax assets .............................                 984,000               --
      Other current assets ....................................                  67,000               --
                                                                           ------------             ----
      Total current assets ....................................              23,299,000               --

   Property and equipment, net ................................               3,214,000               --
   Notes receivable from Allied Practices .....................               2,010,000               --
   Non-current deferred tax assets ............................               4,209,000               --
   Intangible assets, net .....................................              11,313,000
   Other, net .................................................                 318,000               --
                                                                           ------------             ----
      Total assets ............................................            $ 44,363,000             $ --
                                                                           ============             ====

   LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

   Current liabilities:
      Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities ..........            $  3,024,000             $ --
      Patient prepayments .....................................               2,710,000               --
      Liabilities assumed from Allied Practices ...............                 410,000               --
      Income taxes payable ....................................               1,308,000               --
      Current deferred tax liabilities ........................               1,672,000               --
      Amounts due to Allied Practices .........................               1,090,000
                                                                           ------------             ----
      Total current liabilities ...............................              10,214,000               --
                                                                           ------------             ----

   Non-current deferred tax liabilities .......................                 121,000               --
                                                                           ------------             ----
      Total liabilities .......................................              10,335,000               --
                                                                           ------------             ----

   Commitments and Contingencies

   Stockholders' equity:
      Class A Common Stock, $.001 par value, 20,000,000
      shares authorized, 11,486,761 shares and 1 share
       issued and outstanding at December 31, 1997 
       and 1996, respectively .................................                  11,000               --
      Class B Common Stock, $.001 par value, 250,000
        authorized, 250,000 and zero shares issued and
        outstanding at December 31, 1997 and
        1996, respectively ....................................                      --               --
   Additional paid-in capital .................................              45,149,000               --
   Retained deficit ...........................................             (11,132,000)              --
                                                                           ------------             ----
        Total stockholders' equity ............................              34,028,000               --
                                                                           ------------             ----
        Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ............            $ 44,363,000             $ --
                                                                           ============             ====
</TABLE>

                  The accompanying notes are an integral part
                     of these consolidated balance sheets.



                                      F-3
<PAGE>   26
                               ORTHALLIANCE, INC.

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             For the period
                                                                             from Inception   
                                                   For the year ended     (October 21, 1996) to
                                                    December 31, 1997       December 31, 1996
                                                    -----------------       -----------------

<S>                                                <C>                     <C>
   Net revenues .......................               $ 18,081,000                $--
                                                      ------------                ---
   Costs and expenses:
      Salaries and benefits ...........                  5,771,000                 --
      Orthodontic supplies ............                  1,684,000                 --
      Rent ............................                  1,751,000                 --
      Depreciation and amortization ...                    245,000                 --
      General and administrative ......                  5,403,000                 --
      Non-recurring organizer
         compensation expense .........                  3,392,000                 --
                                                       -----------                ---

       Total operating expenses .......                 18,246,000                 --
                                                       -----------                ---

      Net operating loss ..............                   (165,000)                --

      Interest income .................                    270,000                 --
                                                        ----------                ---

   Income before income taxes .........                    105,000                 --

   Provision from income taxes ........                    841,000                 --
                                                      ------------                ---

   Net loss ...........................               $   (736,000)               $--
                                                      ============                ===
   Basic and diluted net loss per share               $      (0.18)               $--
                                                      ============                ===
   Number of shares used in
   calculating net loss
   per share ..........................                  4,026,313                 1
                                                      ============                ===   
</TABLE>


              The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
                       consolidated financial statements.




                                      F-4
<PAGE>   27
                               ORTHALLIANCE, INC.

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                             For the period 
                                                                                                             from Inception 
                                                                                  For the year ended     (October 21, 1996) to
                                                                                   December 31, 1997       December 31, 1996
                                                                                   -----------------       -----------------
<S>                                                                               <C>                     <C>
   Cash flows from operating activities:
   Net loss ............................................................               $   (736,000)               $--
   Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
    provided by operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization ....................................                    245,000                 --
      Deferred tax benefit .............................................                   (467,000)                --
      Organizer compensation warrants ..................................                  2,435,000                 --
   Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions:
      Increase in patient receivables ..................................                   (261,000)                --
      Increase in due from Allied Practices ............................                 (2,489,000)                --
      Increase in other assets .........................................                    (37,000)                --
      Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities .............                    126,000                 --
      Increase in due to Allied Practices ..............................                  1,090,000                 --
      Increase in patient prepayments ..................................                    243,000                 --
      Increase in income taxes payable .................................                  1,307,000                 --
                                                                                       ------------                ---
      Net cash provided by operating activities ........................                  1,456,000                 --
                                                                                       ------------                ---

   Cash flows from investing activities:
      Payment for new practice affiliations. ...........................                 (2,061,000)                -- 
      Capital expenditures .............................................                    (71,000)                --
      Acquisition of other assets ......................................                    (30,000)                --
                                                                                       ------------                ---
      Net cash used in investing activities ............................                 (2,162,000)
                                                                                       ------------                ---

   Cash flows from financing activities:
      Proceeds from issuance of common stock ...........................                 31,137,000                 --
      Proceeds from issuance of warrants ...............................                      1,000                 --
      Dividend paid to shareholders of founding
         Allied Practices ..............................................                (13,759,000)                --
      Bank overdraft ...................................................                    859,000                 --
      Payment of deferred financing costs ..............................                   (288,000)                --
      Repayment of long-term debt ......................................                 (4,597,000)                --
                                                                                       ------------                ---
      Net cash provided by financing activities ........................                 13,353,000
                                                                                       ------------                ---
   Net increase in cash and cash equivalents ...........................               $ 12,647,000                $--
                                                                                       ============                ===    

   Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period ....................               $         --                $--

   Cash and cash equivalents at end of period ..........................               $ 12,647,000                $--
                                                                                       ============                ---

   Supplemental cash flow information:
      Interest paid ....................................................               $     42,000                $--
      Noncash investing and financing activities
       Acquisition of businesses:
         Fair value of assets acquired .................................               $ 25,370,000                 --
         Less: Issuance of common stock ................................                (14,720,000)                --
         Elimination of predecessor's retained deficit .................                  2,945,000
         Less: Cash paid ...............................................                  2,063,000                 --
                                                                                       ------------                ---
         Liabilities assumed ...........................................               $(11,532,000)               $--
                                                                                       ============                ===
</TABLE>

                   The accompanying notes are an integral part
                  of these consolidated financial statements.


                                      F-5
<PAGE>   28
                               ORTHALLIANCE, INC.

                  STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
      FOR THE PERIOD FROM INCEPTION (OCTOBER 21, 1996) TO DECEMBER 31, 1996
                    AND FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                   Class A                     Class B
                                Common Stock                Common Stock         Additional        Retained             Total
                          -----------------------      ---------------------       Paid-In          Earnings          Shareholders'
                            Shares         Amount      Shares        Amount        Capital          (Deficit)            Equity
                          ----------      -------      -------      --------      -----------      ------------       ------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>               <C>                <C>
Balances at
October 21, 1996 ...               1      $    --           --      $     --      $        --      $         --       $         --
                           ---------      -------      -------      --------      -----------      ------------       ------------
Balances at
December 31, 1996 ..               1      $    --           --      $     --      $        --      $         --       $         --


Initial public
offering
of common stock ....       2,990,000        3,000           --            --       30,398,000                --         30,401,000

Transfers of certain
assets and
liabilities
by founders ........       7,632,984        7,000      250,000            --        1,435,000         3,363,000          4,805,000

Dividend to
shareholders of
founding Allied
Practices ..........              --           --           --            --               --       (13,759,000)       (13,759,000)

Issuance of common
stock for intangible
assets .............         863,776        1,000           --            --       10,278,000                --         10,279,000

Issuance of warrants              --           --           --            --        3,038,000                --          3,038,000

Net loss ...........              --           --           --            --               --          (736,000)          (736,000)
                          ----------      -------      -------      --------      -----------      ------------       ------------
Balances at
December 31, 1997 ..      11,486,761      $11,000      250,000      $     --      $45,149,000      $(11,132,000)      $ 34,028,000
                          ==========      =======      =======      ========      ===========      ============       ============
</TABLE>

                   The accompanying notes are an integral part
                  of these consolidated financial statements.


                                      F-6
<PAGE>   29
                               ORTHALLIANCE, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                DECEMBER 31, 1997


1.       BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION

a.       ORGANIZATION

OrthAlliance, Inc. ("OrthAlliance" or the "Company") (formerly known as Premier
Orthodontic Holdings, Inc.), a Delaware corporation, was founded in October,
1996 to provide practice management and consulting services (collectively
"management services") to orthodontic practices in the United States.

Effective prior to the closing of the initial public offering (the "Offering" or
"IPO"), Premier Orthodontic Group, Inc. ("Premier") and US Orthodontic Care,
Inc. ("USOC") merged with and into OrthAlliance. In the merger, the outstanding
common stock of USOC and Premier converted into an aggregate of 1,750,000
shares of Class A Common Stock ("Common Stock") and 250,000 shares of Class B
Common Stock ("Class B Common Stock"). Each share of USOC common stock converted
into 0.496 shares of Common Stock and 0.071 shares of Class B Common Stock. Each
share of Premier common stock converted into 5,250 shares of Common Stock and
750 shares of Class B Common Stock. The USOC and Premier stockholders received
an aggregate of 1,225,000 and 525,000 shares of Common Stock and 175,000 and
75,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, respectively.

On August 26, 1997, OrthAlliance acquired (the "Acquisitions") simultaneously
with the closing of the IPO of its Class A Common Stock, certain operating
assets of or the stock of entities holding certain tangible and intangible
assets, and assumed certain liabilities of 55 orthodontic practices
(collectively, the "Founding Practices") in exchange for 5,882,984 shares of
Common Stock and $13,800,000 in cash. The underwriters exercised an
overallotment option to purchase an additional 390,000 shares of Common Stock,
thereby increasing the number of shares of Common Stock offered in the IPO from
2,600,000 to 2,990,000. The net proceeds of the shares of Common Stock issued in
the IPO were $31,137,000. Other expenses incurred by the Company related to the
Offering totalled approximately $2,200,000 and these were recognized by Premier
and USOC prior to the merger. The Acquisitions have been accounted for in
accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission's Staff Accounting
Bulletin No. 48.

b.       AGREEMENTS WITH ALLIED PRACTICES

The Company is party to management service agreements with orthodontic practices
which include the Founding Practices as well as practices that have become
affiliated with the Company subsequent to the IPO ("Allied Practices"). These
are either "Service Agreements" or "Consulting Agreements". The type of
management service agreement is determined by the Company and each Allied
Practice based primarily on applicable state laws and regulations. The types of
management service agreements are as follows:

Service Agreements
- ------------------
The parties to each Service Agreement include the Company and the Allied
Practice, which typically is a professional corporation or association owned by
the related orthodontist. Each Service Agreement generally requires the Company
to perform the following services for the Allied Practices: provide and maintain
specified furnishings and equipment; provide necessary employees (except
orthodontists and where applicable law requires,


                                      F-7
<PAGE>   30
hygienists and dental assistants); establish appropriate business systems;
purchase and maintain inventory; perform payroll and accounting functions;
provide billing and collection services with respect to patients, insurance
companies, and third-party payors; arrange certain legal services not related to
malpractice litigation; design and execute a marketing plan; advise with respect
to new office locations; and manage and organize the Allied Practices' files and
records, including patient records where permitted by applicable law. If the
Allied Practice lacks sufficient funds to pay its current expenses, the Company
is also required to advance funds to the Allied Practice for the purpose of
paying such expenses. In exchange for performing the services described above,
the Company receives a management fee based on one of the three fee structures
described below.

The term of each Service Agreement is 20 to 25 years, subject to prior
termination by either party in the event the other party becomes subject to
voluntary or involuntary bankruptcy proceedings or materially breaches the
agreement, subject to a cure period. In addition, the Allied Practices may
terminate the Service Agreements upon the occurrence of a change of control of
OrthAlliance (as defined therein, which does not include a transaction approved
by the Company's Board of Directors). Upon the expiration or termination of the
Service Agreement, the Allied Practice may, and in certain circumstances must,
repurchase for cash (at book value) certain assets, including all equipment, and
assume certain liabilities of the Company related to the Allied Practice.

Service Agreements are generally not assignable by either party thereto without
the written consent of the other party; however, the Company may assign the
Service Agreement without the Allied Practice's consent to any entity under
common control with the Company. The Company and the Allied Practice agree to
indemnify each other for costs and expenses incurred by such other party that
are caused directly or indirectly by, as the case may be, the Company's or the
Allied Practice's intentional or negligent acts or omissions. In the case of the
Allied Practice's obligation to indemnify the Company, such obligation also
applies to intentional or negligent acts and omissions occurring prior to the
date of the Service Agreement.

Consulting Agreements
- ---------------------

The parties to each Consulting Agreement include the Company and the Allied
Practice. Certain provisions of the Consulting Agreement are substantially
similar to the Service Agreement, including provisions relating to the Company's
obligation to loan funds to the Allied Practice in the event the Allied Practice
is unable to pay its current expenses, termination of the Consulting Agreement,
repurchase of assets and assumption of liabilities by the Allied Practice upon
expiration or termination, assignment, and indemnification.

The services provided by the Company to the Allied Practice under each
Consulting Agreement generally include consulting with respect to equipment and
office needs; preparing staffing models appropriate for an Allied Practice;
advising and training with respect to business systems; purchasing and
maintaining inventory; advising with respect to and providing or arranging
accounting and bookkeeping services; advising with respect to developing a
marketing plan; assessing the financial feasibility of establishing new offices;
providing billing and collection services; and assisting the Allied Practice in
organizing and developing filing and recording systems. In exchange for such
services, the Company receives a consulting fee based on one of the three fee
structures described below.

c.       CALCULATION OF MANAGEMENT FEES

The management fee is calculated pursuant to the Service and Consulting
Agreements monthly to the Company by each Allied Practice based upon the
practice's adjusted patient revenue calculated on the accrual basis. There are
three economic models by which the management fee may be calculated under the
two management service agreements discussed above which are as follows:

(i)      a designated percentage of adjusted patient revenue, ranging from 14%
         to 17%, subject to an annual adjustment based upon improvements in the
         Allied Practice's operating margin in the most recent fiscal period as
         compared with the immediately preceding fiscal period. No annual
         adjustment shall be made


                                      F-8
<PAGE>   31
         which would result in reducing the designated percentage applicable
         during the first year of the management agreement. Operating margin is
         defined as the percentage determined by dividing operating profit by
         adjusted patient revenue. Adjusted patient revenue under the agreement
         is net patient revenue as determined under generally accepted
         accounting principles, including adjustments for contractual allowances
         and other discounts, plus an adjustment for uncollectible accounts.
         Operating profit is equal to adjusted patient revenue less operating
         expenses, excluding the management fee and such expenses associated
         with the Allied Practices which the Company is prohibited from
         incurring, primarily consisting of orthodontist compensation.

(ii)     a designated percentage ranging from 13.5% to 17% of adjusted patient
         revenue with a potential annual adjustment of 25% of the increase in
         operating margin (as defined above) in a fiscal year as compared to the
         preceding fiscal year multiplied by the adjusted patient revenue for
         the current fiscal year. The supplemental fee, if applicable, is paid
         as a lump sum payment upon final determination of the improvement in
         the Allied Practice's operating margin as compared to the prior fiscal
         year period.

(iii)    a fixed dollar fee with annual established fixed increases for each
         year of the management agreement.

d.       RECEIVABLES FROM ALLIED PRACTICES

The difference in the timing of the recognition of adjusted patient revenue and
the collection of cash related thereto results in unbilled receivables or
patient prepayments. Unbilled patient receivables represent the earned revenue
in excess of billings to patients as of the end of each period. Patient
prepayments represent collections from patients or their insurance companies
which are received in advance of the performance of the related services.

After the transfer of certain assets and certain liabilities of an Allied
Practice to the Company, the Company continues to purchase patient accounts
receivable generated by the Allied Practice and records these receivables on the
balance sheet of OrthAlliance. The receivable is recorded at net realizable
value on the date of purchase. Any subsequent uncollectible account is written
off by OrthAlliance and the Allied Practice revenue is reduced accordingly. The
impact on the Company from such write offs is the loss of management revenue
because practice revenue is reduced. All of the accounts receivable are assigned
to the Company, which generates the funds required for (i) the expenses incurred
by the Company to manage and administer the Allied Practice, (ii) the management
fees, and (iii) salaries for other employees of the Allied Practices with the
balance due the affiliated orthodontist.

e.       OPERATING EXPENSES OF ALLIED PRACTICES

Certain operating expenses of the Allied Practices are the responsibility of
OrthAlliance. The Company is responsible for the payment of all operating
expenses incurred by the practice as required to operate an orthodontic office,
except for compensation to affiliated orthodontists and other expenses of the
Allied Practices that the Company is prohibited from employing.

These expenses include the following:

- -     Salaries, benefits, payroll taxes, workers compensation, health insurance
      and other benefit plans, and other direct expenses of all employees of
      OrthAlliance at each practice office, excluding those costs associated
      with orthodontists and any other classification of employee which
      OrthAlliance is prohibited from employing by applicable state laws
      or regulations

- -     Direct costs of all employees or consultants that provide services to each
      practice office except for Affiliated Orthodontists and other employees
      of the Allied Practices that the Company is prohibited from employing.

- -     Dental and office supplies as permitted by applicable state laws or
      regulations

- -     Lease or rent payments as permitted by state laws or regulations, 
      utilities, telephone and maintenance expenses for practice facilities

- -     Property taxes on OrthAlliance assets located at Allied Practice offices

- -     Property, casualty, liability and malpractice insurance premiums

- -     Orthodontists recruiting expenses


                                      F-9
<PAGE>   32
- -     Interest on advances to practice bank accounts

- -     Advertising and other marketing expenses attributable to the promotion of
      practice offices

All of the above expenses are paid directly to the third party provider of the
goods or services indicated. All of the above items are incurred by
OrthAlliance. Such expenses are classified together with similar expenses of the
Company in the consolidated income statement. In exchange for incurring these
expenses and providing management services, the Company records revenue in
amounts equal to those incurred expenses plus a management fee based on varying
percentages of the adjusted patient revenues of the Allied Practices. See 
Note 13.

The Allied Practices retain the responsibility for the payment of any and all
direct employment expenses, including benefits, for any orthodontist or other
employee that OrthAlliance is prohibited from employing by applicable state laws
or regulations. In addition, the Allied Practices retain the responsibility for
the payment of continuing education expenses, seminars, professional licenses,
professional membership dues and all other expenses of any orthodontist.

f.       NEW ORTHODONTIST AFFILIATIONS


From August 26, 1997 to December 31, 1997, the Company entered into agreements
with 11 Allied Practices to provide management services and acquire certain
operating assets for a total consideration (including acquisition costs) of
$12,396,000. This consideration consisted of 863,776 shares of Common Stock with
an aggregate value at various acquisition dates of $10,333,000 and payment of
$2,063,000 in cash. The Company also assumed $1,390,000 in debt related to the
assets acquired.

These Allied Practices operate 31 locations in seven states. The allocation of
the purchase price to net assets acquired is based on preliminary estimates of
fair value and therefore may be revised at a later date upon the completion of
an appraisal of assets acquired.

2.       SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a.       USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. 
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

b.       CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three
months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. All cash
equivalents are recorded at cost which approximates fair value.

c.       PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment is recorded at cost. Routine maintenance and repairs are
expensed when incurred, while costs of improvements and renewals are
capitalized. Depreciation of property and equipment is calculated using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:

                  Furniture and equipment            5- 7 years

                  Leasehold improvements             shorter of 3-10 years
                                                     or the related lease term


d.       INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

The Company's acquisitions involve the purchase of tangible and intangible
assets and the assumption of certain liabilities of the Allied Practices. The
Company allocates the purchase price to the tangible assets acquired and
liabilities assumed based on estimated fair market values. In connection with
each acquisition, the Company enters into long-term service agreements with the
Allied Practices. The service agreements are for terms of 20 to 25 years and can
be terminated by either party only with cause, which is primarily bankruptcy or
material default. Each service agreement intangible is being amortized using a
straight-line method over its term.



                                      F-10
<PAGE>   33

The Company continually evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred
that indicate the remaining useful life of the intangible assets may warrant
revision or that the remaining balance of the intangible assets may not be
recoverable. As of December 31, 1997, there were no events or circumstances to
indicate that any portion of the recorded net intangible assets may not be
recoverable.

Accumulated amortization of the intangible assets at December 31, 1997
was $105,000.

e.        OTHER , NET

Other, net consist mainly of deferred costs. These are amortized on a
straight-line item basis over the expected period to be benefited (principally 3
to 25 years).


f.       INCOME TAXES

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," which
requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future
tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the financial statements
or tax returns. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are
determined based on the differences between the financial statement carrying
amounts and the tax bases of such assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates
and laws in effect in the years in which the differences are expected to
reverse.

g.        FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

As of December 31, 1997, the carrying amounts of the Company's financial
instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, notes receivable from
Allied Practices, accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and liabilities
assumed from Allied Practices are recorded at cost, which approximates 
fair value.

h.        NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The Emerging Issues Task Force of the Financial Accounting Standards Board has
recently issued its Consensus Opinion 97-2 ("EITF 97-2"). EITF 97-2 addresses
certain specific matters pertaining to the physician, dentistry and veterinary
practice managment industries. EITF 97-2 will be effective for the Company for
its year ending December 31, 1998. EITF 97-2 addresses the ability of certain
practice management companies to consolidate the results of certain practices
with which it has an existing contractual relationship. The Company currently
does not consolidate the operations of the orthodontic practices that it
manages. The guidance in EITF 97-2 will not change the Company's accounting
method because the Company's arrangements with its Allied Practices do not meet
the requirements for consolidation as set forth in EITF 97-2.

3.       PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following as of December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1997          1996
                                               -----------       ----
<S>                                            <C>               <C>
            Furniture and fixtures ......      $ 3,361,000       $ --
            Office equipment ............        2,565,000         --
            Leasehold improvements ......        1,174,000         --
                                               -----------       ----
                                                 7,100,000         --
            Less accumulated depreciation       (3,886,000)        --
                                               -----------       ----
                                               $ 3,214,000       $ --
                                               ===========       ====
</TABLE>


                                      F-11
<PAGE>   34
4.       NOTES RECEIVABLE FROM ALLIED PRACTICES

Certain Allied Practices have signed promissory notes due to the Company.
Generally, principal and interest payments are due monthly, with interest
accruing at prime plus 1%. These notes are unsecured but have been personally
guaranteed by the respective orthodontists. The term of these notes range from
three to five years. As of December 31, 1997, the prime interest rate was 8.5%.

5.       ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND OTHER ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities consisted of the following as of
December 31:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1997          1996
                                                             ----------      -----
<S>                                                          <C>             <C>
            Bank overdrafts ...........................      $  859,000       $ --
            Accounts payable, Other accrued liabilities       1,565,000         --
            Litigation reserve ........................         600,000         --
                                                             ----------      -----
                                                             $3,024,000      $  --
                                                             ==========      =====
</TABLE>

The litigation reserve was established by the Company as a result of the
increased possibility for legal action by one or more state governments
challenging the compliance of the Management Agreements with state and local
law or regulations. Management believes the reserve is adequate to cover any
potential costs to defend such legal actions.

6.       LIABILITIES ASSUMED FROM ALLIED PRACTICES

Liabilities assumed from Allied Practices consist of various obligations assumed
from certain Allied Practices which will be repaid within one year from
affiliation. These unsecured obligations bear interest at rates ranging from 10%
to 18%. The Company settles these liabilities as soon as possible after
assumption.

7.       REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

On December 30, 1997, the Company entered into a $25.0 million revolving credit
facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") with First Unikon, N.A. The Revolving
Credit Facility expires in December 2000, although it is subject to two,
one-year renewals upon the mutual acceptance of the Company and the bank. 

The Company's receivables and its service agreements with the Allied Practices
collateralize the Revolving Credit Facility. Under the terms of the Revolving
Credit Facility, the Company is required to maintain certain consolidated
financial ratios and minimum consolidated net worth amounts. The Revolving
Credit Facility also prohibits the Company from incurring certain additional
indebtedness, limits certain future acquisitions to $2,000,000 per practice and
to $75,000,000 during the term without lender approval, and restricts capital
expenditures and cash dividends. At December 31, 1997, the Company was in
compliance with all financial covenants of the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Revolving Credit Facility requires payment of interest at variable rates
(bank's prime rate plus up to 0.5% or LIBOR plus up to 1.5%) depending upon the
Company's Leverage Ratio as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility. In
addition, the Company is charged a commitment fee of up to 0.375%.

At December 31, 1997, no amounts were outstanding under the Revolving Credit
Facility. 

8.        CLASS B COMMON STOCK

Each share of Class B Common Stock will automatically convert into eight shares
of Common Stock upon the attainment of certain conversion prices. Twenty percent
of the Class B Common Stock shares will convert at each of the following
conversion prices: $18.00, $21.60, $25.92, $31.10, and $37.32. The conversion
will be effected when the average Common Stock closing price for 20 consecutive
trading days exceeds the threshold. Any Class B Common Stock shares not
converted to Common Stock, because the necessary conversion prices were not
attained, will automatically convert to one share of Common Stock upon the sixth
anniversary of the IPO. Class B Common


                                      F-12
<PAGE>   35
Stock shares are not transferable, except to a holder's direct relatives or as
determined by will or the laws of descent. The holders of Class B Common Stock
enjoy the same share-for-share voting rights with holders of the Common Stock,
with whom they vote as a single class.

9.        PREFERRED STOCK

The Company is authorized to issue up to 20 million shares of preferred stock.
The Board of Directors, from time to time and without any stockholder action or
approval, may fix the relative rights and preferences of the preferred shares,
including voting powers, dividend rights, liquidation preferences, redemption
rights and conversion privileges. No preferred stock was outstanding as of 
December 31, 1997.

10.      STOCK OPTIONS AND WARRANTS

The Company has three stock option plans, the 1997 Employee Stock Option Plan
("Employee Plan"), the 1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan ("Non-Employee
Plan") and the 1997 Orthodontist Stock Option Plan ("Orthodontist Plan"). The
Orthodontist Plan is subject to shareholder approval. In addition, the Company
issued warrants to certain executives in 1997. Options may be granted as
incentive or nonqualified stock options. The Company accounts for the Employee
Plan and the Non-Employee Plan under APB Opinion No. 25, under which no cost
has been recognized.

The Company may grant options to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock
under the Employee Plan, 200,000 shares of Common Stock under the Non-Employee
Plan and 100,000 shares of Common Stock under the Orthodontist Plan. The Company
has granted 629,500 shares of Common Stock under the Employee Plan, 15,000 under
the Non-Employee Plan and 5,210 shares of Common Stock under the Orthodontist
Plan as of December 31, 1997. The options are issued with exercise prices equal
to the Company's stock price at the date of grant. Options granted under the
Employee Plan vest over one to five years; are exercisable in whole or in
installments; and expire ten years from date of grant. Options granted under the
Non-Employee Plan vest over one year; are exercisable in whole or in
installments; and also expire ten years from date of grant. All options issued
in 1997 remained unexercised at December 31, 1997. The weighted average exercise
price for options granted in 1997 is $12.10 per share.

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123"), the fair value of option
grants is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model for pro forma
footnote purposes. The following assumptions were used in 1997: dividend yield -
0%; risk free interest rate - 5.7% - 6.5%; expected option life - 10 years;
expected volatility - 49%.

As permitted by SFAS 123, the Company has chosen to continue accounting for
stock options at their intrinsic value. Accordingly, no compensation expense has
been recognized for its stock option compensation plans. Had the fair value
method of accounting been applied to the Company's stock option plans, the
tax-effected impact would be as follow:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   1997                1996
                                              -------------       -------------
<S>                          <C>               <C>                <C>
             Net loss:       As reported      $    (736,000)      $          --
                             Pro forma           (1,558,000)                 --
             Basic EPS:      As reported              (0.18)                 --
                             Pro forma                (0.39)                 --
</TABLE>

This pro forma impact only takes into account options granted in 1997 and is
likely to increase in future years as additional options are granted and
amortized ratably over the vesting period.

The Company also issued warrants to purchase 593,622 shares of Common Stock in
1997 with exercise prices ranging from $0.01 to $14.38. The weighted average
fair value of the warrants granted was $4.74. The vesting period for those
warrants range from immediate to one year. These warrants expire five years from
date of grant and their weighted average exercise price is $11.01 per warrant.
Certain of such warrants have associated incidental registration rights pursuant
to which the Company is obligated to use reasonable efforts to register the
share of Common Stock issued pursuant to the exercise of each warrant if the
Company initiales a public offering and files a registration statement in
connection therewith, excluding the registration of shares issued pursuant to
an employee stock purchase or option plan or an acquistion or proposed
acquistion by the Company.

                                      F-13
<PAGE>   36
11.      LEASES

The Company leases office space for the use of the Allied Practices and
corporate offices under operating leases, which have current expiration terms at
various dates through 2015. Certain of these leases have renewal options for
specified periods subsequent to their current terms. The annual lease payments
under the lease agreements have provisions for annual increases based on the
Consumer Price Index or other amounts specified within the lease agreements.

Future minimum lease payments on operating leases at December 31, 1997 are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                <C>
                 1998                                              $ 1,819,000
                 1999                                                1,513,000
                 2000                                                1,332,000
                 2001                                                  954,000
                 2002                                                  643,000
                 Thereafter                                          2,926,000
                                                                   -----------
                                                                   $ 9,187,000
                                                                   ===========
</TABLE>

12.      COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company may be subject to certain government regulation at the federal and
state levels. To comply with certain regulatory requirements, the Company does
not control the practice of the orthodontists, or control or employ the
orthodontists. There can be no assurance that the legality of any long-term
management services agreements that have been entered into will not be
successfully challenged. There also can be no assurance that the laws and
regulations of states in which the Company maintains operations will not change
or be interpreted in the future to restrict or further restrict the Company's
relationship with the orthodontists.

Orthodontists may be subject to legal liability suits while under management or
consulting services agreements with the Company. The Company may also, in the
normal course of business, become a defendant or plaintiff in various lawsuits.
Although a successful claim for which the Company is not fully insured could
have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, management is of
the opinion that it maintains insurance at levels sufficient to insure itself
against the normal risk of operations.

13.       NET REVENUE

Net revenue is comprised of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997           1996
                                                           -----------      ---------
<S>                                                        <C>              <C>
            Management fee income ...................      $ 3,875,000      $      --
            Reimbursed practice operating expenses ..       13,753,000             --
            Amortization of acquired deferred revenue          453,000             --
                                                           -----------      ---------
                                                           $18,081,000      $      --
                                                           ===========      =========
</TABLE>




                                      F-14
<PAGE>   37

14.      INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1997              1996
                                    -----------       -----------
<S>                                 <C>               <C>
            Federal - current       $ 1,086,000       $        --
            Federal - deferred         (386,000)
                                    -----------       -----------
                                    $   700,000       $        --
                                    ===========       ===========

            State - current ..      $   222,000       $        --
            State - deferred .          (81,000)
                                    -----------       -----------
                                    $   141,000       $        --
                                    ===========       ===========
</TABLE>

A reconciliation of the provision for income taxes to the amount computed at the
Federal statutory rate is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           1997
                                                           ----
<S>                                                        <C>
            Federal income tax at statutory rate             34%
            Effect of disallowed expense .......              2
            Effect of amortization of goodwill .             34
            Non-deductible warrant expense .....            615
            State taxes, net of Federal benefit              88
            Other ..............................             33
                                                            ---
                                                            806%
                                                            ===
</TABLE>

The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions
of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at December 31 are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1997                    1996
                                                             -----------             -----------
<S>                                                          <C>                     <C>
            Current deferred tax assets:
                Warrant expense .................            $   211,000             $        --
                Unearned revenue ................                773,000                      --
                                                             -----------             -----------
                                                                 984,000                      --
                                                             -----------             -----------

            Non-current deferred tax assets:
                Benefit of IRC Section 351 Gain
                   on transferred assets ........              2,552,000                      --
                Start-up costs amortization .....              1,281,000                      --
</TABLE>


                                      F-15
<PAGE>   38
<TABLE>
<S>                                                          <C>                     <C>
                Net operating loss ..............                174,000                      --
                Other ...........................                202,000                      --
                                                             -----------             -----------
                                                               4,209,000                      --
                                                             -----------             -----------
            Total deferred tax assets ...........            $ 5,193,000             $        --
                                                             ===========             ===========
            Current deferred tax liabilities:
                Patient receivables .............            $(1,672,000)            $        --
                                                             -----------             -----------
            Non-current deferred tax liabilities:
                Expansion costs .................                (83,000)                     --
                Other ...........................                (38,000)                     --
                                                             -----------             -----------
                                                                (121,000)                     --
                                                             -----------             -----------
            Total deferred tax liabilities ......            $(1,793,000)            $        --
                                                             ===========             ===========
</TABLE>

As part of the acquisition of the Allied Practices, the Company received assets
and liabilities from the founding Allied Practices which had not been subject to
income taxes. The basis of these assets and liabilities for income tax purposes
exceeded the basis for financial reporting purposes by $8,761,000 as of August
25, 1997. Deferred tax assets and liabilities were recorded on the opening
balance sheet to account for these differences.

15.       EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company adopted SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share ("SFAS 128") effective
December 15, 1997. Prior period earnings per share information has been
restated to follow the method prescribed by SFAS 128.

Basic earnings per share of Common Stock is computed by dividing the net loss
for the year by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share of Common Stock is the
same as basic earnings per share as the Company has reported a net loss for
1997.

Securities, including those issuable pursuant to the conversion of Class B
Common Stock to Common Stock, that could potentially dilute EPS in the future,
that have not been included in the computation of diluted EPS because to do so
would have been anti-dilutive for the period presented, or because the
contingencies have not been met at December 31, 1997, consisted of the
following:


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                       <C>
Common Stock shares issuable in the future pursuant to options
and warrants outstanding at December 31, 1997                             1,243,332

Common Stock shares issuable in the future for conversion of
Class B Common Stock shares                                               2,000,000
                                                                          ---------
                                                                          3,243,332
                                                                          =========
</TABLE>


                                      F-16
<PAGE>   39
16.      RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

For the year ended December 31, 1997, the Company entered into the following
related party transactions:

i)       Paid a $300,000 consulting fee to a director, Mr. Wilfong, who provided
         financial and general business services in connection with the
         IPO pursuant to a consulting agreement. Pursuant to this consulting 
         agreement and in addition to the consulting fee, the Company granted 
         Mr. Wilfong a warrant to purchase 150,000 shares of its Common Stock
         exercisable at $12.00 per share.

         Pursuant to the merger with USOC, a warrant granted to Mr. Wilfong
         by USOC to purchase 168,750 shares of USOC's common stock was converted
         to a warrant to purchase an equal number of shares of OrthAlliance's
         Common Stock at an exercise price of $11.16 per share.

         The Company recorded a non-recurring organizer compensation expense 
         of $1,297,000 during the year ended December 31, 1997 related to 
         these warrants.

ii)      In connection with the IPO, certain Allied Orthodontists were
         instrumental in recruiting new Allied Practices and received warrants
         to purchase an aggregate of 90,000 shares of OrthAlliance Common Stock.
         Of these, 31,600 were granted to an allied orthodontist who is also
         a director. All of these warrants have an exercise price of $12.00 
         per share.

         The Company recorded a non-recurring organizer compensation expense 
         of $366,000 during the year ended December 31, 1997 related to these 
         warrants.

iii)     Referral Commissions for recruiting new Allied Practices of 
         approximately $106,000 were paid to an Allied Orthodontist who is 
         also a director. These consisted of approximately $41,000 in cash 
         and options to purchase 5,210 shares of Common Stock valued
         at approximately $65,000.

iv)      Referral Commissions for recruiting new Allied Practices of 
         approximately $91,000 were paid in cash to certain allied
         orthodontists.






                                      F-17
<PAGE>   40

17.      SUBSEQUENT EVENTS - NEW ORTHODONTIC AFFILIATIONS

Subsequent to December 31, 1997, 10 practices affiliated with the Company which
included 13 allied orthodontists. The 10 Allied Practices operate in 30
locations and generated historical patient revenue over the prior 12 months of
approximately $15.9 million (unaudited). Prior patient revenue is not
necessarily indicative of the level of revenue that such Allied Practices may
be expected to generate in the future. The Company has entered into agreements
with certain of these practices to determine management fees beginning in the
third year of the agreements based on various factors, including relative
practice profitability compared to acquisition consideration, timely reporting
of information, participation in practice improvement programs and orthodontist
hours worked.

PedoAlliance, Inc. ("PedoAlliance"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company,
was incorporated on December 19, 1997 to provide practice management or
consulting services to pediatric dental practices ("Allied Pediatric Practices")
located throughout the United States. PedoAlliance intends to manage the
business aspects of Allied Pediatric Practices, thereby allowing the pediatric
dentists ("Allied Pediatric Dentist") to focus on delivering cost-effective,
high quality patient care, and provides capital for the development and growth
of such pediatric dental practices. As of December 31, 1997, PedoAlliance had
not yet allied with any pediatric dental practices.

OrthAlliance Finance, Inc. ("OA Finance"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company, was incorporated on October 7, 1997 to offer financing alternatives to
the patients of Allied Practices. As of December 31, 1997, OA Finance had not
yet funded any loans to prospective patients.


                                      F-18
<PAGE>   41


                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of OrthAlliance, Inc.:

We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the
consolidated financial statements of OrthAlliance, Inc. and subsidiaries
included in this Form 10-K and have issued our report thereon dated February 27,
1998. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic
financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule identified as "Schedule II -
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts" is the responsibility of the Company's
management and is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and
Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic consolidated financial
statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied
in the audits of the basic consolidated financial statements and, in our
opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data to be set
forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.


                                             /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Los Angeles, California
February 27, 1998


                                      F-19
<PAGE>   42
                               ORTHALLIANCE, INC.

                 SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Additions
                                       Balance at       charged to                                         Balance at
                                      beginning of       costs and                         Other             end of
Description                              period          expenses        Retirements      charges(A)         period
- -----------                              ------          --------        -----------      ----------         ------
<S>                                   <C>               <C>              <C>               <C>             <C>
Reserves and allowances
deducted from asset accounts:

Allowance for uncollectible
accounts receivable:

Year ended December 31, 1997             $   --           $ 18,000         $   --         $ 517,000          $ 535,000
</TABLE>


(A) Amount was recognized at the time that the Allied Practices transferred
    certain of their assets and liabilities to the Company.




                                      S-1
<PAGE>   43
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        EXHIBIT                      DESCRIPTION
        -------                      -----------
<S>               <C>
         3.1      Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
                  Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the
                  Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143, as amended).

         3.2      Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 333-27143, as amended).

         4.1      Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-27143, as
                  amended).

         4.2      Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
                  Company, including, without limitation Section 4 (incorporated
                  by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-27143, as
                  amended).

         4.3      Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-1 Registration No. 333-27143, as amended).

         4.4      Incidental Registration Rights for certain Allied
                  Orthodontist as set forth in the Form of Purchase and Sale
                  Agreement (Exhibit 10.2 hereto), the Form of Stock Purchase
                  and Sale Agreement (Exhibit 10.3 hereto) and the Form of
                  Agreement and Plan of Reorganization (Exhibit 10.5 hereto) 

         10.1     Agreement and Plan of Merger between the Company, USOC and POG
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143, as amended).

         10.2     Form of Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Company and
                  Allied Practices (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of
                  the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration
                  No. 333-27143, as amended).

         10.3     Form of Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Company
                  and Stockholders of the initial Allied Practices (incorporated
                  by reference to Exhibit 2.4 of the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-27143, as
                  amended).


         10.4     Form of Stock Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Company
                  and the Stockholders of the Allied
                  Practices.

         10.5     Form of Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between the
                  Company, Allied Practices and the Stockholders of the Allied
                  Practices (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 of the
                  Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143, as amended).

         10.6     Form of Service Agreement between the Company and Allied
                  Practices (Fixed Percentage Fee) (incorporated by reference to
                  Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form
                  S-1, Registration No. 333-27143, as amended).

         10.7     Form of Service Agreement between Company and Allied Practices
                  (Variable Percentage Fee) (incorporated by reference to
                  Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Registration Statement on Form
                  S-1, Registration No. 333-27143, as amended).

         10.8     Form of Consulting and Business Services Agreement between the
                  Company and Allied Practices (Variable Percentage Fee)
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143, as amended).

         10.9     Form of Consulting and Business Services Agreement between the
                  Company and Allied Practices (Fixed Percentage Fee)
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143, as amended).

         10.10    Form of Consulting and Business Services Agreement between the
                  Company and Allied Practices (Fixed Dollar Fee) (incorporated
                  by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-27143, as
                  amended).

         10.11    1997 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (incorporated by
                  reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Company's Registration
                  Statement on Form S-1, Registration No. 333-27143).
</TABLE>


                                      E-1
<PAGE>   44
<TABLE>
<S>               <C>
         10.12    Amended and Restated 1997 Employee Stock Option Plan
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Company's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143).

         10.13    1997 Orthodontist Stock Option Plan.

         10.14    Employment Agreement between the Company and Sam Westover
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Company's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143).

         10.15    Letter Agreement between the Company and Robert S. Chilton
                  (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the Company's
                  Registration Statement on Form S-1, Registration No.
                  333-27143, as amended).

         10.16    Credit Agreement dated December 30, 1997 between the Company
                  and First Union National Bank.

         10.17    Form of Company Practice Improvement Program Guarantee
                  
         21.1     Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

         23.1     Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.

         27.1     Financial Data Schedule.

         27.2     Restated Financial Data Schedule.

         99.1     Safe Harbor Compliance Statement.
</TABLE>


                                       E-1

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.4


                        STOCK PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

                                  by and among

                               ORTHALLIANCE, INC.,

                               ------------------,

                                       and

                               ------------------

                         DATED AS OF
                                     ------------------   

                    THIS AGREEMENT IS SUBJECT TO ARBITRATION.


                                       1
<PAGE>   2
                        STOCK PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT

         This STOCK PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is made and
executed as of __________________, by and among ORTHALLIANCE, INC., a Delaware
corporation ("OrthAlliance"), __________________, a _____________ corporation
(the "Company"), and __________________, resident of the State of _____________
("Shareholder".)

                                    RECITALS

         WHEREAS, the Company owns certain assets used to operate an orthodontic
practice in ___________, _____________;

         WHEREAS, Shareholder is the only shareholder of the Company;

         WHEREAS, OrthAlliance is engaged in the business of acquiring the
assets of and providing consulting services with respect to orthodontic
practices to the extent permitted by applicable law; and

         WHEREAS, Shareholder wishes to sell to OrthAlliance all of
Shareholder's right, title and interest in and to all of the outstanding
shares of capital stock of the Company (the "Orthodontic Stock"), and
OrthAlliance wishes to buy all of Shareholder's right, title and interest in and
to the Orthodontic Stock, subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth
herein.

         NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
hereinafter set forth, and for other good and valuable consideration, the
sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as
follows:

SECTION 1. PURCHASE AND SALE OF ORTHODONTIC STOCK AND CLOSING.

         1.1 PURCHASE. Upon the terms and conditions set forth herein,
Shareholder shall sell to OrthAlliance and OrthAlliance shall purchase from
Shareholder all of Shareholder's right, title and interest in and to the
Orthodontic Stock, free and clear of all liens, charges, encumbrances, claims,
options, and other restrictions of any nature whatsoever.

         1.2 PURCHASE PRICE. OrthAlliance hereby agrees to pay to Shareholder
the purchase price ("Purchase Price") for the Orthodontic Stock set forth on
Annex I hereto.

         1.3 DELIVERY OF ORTHODONTIC STOCK. At Closing (as hereinafter defined)
Shareholder shall deliver to OrthAlliance validly issued certificates
representing the Orthodontic Stock, together with stock powers duly executed in
blank, and with all necessary transfer tax and other revenue stamps (if any),
acquired at the Shareholder's expense. Shareholder shall execute and deliver
such instruments of conveyance, sale or transfer, and shall take or cause to be
taken such further action as OrthAlliance or its counsel shall request at any
time or from time to time to vest, confirm or evidence in OrthAlliance good and
marketable title to all of the Orthodontic Stock intended to be conveyed, sold,
transferred and delivered to OrthAlliance hereunder.

         1.4 CLOSING DATE. The sale, transfer and delivery of the Orthodontic
Stock pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and the delivery of the Purchase
Price (as hereinafter defined) shall take place as soon as all appropriate
conditions as set forth herein have been fulfilled. The date on which the last
of all payments and deliveries occurs is the "Closing Date", and such payments
and deliveries constitute the "Closing." The parties hereto shall use their
reasonable best efforts to satisfy all appropriate conditions as soon as
possible.

         1.5 COSTS AND EXPENSES. Each party to this Agreement shall pay its
fees, costs and expenses and those of its agents, accountants, lawyers and
investment advisors, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are
consummated in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

         1.6 SUBSEQUENT ACTIONS. If, at any time after the Closing Date,
OrthAlliance shall consider or be advised that any deeds, bills of sale,
assignments, assurances or any other actions or things are necessary or
desirable to


                                       2
<PAGE>   3
vest, perfect or confirm of record or otherwise in OrthAlliance its right, title
or interest in, to or under any of the rights, properties or assets of the
Company acquired as a result of, or in connection with this Agreement,
Shareholder shall take such actions and provide such assistance as may be
reasonably required to vest, perfect or confirm any and all right, title and
interest in, to and under such rights, properties or assets in the Company or
otherwise to carry out this Agreement.

SECTION  2. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY AND THE SHAREHOLDER.

         The Company and the Shareholder, jointly and severally, hereby
represent and warrant to OrthAlliance that the following statements are current
and complete as of the date of this Agreement and will be correct and complete
as of the Closing Date (as though made then and as though the Closing Date were
substituted for the date of this Agreement, except as set forth in the
disclosure Exhibits accompanying this Section 2) and the Effective Date. The
disclosure Exhibits will be arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the
paragraphs contained in this Section.

         2.1 CORPORATE EXISTENCE; GOOD STANDING. The Company is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of _____________. The Company has all necessary powers to own all of its
assets and to carry on its business as such business is now being conducted. The
Company does not own stock directly or indirectly, in any other corporation,
association or business organization, nor is the Company a party to any joint
venture or partnership, other than as set forth on Exhibit 2.1. Shareholder is
the sole shareholder of the Company and owns all outstanding shares of capital
stock free of all security interests, claims, encumbrances and liens. Each share
of Company common stock has been legally and validly issued and fully paid and
nonassessable. No shares of capital stock of the Company are owned by the
Company in treasury. There are no outstanding (a) bonds, debentures, notes or
other obligations the holders of which have the right to vote with the
stockholders of the Company on any matter (except as set forth in Exhibit 2.1),
(b) securities of the Company convertible into equity interests in the Company,
or (c) commitments, options, rights or warrants to issue any such equity
interests in the Company, to issue securities of the Company convertible into
such equity interests, or to redeem any securities of the Company. No shares of
capital stock of the Company have been issued or disposed of in violation of the
preemptive rights, rights of first refusal or similar rights of any of the
Shareholder. The Company is not required to qualify to do business as a foreign
corporation in any other state or jurisdiction by reason of its business,
properties or activities in or relating to such other state or jurisdiction. The
Company does not have any assets, employees or offices in any state other than
_____________.

         2.2 POWER AND AUTHORITY FOR TRANSACTIONS. The Company has the corporate
power to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all agreements and
other documents executed and delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement or to be
executed and delivered on the Closing Date, and has taken all action required by
law, its Articles of Incorporation, its Bylaws or otherwise, to authorize the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and such related
documents. Shareholder has the legal capacity to enter into and perform this
Agreement and the other agreements to be executed and delivered in connection
herewith. The Company has obtained (or will obtain as of the Closing Date) the
approval of the Shareholder necessary to the consummation of the transactions
contemplated herein. This Agreement and all agreements and documents executed
and delivered in connection herewith have been, or will be as of the Closing
Date, duly executed and delivered by the Company and the Shareholder, as
appropriate, and constitute or will constitute the legal, valid and binding
obligations of the Company and the Shareholder, enforceable against the Company
and the Shareholder in accordance with their respective terms, except as may be
limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally or the availability of equitable remedies. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement, and the agreements executed and
delivered pursuant to this Agreement or to be executed and delivered on the
Closing Date, do not, and, subject to the receipt of consents described on
Exhibit 2.5, the consummation of the actions contemplated hereby will not,
violate any provision of the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company
or any provisions of, or result in the acceleration of, any obligation under any
mortgage, lien, lease, agreement, rent, instrument, order, arbitration award,
judgment or decree to which the Company or Shareholder is a party or by which
the Company or Shareholder is bound, or violate any material restrictions of any
kind to which the Company is subject, or result in any lien or encumbrance on
any of the Company's assets.

         2.3 PERMITS, LICENSES AND GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORIZATIONS. All building or
other permits, certificates of occupancy, concessions, grants, franchises,
licenses, certificates of need and other governmental authorizations and
approvals required to be maintained by the Company, the Shareholder and each
licensed employee of the Company


                                       3
<PAGE>   4
have been duly obtained and are in full force and effect unless such failure to
obtain would not have a material adverse effect on the Company. There are no
proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Company and the Shareholder,
threatened, which may result in the revocation, cancellation or suspension, or
any adverse modification, of any thereof.

         2.4 CORPORATE RECORDS. True and correct copies of the Articles of
Incorporation, Bylaws and all amendments thereto of the Company have been
delivered to OrthAlliance, and the books of account of the Company have been
kept accurately in the ordinary course of business and the revenues, expenses,
assets and liabilities of the Company have been properly recorded in such books.

         2.5 CONSENTS. Except as set forth on Exhibit 2.5, no consent,
authorization, permit, license or filing with any governmental authority, any
lender, lessor, any manufacturer or supplier or any other person or entity is
required to authorize, or is required in connection with, the execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement and the agreements and documents
contemplated hereby on the part of the Company or the Shareholder.

         2.6 THE COMPANY'S FINANCIAL INFORMATION. The Company has heretofore
furnished OrthAlliance with copies of financial information ("Financial
Statements") about the Company as set forth on Exhibit 2.6 attached hereto,
including the unaudited Balance Sheet ("Balance Sheet") as of ______________,
199_ ("Balance Sheet Date"). Such financial statements have been prepared
consistent with past practices, reflect all liabilities of the Company,
including all contingent liabilities of the Company, as of their respective
dates, and present fairly the financial position of the Company as of such dates
and the results of operations and cash flows for the period or periods reflected
therein; provided, however, that such Financial Statements are subject to post
year end adjustments (which will not be material individually or in the
aggregate).

         2.7 LEASES. Exhibit 2.7 attached hereto sets forth a list of all leases
pursuant to which the Company leases, as lessor or lessee, real or personal
property used in operating the business of the Company or otherwise. Such leases
listed on Exhibit 2.7 are valid and enforceable in accordance with their
respective terms unless such validity or unenforceability will have no material
negative impact on the Company. There is not under any such lease any existing
default by the Company, as lessor or lessee, or any condition or event of which
the Company or Shareholder has knowledge which with notice or lapse of time, or
both, would constitute a default.

         2.8 CONDITION OF ASSETS. All of the plants, structures and equipment
used by the Company in its business are in good condition and repair subject to
normal wear and tear and conform with all applicable ordinances, regulations and
other laws, and the Company and the Shareholder have no knowledge of any latent
defects therein.

         2.9 TITLE TO AND ENCUMBRANCES ON PROPERTY. An inventory list of all
interests in personal property and real estate leasehold interests owned by the
Company is set forth on Exhibit 2.9 (the "Property"). The Company has good,
valid and marketable title to the Property free and clear of any liens, claims,
charges, exceptions or encumbrances, except for those, if any, which are set
forth in Exhibit 2.9 attached hereto or those which were disposed of in the
ordinary course of business prior to the Closing Date. The real estate leasehold
interest and personal property described on Exhibit 2.7 and Exhibit 2.9
constitute the only real and personal property used in the conduct of the
Company's business, except as otherwise disclosed in Exhibit 2.9. Upon
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, such interest in the
Property shall be free and clear of all liens, security interests, claims and
encumbrances and evidence of such releases of liens and claims shall be provided
to OrthAlliance on the Closing Date.

         2.10 INVENTORIES. All inventories of the Company used in the conduct of
its business are reflected on the Balance Sheet in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles consistently applied. The items of the Company's
inventory have been acquired in the ordinary course of its business, are
adequate for the reasonable requirements of its business, and may be used for
their intended purposes. Except as otherwise noted in the Balance Sheet,
substantially all of the inventory owned or used by the Company is in good,
current, standard and merchantable condition and is not obsolete or defective.

         2.11 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS; NAMES. Except as set forth on
Exhibit 2.11, the Company has no right, title or interest in or to patents,
patent rights, corporate names, assumed names, manufacturing processes, trade
names, trademarks, service marks, inventions, specialized treatment protocols,
copyrights, formulas and trade secrets or similar items and such items are the
only such items necessary for the conduct of its business. Set forth in Exhibit
2.11 is a listing of all names of all predecessor companies of the Company,
including the names of any entities from whom


                                       4
<PAGE>   5
the Company previously acquired significant assets. Except for off-the-shelf
software licenses and except as set forth on Exhibit 2.11, the Company is not a
licensee in respect of any patents, trademarks, service marks, trade names,
copyrights or applications therefor, or manufacturing processes, formulas or
trade secrets or similar items and no such licenses are necessary for the
conduct of its business. No claim is or, to the best of Company's or
Shareholder's knowledge, is pending to the effect that the present or past
operations of the Company infringe upon or conflict with the asserted rights of
others to any patents, patent rights, manufacturing processes, trade names,
trademarks, service marks, inventions, licenses, specialized treatment
protocols, copyrights, formulas, know-how and trade secrets. To the best of
Company's and Shareholder's knowledge, the Company has the sole and exclusive
right to use all such proprietary rights without infringing or violating the
rights of any third parties and no consents of any third parties are required
for the use thereof by OrthAlliance or the Company after the Closing. Any
corporate, assumed, or trade names utilizing the name of Shareholder may be
changed at the option of the Company prior to Closing and OrthAlliance shall
acquire no interest therein.

         2.12 DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS; PAYROLL INFORMATION; EMPLOYEES. Set forth
on Exhibit 2.12 attached hereto is a true and complete list, as of the date of
this Agreement of: (a) the name of each director and officer of the Company and
the offices held by each, (b) the most recent payroll report of the Company,
showing all current employees of the Company and their current levels of
compensation, (c) promised increases in compensation of employees of the Company
that have not yet been effected, (d) oral or written employment agreements or
independent contractor agreements (and all amendments thereto) to which the
Company is a party, copies of which have been delivered to OrthAlliance, and (e)
all employee manuals, materials, policies, procedures and work-related rules,
copies of which have been delivered to OrthAlliance. The Company is in
compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and ordinances
respecting employment and employment practices. The Company has not engaged in
any unfair labor practice. To the best of Company's and Shareholder's knowledge,
there are no unfair labor practices charges or complaints pending or threatened
against the Company, and the Company has never been a party to any agreement
with any union, labor organization or collective bargaining unit.

         2.13 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. Neither the Company nor Shareholder nor
outstanding shares of the Company's stock nor any of the Company's assets is
subject to any pending, nor does the Company or Shareholder have knowledge of
any threatened litigation, governmental investigation, condemnation or other
proceeding against or relating to or affecting the Company, Shareholder, the
outstanding shares of the Company's stock, any of the assets of the Company, the
operations, business or prospects of the Company or the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement, and, to the knowledge of the Company and the
Shareholder, no basis for any such action exists, nor is there any legal
impediment of which the Company or Shareholder has knowledge to the continued
operation of its business in the ordinary course, subject to consents set forth
on Exhibit 2.5.

         2.14 CONTRACTS. The Company has delivered to OrthAlliance true copies
of all written, and disclosed to OrthAlliance, all oral, outstanding contracts,
obligations and commitments of the Company, excluding patient contracts (the
"Contracts"), all of which are listed or incorporated by reference on Exhibit
2.7 (in the case of leases) and Exhibit 2.14 (in the case of Contracts other
than leases) attached hereto. Except as otherwise indicated on such Exhibits, to
the best of Company's and Shareholder's knowledge, all of such Contracts are
valid, binding and enforceable in accordance with their terms and are in full
force and effect, and no defenses, offsets or counterclaims have been asserted
or may be made by any party thereto, subject to applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization or other laws affecting the rights of creditors
generally, or to equitable principles. Except as indicated on such Exhibits,
there is not under any such Contract any existing default by the Company, or any
condition or event of which the Company or Shareholder has knowledge which with
notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute a default. The Company and
the Shareholder has no knowledge of any default by any other party to such
Contracts. Neither the Company nor the Shareholder has received notice of the
intention of any party to any Contract to cancel or terminate any Contract and
have no reason to believe that any amendment or change to any Contract is
contemplated by any party thereto. Other than those contracts, obligations and
commitments of the Company listed on Exhibit 2.7 and Exhibit 2.14 and any
patient contracts, the Company is not a party to any material written or oral
agreement, contract, lease or arrangement, including any:

                  (a) Contract related to the assets of the Company not made in
the ordinary course of business other than this Agreement;

                  (b) Employment, consulting, service or compensation agreement
or arrangement;


                                       5
<PAGE>   6
                  (c) Labor or collective bargaining agreement;

                  (d) Lease agreement with respect to any property, whether as
lessor or lessee;

                  (e) Deed, bill of sale or other document evidencing an
interest in or agreement to purchase or sell real or personal property;

                  (f) Contract for the purchase of materials, supplies or
equipment (i) which is in excess of the requirements of its business now booked
or for normal operating inventories, or (ii) which is not terminable upon notice
of thirty (30) days or less;

                  (g) Agreement for the purchase from a supplier of all or
substantially all of the requirements of the Company of a particular product or
service;

                  (h) Loan agreement or other contract for money borrowed or
lent or to be borrowed or lent to another;

                  (i) Contracts containing non-competition covenants; or

                  (j) Other contracts or agreements that involve either an
unperformed commitment in excess of $1,000 or that cannot be performed in the
ordinary course of business within thirty (30) days after the date hereof or
terminated by the Company without payment of any penalty or other expense.

         2.15 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS. Except as disclosed on Exhibit 2.15, the
Company has not, since the Balance Sheet Date:

                  (a) Incurred any material obligation or liability (absolute,
accrued, contingent or otherwise) or entered into any contract, lease, license
or commitment, except for this Agreement, other than in the ordinary course of
business or incurred any indebtedness;

                  (b) Discharged or satisfied any material lien or encumbrance,
or paid or satisfied any material obligation or liability (absolute, accrued,
contingent or otherwise) other than (i) liabilities shown or reflected on the
Balance Sheet or (ii) liabilities incurred since the Balance Sheet Date in the
ordinary course of business;

                  (c) Formed or acquired or disposed of any interest in any
corporation, partnership, joint venture or other entity;

                  (d) Made any payments to or loaned any money to any person or
entity other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practices;

                  (e) Lost or terminated any employee, patient, customer or
supplier that has, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect
on its business;

                  (f) Increased or established any reserve for taxes or any
other liability on its books or otherwise provided therefor;

                  (g) Mortgaged, pledged or subjected to any lien, charge or
other encumbrance any of the assets of the Company, tangible or intangible;

                  (h) Sold or contracted to sell or transferred or contracted to
transfer any of the assets used in the conduct of the Company's business or
canceled any debts or claims or waived any rights, except in the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practices;

                  (i) Except in the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practices, granted any increase in the rates of pay of employees,
consultants or agents, or by means of any bonus or pension plan, contract or


                                       6
<PAGE>   7
other commitment, increased the compensation of any officer, employee,
consultant or agent;

                  (j) Authorized or incurred any capital expenditures in excess
of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000);

                  (k) Except for this Agreement and any other agreement executed
and delivered pursuant to this Agreement, entered into any material transaction
other than as permitted hereunder;

                  (l) Redeemed, purchased, sold or issued any stock, bonds or
other securities to persons other than the Shareholder;

                  (m) Experienced damage, destruction or loss (whether or not
covered by insurance) materially and adversely affecting any of its properties,
assets or business, or experienced any other material adverse change in its
financial condition, assets, prospects, liabilities or business;

                  (n) Declared or paid a distribution, payment or dividend of
any kind on the capital stock of the Company;

                  (o) Repurchased, approved any repurchase or agreed to
repurchase any of the Company's capital stock; or

                  (p) Suffered any material adverse change in the business of
the Company or to the assets of the Company.

         2.16 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE/PAYABLE. The Balance Sheet reflects the
amount, as of the Balance Sheet Date, of the Company's (i) accounts receivable,
net of allowances for uncollectible and doubtful amounts ("Accounts
Receivable"), and (ii) current accounts payable and current accrued liabilities
(other than the current portion of long-term debt) ("Accounts Payable"). Exhibit
2.16 contains a true and accurate (i) list of all Accounts Receivable, and (ii)
list of all Accounts Payable and (iii) statement of the working capital
("Working Capital") of the Company as of the Balance Sheet Date. The Company
maintains its accounting records in sufficient detail to substantiate the
accounts receivable reflected on the Balance Sheet and has given and will give
to OrthAlliance full and complete access to those records, including the right
to make copies therefrom. Since the Balance Sheet Date, the Company has not
changed any principle or practice with respect to the recordation of accounts
receivable or the calculation of reserves therefor, or any material collection,
discount or write-off policy or procedure. Accounts Receivable are not recorded
in amounts estimated to be net of contractual allowances related to third-party
payor arrangements. The Company is in substantial compliance with the terms and
conditions of such third-party payor arrangements, and the reserves established
by the Company are adequate to cover any liability resulting from lack of
compliance.

         2.17 TAXES. The Company has filed all tax returns required to be filed
by it, and made all payments of taxes, including any interest, penalty or
addition thereto, required to be made by it, with respect to income taxes, real
and personal property taxes, sales taxes, use taxes, employment taxes, excise
taxes and other taxes due and payable on or before the date of this Agreement.
To the best of Company's and Shareholder's knowledge, all such tax returns are
complete and accurate in all respects and properly reflect the relevant taxes
for the periods covered thereby. The Company has no tax liability, except for
real and personal property taxes and license fees for the current period not yet
due and payable and sales, use, employment and similar taxes for periods as to
which such taxes have not yet become due and payable. The unpaid taxes of the
Company did not, as of the Balance Sheet Date, exceed the reserve for taxes
(rather than any reserve for deferred taxes established to reflect timing
differences between book and income tax income) set forth on the face of the
Balance Sheet (rather than in any notes thereto), as adjusted for the passage of
time through the Closing Date (in accordance with the past custom and practice
of the Company). The Company and the Shareholder have not received any notice
that any tax deficiency or delinquency has been asserted against the Company. To
the best of Company's and Shareholder's knowledge, there are no audits relating
to taxes of the Company threatened, pending or in process. The Company is not
currently the beneficiary of any waiver of any statute of limitations in respect
of taxes nor of any extension of time within which to file any tax return or to
pay any tax assessment or deficiency. There are no liens or encumbrances
relating to taxes on or, to the best of Company's and Shareholder's knowledge,
threatened against any of the assets of the Company. To the best of Company's
and Shareholder's knowledge, the Company has withheld and paid all taxes
required by law to have been withheld and paid by it. Neither the Company nor
any predecessor of the


                                       7
<PAGE>   8
Company is or has been a party to any tax allocation or sharing agreement or a
member of an affiliated group of corporations filing a consolidated federal
income tax return. The Company has delivered to OrthAlliance correct and
complete copies of the Company's three most recently filed annual state and
federal income tax returns, together with all examination reports and statements
of deficiencies assessed against or agreed to by the Company during the three
calendar year period preceding the date of this Agreement. The Company has
neither made any payments, is obligated to make any payments, or is a party to
any agreement that under any circumstance could obligate it to make any payments
that will not be deductible under Code section 280G.

         2.18 COMMISSIONS AND FEES. There are no claims for brokerage
commissions or finder's or similar fees in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement which may be now or hereafter asserted against
OrthAlliance, the Company or the Shareholder resulting from any action taken by
the Company or the Shareholder or their respective agents or employees, or any
of them.

         2.19 LIABILITIES; DEBT. Except to the extent reflected or reserved
against on the Balance Sheet, the Company did not have, as of the Balance Sheet
Date, and has not incurred since that date and will not have incurred as of the
Closing Date, any liabilities or obligations of any nature, whether accrued,
absolute, contingent or otherwise, and whether due or to become due, other than
those incurred in the ordinary course of business. The Company and the
Shareholder do not know, or have reasonable grounds to know, of any basis for
the assertion against the Company as of the Balance Sheet Date, of any claim or
liability of any nature in any amount not fully reflected or reserved against on
the Balance Sheet, or of any claim or liability of any nature arising since that
date other than those incurred in the ordinary course of business or
contemplated by this Agreement. All indebtedness of the Company (including
without limitation, indebtedness for borrowed money, guaranties and capital
lease obligations) is described on Exhibit 2.19 attached hereto.

         2.20 INSURANCE POLICIES. The Company and Shareholder carry property,
liability, malpractice, workers' compensation and such other types of insurance
as is customary in the industry. Valid and enforceable policies in such amounts
are outstanding and duly in force and will remain duly in force through the
Closing Date. All such policies are described in Exhibit 2.20 attached hereto
and true and correct copies have been delivered to OrthAlliance. Neither the
Company nor Shareholder has received notice or other communication from the
issuer of any such insurance policy canceling or amending such policy or
threatening to do so. Neither the Company nor Shareholder has any outstanding
claims, settlements or premiums owed against any insurance policy.

         2.21 EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. Except as set forth on Exhibit 2.21
attached hereto, the Company has neither established, nor maintains, nor is
obligated to make contributions to or under or otherwise participate in, (a) any
bonus or other type of compensation or employment plan, program, agreement,
policy, commitment, contract or arrangement (whether or not set forth in a
written document); (b) any pension, profit-sharing, retirement or other plan,
program or arrangement; or (c) any other employee benefit plan, fund or program,
including, but not limited to, those described in Section 3(3) of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA"). To the best of
Company's and Shareholder's knowledge, all such plans listed on Exhibit 2.21
(individually "Company Plan," and collectively "Company Plans") have been
operated and administered in all material respects in accordance with all
applicable laws, rules and regulations, including without limitation, ERISA, the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, as amended, the Equal Pay Act of 1967, as amended, the Age Discrimination
in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, and the related rules and regulations
adopted by those federal agencies responsible for the administration of such
laws. To the best of Company's and Shareholder's knowledge, no act or failure to
act by the Company has resulted in a "prohibited transaction" (as defined in
ERISA) with respect to the Company Plans. No "reportable event" (as defined in
ERISA) has occurred with respect to any of the Company Plans. The Company has
not previously made, is not currently making, and is not obligated in any way to
make, any contributions to any multi-employer plan within the meaning of the
Multi-Employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980. With respect to each Company
Plan, either (i) the value of plan assets (including commitments under insurance
contracts) is at least equal to the value of plan liabilities or (ii) the value
of plan liabilities in excess of plan assets is disclosed on the Balance Sheet,
all as of the Closing Date.

         2.22 ADVERSE AGREEMENTS. The Company is not, and will not be as of the
Closing Date, a party to any agreement or instrument or subject to any charter
or other corporate restriction or any judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree,
rule or regulation that materially and adversely affects the condition
(financial or otherwise), operations, assets, liabilities, business or prospects
of the Company.



                                       8
<PAGE>   9
         2.23 COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS IN GENERAL. The Company, the Shareholder and
Company's licensed employees have complied with all applicable laws, rules,
regulations and licensing requirements, including, without limitation, the
Federal Environmental Protection Act, the Occupational Safety and Health Act,
the Americans with Disabilities Act and any environmental laws and medical waste
laws, and there exist no violations by the Company, Shareholder or any licensed
employee of the Company of any federal, state or local law or regulation unless
the failure to do so would have no material negative impact upon the Company.
Neither the Company nor Shareholder has received any notice of a violation of
any federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances relating to the
operations of the business and assets of the Company and no notice of any
pending inspection or violation of any such law, regulation or ordinance has
been received by the Company or Shareholder unless such notice or violation
would have no material negative impact upon the Company.

         2.24 MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PROGRAMS. The Company, Shareholder and each
licensed employee of the Company is qualified for participation in the Medicare
and Medicaid programs and is party to provider agreements for such programs
which are in full force and effect with no defaults having occurred thereunder.
The Company, Shareholder and each licensed employee of the Company has timely
filed all claims or other reports required to be filed with respect to the
purchase of services by third-party payors, and all such claims or reports are
complete and accurate, and has no liability to any payor with respect thereto.
To the best of Company's and Shareholder's knowledge, there are no pending
appeals, overpayment determinations, adjustments, challenges, audit, litigation
or notices of intent to open Medicare or Medicaid claim determinations or other
reports required to be filed by the Company, Shareholder and each licensed
employee of the Company. Neither the Company, nor Shareholder, nor to the best
of Company's and Shareholder's knowledge, any licensed employee of the Company
has been convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to, patient abuse or
negligence, or any other Medicare or Medicaid program related offense and none
has committed any offense which may serve as the basis for suspension or
exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

         2.25 FRAUD AND ABUSE. The Company, Shareholder and all persons and
entities providing professional services for the Company's business have not, to
the knowledge of the Company and the Shareholder, engaged in any activities
which are prohibited under Sections 1320a-7b or Sections 1395nn of Title 42 of
the United States Code or the regulations promulgated thereunder, or related
state or local statutes or regulations, or which are prohibited by rules of
professional conduct, including, but not limited to, the following: (a)
knowingly and willfully making or causing to be made a false statement or
representation of a material fact in any application for any benefit or payment;
(b) knowingly and willfully making or causing to be made any false statement or
representation of a material fact for use in determining rights to any benefit
or payment; (c) any failure by a claimant to disclose knowledge of the
occurrence of any event affecting the initial or continued right to any benefit
or payment on its own behalf or on behalf of another, with the intent to
fraudulently secure such benefit or payment; and (d) knowingly and willfully
soliciting or receiving any remuneration (including any kickback, bribe or
rebate) directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind, or
offering to pay or receive such remuneration (i) in return for referring an
individual to a person for the furnishing or arranging for the furnishing of any
item or service for which payment may be made in whole or in part by Medicare or
Medicaid, or (ii) in return for purchasing, leasing or ordering or arranging
for, or recommending, purchasing, leasing or ordering any good, facility,
service or item for which payment may be made in whole or in part by Medicare or
Medicaid, or (e) referring a patient for designated health services to or
providing designated health services to a patient upon referral from an entity
or person with which the orthodontist or an immediate family member has a
financial relationship, and to which no exception under Sections 1395nn of Title
42 of the United States Code applies.

         2.26 NO UNTRUE REPRESENTATIONS. No representation or warranty by the
Company or Shareholder in this Agreement, and no Exhibit or certificate issued
or executed by, or information furnished by, officers or directors of the
Company or Shareholder and furnished or to be furnished to OrthAlliance pursuant
hereto, or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, contains or
will contain any untrue statement of a material fact, or omits or will omit to
state a material fact necessary to make the statements or facts contained
therein not misleading.

         2.27 DISTRIBUTIONS AND REPURCHASES. No distribution, payment or
dividend of any kind has been declared or paid by the Company on any of its
capital stock since the Balance Sheet Date. No repurchase of any of the
Company's capital stock has been approved, effected or is pending, or is
contemplated by the Board of Directors of the Company.

         2.28 BANKING RELATIONS. Set forth in Exhibit 2.28 is a complete and
accurate list of all arrangements that the Company has with any bank or other
financial institution, indicating with respect to each relationship the type of


                                       9
<PAGE>   10
arrangement maintained (such as checking account, borrowing arrangements, safe
deposit box, etc.) and the person or persons authorized in respect thereof.

         2.29 OWNERSHIP INTERESTS OF INTERESTED PERSONS; COMPETITORS. To the
best of Company's and Shareholder's knowledge, no officer, employee, director or
stockholder of the Company, or their respective spouses, children or affiliates,
owns directly or indirectly, on an individual or joint basis, any interest in,
has a compensation or other financial arrangement with, or serves as an officer
or director of, any customer or supplier or competitor of the Company or any
organization that has a material contract or arrangement with the Company. To
the best of Company's and Shareholder's knowledge, neither the Company, nor any
of its directors, officers, employees, consultants or the Shareholder nor any
affiliate of such person is, or within the last three (3) years was, a party to
any contract, lease, agreement or arrangement, including, but not limited to,
any joint venture or service agreement with any orthodontist, dentist, hospital,
pharmacy, or other person or entity which is in a position to make or influence
referrals to, or otherwise generate business for, the Company or to provide
services, lease space, lease equipment or engage in any other venture or
activity with the Company.

         2.30 PAYORS. Exhibit 2.30 sets forth a true, complete and correct list
of the names and addresses of each payor of the Company's services which
accounted for more than ten percent (10%) of revenues of the Company in the
preceding fiscal year. To the best of Company's and Shareholder's knowledge, the
Company has good relations with all such payors and other material payors of the
Company and none of such payors has notified the Company that it intends to
discontinue its relationship with the Company or to deny any claims submitted to
such payor for payment.

SECTION 3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ORTHALLIANCE.

                  OrthAlliance hereby represents and warrants to the Company and
Shareholder that the following statements are current and complete as of the
date of this Agreement and will be correct and complete as of the Closing Date
(as though made then and as though the Closing Date were substituted for the
date of this Agreement, except as set forth in the disclosure Exhibits
accompanying this Section 3) and the Effective Date. The disclosure Exhibits
will be arranged in paragraphs corresponding to the paragraphs contained in this
Section.

         3.1 CORPORATE EXISTENCE; GOOD STANDING. OrthAlliance is a corporation
duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
State of Delaware. OrthAlliance is, or will be at Closing, duly qualified to do
business and is in good standing in the states where its ownership or leasing of
property or the conduct of its business requires it to be so qualified and in
which the failure to be duly qualified would have a material adverse effect upon
OrthAlliance, and has the corporate power and authority to carry on its business
as now conducted and to own, lease and operate its assets, properties and
business. OrthAlliance has in effect all federal, state, local and foreign
governmental authorizations necessary for it to own or lease its properties and
assets and to carry on its business as it is now being conducted, the absence of
which, either individual or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse
effect on the business, operations, or financial condition of OrthAlliance.

         3.2 CONSENTS, POWER AND AUTHORITY. OrthAlliance has corporate power to
execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and all agreements and other
documents executed and delivered by it pursuant to this Agreement, and has taken
all actions required by law, its Certificate and Articles of Incorporation, its
Bylaws or otherwise, to authorize the execution, delivery and performance of
this Agreement and such related documents. This Agreement and all agreements and
documents executed and delivered in connection herewith have been, or will be as
of the Closing Date, duly executed and delivered by OrthAlliance as appropriate,
and constitute or will constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of
OrthAlliance enforceable against OrthAlliance in accordance with their
respective terms, except as may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency
or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally or the availability of
equitable remedies. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the
agreements related hereto executed and delivered pursuant to this Agreement do
not and, subject to the receipt of consents to assignments of leases and other
contracts where required and the receipt of regulatory approvals where required,
the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby will not violate, any
provision of the Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws of OrthAlliance or any
provisions of, or result in the acceleration of, any obligation under any
mortgage, lien, lease, agreement, instrument, order, arbitration award, judgment
or decree to which OrthAlliance is a party or by which it is bound.

         3.3 COMMISSIONS AND FEES. OrthAlliance has not incurred any obligation
for any finder's, broker's or agent's fees in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby.


                                       10
<PAGE>   11
         3.4 CAPITAL STOCK. The issuance and delivery by OrthAlliance of shares
of the common stock of OrthAlliance in connection with this Agreement will be as
of the Closing Date duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the
part of OrthAlliance. The shares of OrthAlliance common stock to be issued in
connection with this Agreement, when issued in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

         3.5 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. Except as set forth on Exhibit 3.5, there are no
actions, suits or proceedings instituted or pending, or to OrthAlliance's
knowledge, threatened against OrthAlliance or any of its subsidiaries, or
against any property, asset, interest, or right of any of them, that are
reasonably expected to have either individually or in the aggregate a material
adverse effect on the business, operations, assets or condition (financial or
otherwise) of OrthAlliance or its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis taken as
a whole or that are reasonably expected to impede the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. OrthAlliance is not a party to any
agreement or instrument nor subject to any charter or other corporate
restriction or any judgment, order, writ, injunction, decree, rule, regulation,
code or ordinance that might impede the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

SECTION 4 COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY AND SHAREHOLDER.

         The Company and the Shareholder, jointly and severally, agree that
between the date hereof and the Closing Date:

         4.1 CONSUMMATION OF AGREEMENT. The Company and the Shareholder shall
use their best efforts to cause the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby in accordance with their terms and conditions.

         4.2 BUSINESS OPERATIONS. Except as specifically contemplated by this
Agreement, the Company and the Shareholder shall operate the Company's business
in the ordinary course. The Company shall not enter into any lease, contract,
indebtedness, commitment, purchase or sale or acquire or dispose of any capital
asset except in the ordinary course of business. The Company and the Shareholder
shall use their best efforts to preserve the business and assets of the Company
intact and shall not take any action that would have an adverse effect on the
business or assets of the Company, including without limitation any action the
primary purpose or effect of which is to generate or preserve cash; provided
that the Company may continue to operate in the ordinary course of business. The
Company and the Shareholder shall use their best efforts to preserve intact the
relationships with payors, customers, suppliers, patients and others having
significant business relations with the Company. The Company shall collect its
receivables and pay its trade payables in the ordinary course of business. The
Company shall not introduce any new method of management, operations or
accounting. On the Closing Date, the Company shall not be engaged in the
practice of orthodontics and shall not provide orthodontic services.

         4.3 ACCESS AND NOTICE. The Company and the Shareholder shall permit
OrthAlliance and its authorized representatives reasonable access to, and make
available for reasonable inspection, all of the assets and business of the
Company and all of its assets, including employees, customers and suppliers and
permit OrthAlliance and its authorized representatives to inspect and make
copies of all documents, records and information with respect to the business or
assets of the Company as OrthAlliance or its representatives may request. The
Company and the Shareholder shall promptly notify OrthAlliance in writing of (a)
any notice or communication relating to a default or event that, with notice or
lapse of time or both, could become a default, under any contract, commitment or
obligation to which the Company is a party, and (b) any material adverse change
in the Company's business, financial condition or the conditions of its assets.

         4.4 APPROVALS OF THIRD PARTIES AND PERMITS AND CONSENTS. The Company
and Shareholder shall use their best efforts to secure all necessary approvals
and consents of third parties to the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby, including consents described on Exhibit 2.5.

         4.5 ACQUISITION PROPOSAL. The Company and Shareholder shall not, and
shall use their best efforts to cause the Company's employees, agents and
representatives not to, initiate, solicit or encourage, directly or indirectly,
any inquiries or the making or implementation of any proposal or offer,
including without limitation, any proposal or offer to the Shareholder, with
respect to a merger, acquisition, consolidation or similar transaction
involving, or the purchase of all or any significant portion of the assets or
any equity securities of the Company or engage in any negotiations concerning,
or provide any confidential information or data to, or have any discussions
with, any person relating to such


                                       11
<PAGE>   12
proposal or offer, and the Company and the Shareholder will immediately cease
any such activities, discussions or negotiations heretofore conducted with
respect to any of the foregoing.

         4.6 FUNDING OF ACCRUED EMPLOYEE BENEFITS. The Company hereby covenants
and agrees that it will take whatever steps are necessary to pay or fund
completely for any accrued benefits, where applicable, or vested accrued
benefits for which the Company or any entity might have liability arising from
any salary, wage, benefit, bonus, vacation pay, sick leave, insurance,
employment tax or similar liability of the Company to any employee or other
person or entity (including, without limitation, any Company Plan and any
liability under employment contracts with the Company) allocable to services
performed prior to the Closing Date. The Company acknowledges that the purpose
and intent of this covenant is to ensure that OrthAlliance shall have no
liability, directly or indirectly, at any time after the Closing Date with
respect to any of the Company's employees or similar persons or entities,
including, without limitation, any Company Plan.

         4.7 EMPLOYEE MATTERS. The Company shall not, without the prior written
approval of OrthAlliance, except as required by law, increase the cash
compensation of Shareholder or other employee or an independent contractor of
the Company, adopt, amend or terminate any compensation plan, employment
agreement, independent contractor agreement, employee policies and procedures or
employee benefit plan, take any action that could deplete the assets of any
employee benefit plan, or fail to pay any premium or contribution due or file
any report with respect to any employee benefit plan, or take any other actions
with respect to its employees or employee matters which might have an adverse
effect upon the Company, its business, assets or prospects.

         4.8 DISTRIBUTIONS AND REPURCHASES. No distribution, payment or dividend
of any kind will be declared or paid by the Company, nor will any repurchase of
any of the Company's capital stock be approved or effected.

         4.9 REQUIREMENTS TO EFFECT CLOSING. The Company and Shareholder shall
use their best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary to
effect the Closing under applicable law, including without limitation the filing
with the appropriate government officials of all necessary documents in form
approved by counsel for the parties to this Agreement.

         4.10 ACCOUNTING AND TAX MATTERS. The Company will not change in any
material respect the accounting methods or practices followed by the Company
(including any material change in any assumption underlying, or any method of
calculating, any bad debt, contingency or other reserve), except as may be
required by generally accepted accounting principles. The Company will not make
any material tax election except in the ordinary course of business consistent
with past practice, change any material tax election already made, adopt any tax
accounting method except in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice, change any tax accounting method, enter into any closing agreement,
settle any tax claim or assessment or consent to any tax claim or assessment or
any waiver of the statute of limitations for any such claim or assessment. The
Company will duly, accurately and timely (with regard to any extensions of time)
file all returns, information statements and other documents relating to taxes
of the Company required to be filed by it, and pay all taxes required to be paid
by it, on or before the Closing Date.

         4.11 CONVERSION TRANSACTION. Prior to the Closing Date, the Shareholder
and the Company shall file with the Secretary of State of _____________ an
amendment to and/or a restatement of the Company's Articles of Incorporation and
shall take such other action as may be necessary to convert itself into a
general business corporation in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and
regulations. Shareholder shall form a new professional entity (the "New
Corporation") on or before Closing under which it shall conduct its orthodontic
practice and which new entity shall own any assets of the orthodontic practice
required by applicable law to be owned by the orthodontic practice.

         4.12 SERVICE AGREEMENT. Prior to the Closing Date, the Shareholder
shall cause New Corporation to enter into a Service Agreement with OrthAlliance
and an Employment Agreement with Shareholder, both effective as of the Closing
Date.

SECTION 5. COVENANTS OF ORTHALLIANCE.

         OrthAlliance agrees that between the date hereof and the Closing Date:

         5.1 CONSUMMATION OF AGREEMENT. OrthAlliance shall use its best efforts
to cause the consummation of


                                       12
<PAGE>   13
the transactions contemplated hereby in accordance with their terms and
provisions. OrthAlliance will use its best efforts to take, or cause to be
taken, all actions necessary to effect the Closing under applicable law,
including without limitation the filing with the appropriate government
officials of all necessary documents in form approved by counsel for the parties
to this Agreement.

         5.2 APPROVALS OF THIRD PARTIES AND PERMITS AND CONSENTS. OrthAlliance
shall use its best efforts to secure all necessary approvals and consents of
third parties to the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

SECTION 6 ORTHALLIANCE CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.

         The obligations of OrthAlliance hereunder are subject to the
fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of each of the following conditions:

         6.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and warranties
of the Company and the Shareholder contained herein shall have been true and
correct in all respects when initially made and shall be true and correct in all
respects as of the Closing Date.

         6.2 COVENANTS AND CONDITIONS. The Company and the Shareholder shall
have performed and complied with all covenants and conditions required by this
Agreement to be performed and complied with by the Company and the Shareholder
prior to the Closing Date.

         6.3 PROCEEDINGS. No action, proceeding or order by any court or
governmental body shall have been threatened orally or in writing, asserted,
instituted or entered to restrain or prohibit the carrying out of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

         6.4 NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE. No material adverse change in the
condition (financial or otherwise), operations, assets, liabilities, business or
prospects of the Company shall have occurred since the Balance Sheet Date.

         6.5 DUE DILIGENCE REVIEW. By the Closing Date, OrthAlliance shall have
completed a due diligence review of the business, operations and financial
statements of the Company, the results of which shall be satisfactory to
OrthAlliance in its sole discretion.

         6.6 APPROVAL BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. This Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby shall have been approved by the Board of
Directors of OrthAlliance or a committee thereof.

         6.7 SERVICE AGREEMENT. On or before the Closing Date, the New
Corporation shall execute and deliver to OrthAlliance a Service Agreement in
substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit 6.7, pursuant to which
OrthAlliance will provide consulting services to the New Corporation.

         6.8 EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENTS. Prior to the Closing Date, the Company
will terminate, and will cause each licensed employee that has a written
existing employment agreement with the Company to terminate his or her
employment agreement with the Company, and execute a separation and release
agreement ("Separation and Release Agreement"). Shareholder will execute an
employment agreement (the "Employment Agreement") with the New Corporation, in
form and substance attached hereto as Exhibit 6.8.

         6.9 CONSENTS AND APPROVALS. The Company and the Shareholder shall has
obtained all necessary government and other third-party approvals and consents.

         6.10 CLOSING DELIVERIES. OrthAlliance shall have received all
documents, duly executed in form satisfactory to OrthAlliance and its counsel,
referred to in Section 8.1.

         6.11 DEBT AND RECEIVABLES. There shall be no indebtedness, receivables
or payables between the Company and the Shareholder or affiliates of the Company
and the Company shall not have any liabilities, including indebtedness,
guaranties and capital leases that are not approved by OrthAlliance.

         6.12 DISSENTING SHARES. No holder of the Company's common stock shall
have demanded appraisal for the


                                       13
<PAGE>   14
shares of Company common stock held by such holder in accordance with
_____________ law.

         6.13 NO CHANGE IN WORKING CAPITAL. There shall have been no material
change in the Working Capital of the Company.

SECTION 7 THE COMPANY'S AND SHAREHOLDER'S CONDITIONS PRECEDENT.

         The obligations of the Company and the Shareholder hereunder are
subject to fulfillment at or prior to the Closing Date of each of the following
conditions:

         7.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. The representations and warranties
of OrthAlliance contained herein shall have been true and correct in all
respects when initially made and shall be true and correct in all respects as of
the Closing Date.

         7.2 COVENANTS AND CONDITIONS. OrthAlliance shall have performed and
complied with all covenants and conditions required by this Agreement to be
performed and complied with by OrthAlliance prior to the Closing Date.

         7.3 PROCEEDINGS. No action, proceeding or order by any court or
governmental body shall have been threatened orally or in writing, asserted,
instituted or entered to restrain or prohibit the carrying out of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

         7.4 CLOSING DELIVERIES. The Company shall have received all documents,
duly executed in form satisfactory to the Company and its counsel, referred to
in Section 8.2.

SECTION 8. CLOSING DELIVERIES.

         8.1 DELIVERIES OF THE COMPANY AND SHAREHOLDER. At or prior to the
Closing, the Company and the Shareholder shall deliver to OrthAlliance the
following, all of which shall be in a form satisfactory to counsel to
OrthAlliance:

                  (a) an executed original Service Agreement and executed
originals of all documents required by that agreement;

                  (b) executed original Separation and Release Agreement;

                  (c) a copy of the resolutions of the Board of Directors of the
Company authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
and all related documents and agreements each certified by the Secretary as
being true and correct copies of the original thereof;

                  (d) a copy of the resolutions of the New Corporation
authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of the Service Agreement and
all Employment Agreements, each certified by the authorized representative of
the New Corporation as being true and correct copies of the original thereof;

                  (e) certificates of the President of the Company and
Shareholder, dated as of the Closing Date, (i) as to the truth and correctness
of the representations and warranties of the Company and Shareholder contained
herein; (ii) as to the performance of and compliance by the Company and
Shareholder with all covenants contained herein; and (iii) certifying that all
conditions precedent of the Company and Shareholder to the Closing have been
satisfied;

                  (f) a certificate of the Secretary of the Company certifying
as to the incumbency of the directors and officers of the Company and as to the
signatures of such directors and officers who have executed documents delivered
at the Closing on behalf of the Company;

                  (g) if applicable, a certificate of the Secretary of the New
Corporation certifying as to the incumbency of the directors and officers of the
New Corporation and as to the signatures of such directors and officers who have
executed documents delivered at the Closing on behalf of the New Corporation;


                                       14
<PAGE>   15
                  (h) a certificate, dated within 10 days of the Closing Date,
of the Secretary of the State of _____________ establishing that the Company is
in existence and is in good standing to transact business in its state of
incorporation;

                  (i) non-foreign affidavits executed by the Company and
Shareholder;

                  (j) all authorizations, consents, approvals, permits and
licenses referred to in Sections 2.3 and 2.5;

                  (k) the resignations of the directors and officers of the
Company as requested by OrthAlliance;

                  (l) a Shareholder Release in form attached hereto as Exhibit
8.1(l) executed by Shareholder; and

                  (m) such other instruments and documents as reasonably
requested by OrthAlliance to carry out and effect the purpose and intent of this
Agreement.

         8.2 DELIVERIES OF ORTHALLIANCE. At or prior to the Closing,
OrthAlliance shall deliver to the Company the following, all of which shall be
in a form satisfactory to counsel to the Company and the Shareholder, as
applicable:

                  (a) the Purchase Price;

                  (b) an executed Service Agreement; and

                  (c) such other instruments and documents as reasonably
requested by the Company or Shareholder to carry out and effect the purpose and
intent of this Agreement.

SECTION 9. NATURE AND SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES;
           INDEMNIFICATION.

         9.1 NATURE AND SURVIVAL. Unless a party had knowledge of any
misrepresentation or breach of warranty as of the Closing Date of the other
party, all statements contained in this Agreement or in any Exhibit attached
hereto, any agreement executed pursuant hereto, and any certificate executed and
delivered by any party pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, shall constitute
representations and warranties of the Company and the Shareholder, jointly and
severally, or of OrthAlliance, as the case may be. All such representations and
warranties, and all representations and warranties expressly labeled as such in
this Agreement shall survive the date of this Agreement and for a period of one
(1) year following the Closing Date. Each party covenants with the other parties
not to make any claim with respect to such representations and warranties,
against any party after the date on which such survival period shall terminate.
After the Closing Date, with respect to all breaches of warranties and
representations herein, each party's sole remedy with respect to a breach of a
warranty and representation shall be indemnification pursuant to this Section 9.

         9.2 INDEMNIFICATION BY ORTHALLIANCE. OrthAlliance (FOR PURPOSES OF THIS
SECTION 9.2 AND, TO THE EXTENT APPLICABLE, SECTION 9.4, "INDEMNITOR"), SHALL
INDEMNIFY AND HOLD THE SHAREHOLDER (FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION 9.2 AND, TO THE
EXTENT APPLICABLE, SECTION 9.4, "INDEMNIFIED PERSON") HARMLESS FROM AND AGAINST
ANY AND ALL LIABILITIES, LOSSES, DAMAGES, ACTIONS, SUITS, COSTS, DEFICIENCIES
AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, REASONABLE FEES AND DISBURSEMENTS
OF COUNSEL THROUGH APPEAL) ARISING FROM OR BY REASON OF OR RESULTING FROM ANY
BREACH BY INDEMNITOR OF ANY REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, AGREEMENT OR COVENANT
CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT (INCLUDING THE EXHIBITS HERETO) AND EACH DOCUMENT,
CERTIFICATE OR OTHER INSTRUMENT FURNISHED OR TO BE FURNISHED BY INDEMNITOR
HEREUNDER. IN CONNECTION WITH INDEMNITOR'S OBLIGATION TO INDEMNIFY FOR EXPENSES,
INDEMNITOR SHALL REIMBURSE EACH INDEMNIFIED PERSON FOR ALL SUCH EXPENSES AS THEY
ARE INCURRED BY SUCH INDEMNIFIED PERSON, PROVIDED THAT SUCH INDEMNIFIED PERSON
HEREBY AGREES IN WRITING TO REFUND ALL SUCH REIMBURSED EXPENSES IF AND TO THE
EXTENT THAT IT IS FINALLY JUDICIALLY DETERMINED THAT SUCH INDEMNIFIED PERSON IS
NOT ENTITLED TO INDEMNIFICATION HEREUNDER.


                                       15
<PAGE>   16
         9.3 INDEMNIFICATION BY THE COMPANY AND SHAREHOLDER. THE COMPANY AND THE
SHAREHOLDER (FOR PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION 9.3 AND, TO THE EXTENT APPLICABLE,
SECTION 9.4, "INDEMNITOR"), JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY, SHALL INDEMNIFY AND HOLD
ORTHALLIANCE AND ITS RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, SHAREHOLDERS, AGENTS AND
EMPLOYEES (EACH OF THE FOREGOING, INCLUDING ORTHALLIANCE, FOR PURPOSES OF THIS
SECTION 9.3 AND, TO THE EXTENT APPLICABLE, SECTION 9.4, BEING REFERRED TO AS
"INDEMNIFIED PERSON") HARMLESS FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITIES, LOSSES,
CLAIMS, DAMAGES, ACTIONS, SUITS, COSTS, DEFICIENCIES AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING,
BUT NOT LIMITED TO, REASONABLE FEES AND DISBURSEMENTS OF COUNSEL THROUGH APPEAL)
ARISING FROM OR BY REASON OF OR RESULTING FROM ANY BREACH BY INDEMNITOR OF ANY
REPRESENTATION, WARRANTY, AGREEMENT OR COVENANT CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT
(INCLUDING THE EXHIBITS HERETO) AND EACH DOCUMENT, CERTIFICATE, OR OTHER
INSTRUMENT FURNISHED OR TO BE FURNISHED BY INDEMNITOR HEREUNDER, AND, WITH
RESPECT TO ALL TIMES PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE, ARISING FROM OR BY REASON OF OR
RESULTING FROM THE INDEMNITOR'S MANAGEMENT AND CONDUCT OF THE OWNERSHIP OR
OPERATION OF THE COMPANY AND FROM ANY ALLEGED ACT OR NEGLIGENCE OF INDEMNITOR OR
ITS EMPLOYEES, AGENTS AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS IN OR ABOUT THE COMPANY'S
BUSINESS, AND WITH RESPECT TO (i) ANY VIOLATION BY THE COMPANY OR THE
SHAREHOLDER OR THEIR CONSULTANTS, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS AND
AFFILIATES OF STATE OR FEDERAL LAWS GOVERNING HEALTHCARE FRAUD AND ABUSE, OR ANY
OVERPAYMENT OR OBLIGATION ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM CLAIMS SUBMITTED TO
ANY THIRD PARTY PAYOR, WHETHER ON OR AFTER THE CLOSING DATE, (ii) TAXES OF THE
COMPANY OR ANY OTHER PERSON (INCLUDING SHAREHOLDER) ARISING FROM OR AS A RESULT
OF THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, (iii) ANY LIABILITY OF THE
COMPANY OR THE SHAREHOLDER FOR COSTS AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, ATTORNEYS' FEES) INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH THE NEGOTIATION,
PREPARATION OR CLOSING OF TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT OR THE
OTHER DOCUMENTS TO BE EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH, (iv) ANY ACCRUED UNFUNDED
RETIREMENT OR PENSION PLAN LIABILITIES, (v) ANY CLAIM AGAINST OR LIABILITY OF
THE COMPANY THAT IS OF A NATURE THAT, IF KNOWN AT THE CLOSING WOULD HAVE BEEN
REQUIRED TO HAVE BEEN DISCLOSED PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT, AND (vi) ANY
LIABILITIES THAT ARE PAST DUE AS OF THE CLOSING DATE, THAT ARE NOT REFLECTED ON
THE BALANCE SHEET, THAT ARE NOT INCURRED IN THE ORDINARY COURSE OF BUSINESS AND
THAT ARE OTHERWISE EXCLUDED PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT. IN
CONNECTION WITH INDEMNITOR'S OBLIGATION TO INDEMNIFY FOR EXPENSES, INDEMNITOR
SHALL REIMBURSE EACH INDEMNIFIED PERSON FOR ALL SUCH EXPENSES AS THEY ARE
INCURRED BY SUCH INDEMNIFIED PERSON, PROVIDED THAT SUCH INDEMNIFIED PERSON
HEREBY AGREES IN WRITING TO REFUND ALL SUCH REIMBURSED EXPENSES IF AND TO THE
EXTENT THAT IT IS FINALLY JUDICIALLY DETERMINED THAT SUCH INDEMNIFIED PERSON IS
NOT ENTITLED TO INDEMNIFICATION HEREUNDER.

         9.4 INDEMNIFICATION PROCEDURE. Within sixty (60) days after Indemnified
Person receives written notice of the commencement of any action or other
proceeding in respect of which indemnification or reimbursement may be sought
hereunder, or within such lesser time as may be provided by law for the defense
of such action or proceeding, such Indemnified Person shall notify Indemnitor
thereof. If any such action or other proceeding shall be brought against any
Indemnified Person, Indemnitor shall, upon written notice given within a
reasonable time following receipt by Indemnitor of such notice from Indemnified
Person, be entitled to assume the defense of such action or proceeding with
counsel chosen by Indemnitor and reasonably satisfactory to Indemnified Person;
provided, however, that any Indemnified Person may at its own expense retain
separate counsel to participate in such defense. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Indemnified Person shall have the right to employ separate counsel at
Indemnitor's expense and to control its own defense of such action or proceeding
if, in the reasonable opinion of counsel to such Indemnified Person, (a) there
are or may be legal defenses available to such Indemnified Person or to other
Indemnified Persons that are different from or additional to those available to
Indemnitor and which could not be adequately advanced by counsel chosen by
Indemnitor, or (b) a conflict or potential conflict exists between Indemnitor
and such Indemnified Person that would make such separate representation
advisable; provided, however, that in no event shall Indemnitor be required to
pay fees and expenses hereunder for more than one firm of attorneys of
Indemnified Person in any jurisdiction in any one action or proceeding or group
of related actions or proceedings. Indemnitor shall not, without the prior
written consent of any Indemnified Person, settle or compromise or consent to
the entry of any judgment in any pending or threatened claim,


                                       16
<PAGE>   17
action or proceeding to which such Indemnified Person is a party unless such
settlement, compromise or consent includes an unconditional release of such
Indemnified Person from all liability arising or potentially arising from or by
reason of such claim, action or proceeding.

         9.5 CERTAIN TAX MATTERS.

                  (a) Shareholder shall prepare and file or cause to be prepared
and filed any tax returns, statements and reports ("Tax Returns") of the Company
covering taxable periods ending on or before the Closing Date which have not
been filed on or before the Closing Date. Shareholder shall reimburse, indemnify
and hold harmless OrthAlliance for all taxes, and all related interest,
penalties and additions to tax with respect to taxable periods of the Company
ending on or before the Closing Date.

                  (b) OrthAlliance shall prepare and file or cause to be
prepared and filed any Tax Returns of the Company covering taxable periods which
begin before the Closing Date and end after the Closing Date ("Straddle
Periods") taking into account any reasonable reportable positions advocated and
requested by Shareholder for such Straddle Periods. Shareholder shall within
fifteen (15) days after payment thereof and notice of such payment, reimburse,
indemnify and hold harmless OrthAlliance and the Company for all Taxes for any
Straddle Period, to the extent related to the portion of the Straddle Period
ending on the Closing Date. For such purposes, the portion of any tax
attributable to the portions of a Straddle Period ending on the Closing Date and
beginning after the Closing Date shall be determined by apportioning the tax for
the entire Straddle Period among such periods based on the number of days in
each such period, provided that, in the case of taxes based upon or related to
income or receipts, such portion shall be the amount of tax which would have
been due if the relevant Straddle Period ended on the Closing Date.

                  (c) The Company, Shareholder and OrthAlliance shall reasonably
cooperate with each other in connection with the reporting and filing of Tax
Returns pursuant to this Section 9.5 and any audit, litigation or other
proceeding with respect to taxes. Such cooperation shall include the provision
of copies, at the requesting party's expense, of records and information
relevant to any such Tax Return or proceeding and making employees available on
a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of
any material provided hereunder.

         9.6 RIGHT OF SET-OFF. In the event of any breach of warranty,
representation, covenant or agreement by the Company or Shareholder giving rise
to indemnification under Section 9.3 or Section 9.5 hereof, OrthAlliance shall
be entitled to offset the amount of damages incurred by it as a result of such
breach of warranty, representation, covenant or agreement against any amounts
payable by OrthAlliance to Shareholder or Shareholder's affiliates.

SECTION 10. TERMINATION. This Agreement may be terminated:

                  (a) at any time by mutual agreement of all parties;

                  (b) at any time by OrthAlliance if at any time prior to the
Closing Date any representation or warranty of the Company or Shareholder
contained in this Agreement or in any certificate or other document executed and
delivered by the Company or Shareholder pursuant to this Agreement is or becomes
untrue or breached in any material respect or if the Company or Shareholder
fails to comply in any material respect with any covenant or agreement contained
herein, and any such misrepresentation, noncompliance or breach is not cured,
waived or eliminated within twenty (20) days after receipt of written notice
thereof;

                  (c) at any time by the Company or Shareholder if at any time
prior to the Closing Date any representation or warranty of OrthAlliance
contained in this Agreement or in any certificate or other document executed and
delivered by OrthAlliance pursuant to this Agreement is or becomes untrue in any
material respect or OrthAlliance fails to comply in any material respect with
any covenant or agreement contained herein and such misrepresentation,
noncompliance or breach is not cured, waived or eliminated within twenty (20)
days of written notice thereof;

                  (d) by OrthAlliance at any time prior to the Closing Date if
OrthAlliance determines in its sole discretion as the result of its legal,
financial and operational due diligence with respect to the Company, that such
termination is desirable and in the best interests of OrthAlliance.

SECTION 11. NONDISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. Shareholder recognizes
and acknowledges that



                                       17
<PAGE>   18
Shareholder had in the past, currently has, and in the future may possibly have,
access to certain confidential information of OrthAlliance and Company that is
valuable, special and unique assets of OrthAlliance's and Company's businesses.
Shareholder hereby agrees that Shareholder will not disclose such confidential
information to any person, firm, corporation, association or other entity for
any purpose or reason whatsoever, unless (i) such information becomes available
to or known by the public generally through no fault of the Shareholder, (ii)
disclosure is required by law or the order of any governmental authority under
color of law, provided, that prior to disclosing any information pursuant to
this clause (ii), the Shareholder shall, if possible, give prior written notice
thereof to the other parties hereto, and provide such other parties hereto with
the opportunity to contest such disclosure, (iii) the Shareholder reasonably
believes that such disclosure is required in connection with the defense of a
lawsuit against the disclosing party, or (iv) the Shareholder is the sole and
exclusive owner of such confidential information as a result of the transactions
contemplated hereunder or otherwise. In the event of a breach or threatened
breach by Shareholder of the provisions of this Section 11, OrthAlliance or
Company shall be entitled to an injunction restraining Shareholder from
disclosing, in whole or in part, such confidential information. Nothing herein
shall be construed as prohibiting OrthAlliance or Company from pursuing any
other available remedy for such breach or threatened breach, including the
recovery of damages. The obligations of the parties under this Section 11 shall
survive the termination of this Agreement.

SECTION 12. MISCELLANEOUS.

         12.1 NOTICES. Any communications required or desired to be given
hereunder shall be deemed to have been properly given if sent by hand delivery,
or by facsimile and overnight courier, to the parties hereto at the following
addresses, or at such other address as either party may advise the other in
writing from time to time:

If to OrthAlliance:

OrthAlliance, Inc.
23848 Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite 200
Torrance, California 90505
Attn: Mr. Sam Westover, President
Facsimile: (310) 791-5660

with a copy of each notice directed to OrthAlliance to:

OrthAlliance, Inc.
23848 Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite 200
Torrance, California 90505
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile: (310) 791-5660

If to the Company or Shareholder:
_____________________________
_____________________________
Facsimile: __________________

All such communications shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date of
hand delivery or on the next business day following the deposit of such
communications, properly addressed and postage prepaid with the overnight
courier.

         12.2 FURTHER ASSURANCES; ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. Each party hereby agrees
to perform any further acts and to execute and deliver any documents which may
be reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of Agreement. Shareholder
shall assist OrthAlliance and Company in collecting the accounts receivable of
the Company acquired by OrthAlliance in connection with this transaction and in
the event that Shareholder shall receive the proceeds of any such accounts
receivable, shall immediately forward such amounts to Company.

         12.3 EACH PARTY TO BEAR COSTS. Each of the parties to this Agreement
shall pay all of the costs and expenses incurred by such party in connection
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, whether or not such
transactions are consummated. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing
and whether or not such liabilities may


                                       18
<PAGE>   19
be deemed to have been incurred in the ordinary course of business, OrthAlliance
and Company shall not be liable to or required to pay, either directly or
indirectly, any (a) fees and expenses of legal counsel, accountants, auditors or
other persons or entities retained by the Company, the New Corporation or the
Shareholder for services rendered in connection with negotiating and closing the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the documents to be executed in
connection herewith, whether or not such costs or expenses are incurred before
or after the Closing Date and the Shareholder shall be liable for all such costs
and expenses of the Company, and (b) local, state and federal income taxes or
other similar charges on income or gain incurred by the Company, the New
Corporation or Shareholder as a result of the transactions contemplated hereby.

         12.4 PUBLIC DISCLOSURES. Except as otherwise required by law, no party
to this Agreement shall make any public or other disclosure of this Agreement or
the transactions contemplated hereby without the prior consent of the other
parties. The parties to this Agreement shall cooperate with respect to the form
and content of any such disclosures.

         12.5 GOVERNING LAW. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE INTERPRETED, CONSTRUED AND
ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE AND APPLIED
WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICTS OF LAWS PRINCIPLES.

         12.6 CAPTIONS. The captions or headings in this Agreement are made for
convenience and general reference only and shall not be construed to describe,
define or limit the scope or intent of the provisions of this Agreement.

         12.7 INTEGRATION OF EXHIBITS. All Exhibits attached to this Agreement
are integral parts of this Agreement as if fully set forth herein, and all
statements appearing therein shall be deemed disclosed for all purposes and not
only in connection with the specific representation in which they are explicitly
referenced.

         12.8 ENTIRE AGREEMENT/AMENDMENT. THIS INSTRUMENT, INCLUDING ALL
EXHIBITS ATTACHED HERETO, CONTAINS THE ENTIRE AGREEMENT OF THE PARTIES AND
SUPERSEDES ANY AND ALL PRIOR OR CONTEMPORANEOUS AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES,
WRITTEN OR ORAL, WITH RESPECT TO THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

         12.9 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in several
counterparts, each of which when so executed shall be deemed to be an original,
and such counterparts shall together constitute and be one and the same
instrument.

         12.10 BINDING EFFECT/ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement shall be assignable by
OrthAlliance to any person, firm or corporation that controls or is under common
control with OrthAlliance. Except as set forth above, no party shall have the
right to assign their respective rights and obligations hereunder without the
written consent of the other party, which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld. In considering whether or not to grant or withhold consent, it shall
be deemed reasonable for the Orthodontic Entity to take into account the
management style, philosophy and performance of such proposed assignee, in
addition to any other commercially reasonable facts and circumstances at the
time. Subject to this provision, this Agreement shall be binding upon the
parties hereto, and their successors and assigns.

         12.11 AMENDMENTS; WAIVER. This Agreement may be amended, modified or
supplemented only by an instrument in writing executed by all the parties
hereto. Any waiver of the terms and conditions hereof must be in writing, and
signed by the parties hereto. The waiver of any of the terms and conditions of
this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of any other terms and
conditions hereof.

         12.12 ARBITRATION. Any controversy, dispute or disagreement arising out
of or relating to this Agreement, the breach thereof, or the subject matter
thereof, shall be settled exclusively by binding arbitration, which shall be
conducted in Los Angeles, California in accordance with the Commercial
Arbitration Rules administered by the American Arbitration Association before a
single arbitrator selected by the parties jointly. Judgment on the award
rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction
thereof.

         12.13 SERVICE OF PROCESS. Service of any and all process that may be
served on any party hereto in any suit, action or proceeding arising out of this
Agreement may be made in the manner and to the address set forth in Section 12.1
and service thus made shall be taken and held to be valid personal service upon
such party by any party hereto on whose


                                       19
<PAGE>   20
behalf such service is made.

         12.14 SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement shall be found
to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws, such
provision shall be fully severable and this Agreement shall be construed and
enforced as if such provision never comprised a part hereof; and the remaining
provisions hereof shall remain in full force and effect. In lieu of such
provision, there shall be added automatically as part of this Agreement, a
provision as similar in its terms to such provision as may be possible and be
legal, valid and enforceable.

         12.15 KNOWLEDGE. For purposes of this Agreement, "knowledge" means
actual knowledge of any party, or its shareholders, partners, officers and
directors after reasonable investigation.

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

ORTHALLIANCE, INC.


By:_________________________
Title:________________________



COMPANY                            SHAREHOLDER

By:____________________________    ______________________________
Title: President


                                       20
<PAGE>   21
                                     ANNEX I


                                 PURCHASE PRICE


         The consideration to be received by Shareholder pursuant to the
Agreement is payable as follows:

         OrthAlliance hereby agrees to pay to Shareholder OrthAlliance common
stock and cash totaling an amount equal to __________________ Dollars
($_________) less the amount, if any, of any liabilities of the Company assumed
by OrthAlliance in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement (the "Purchase Price"). The Purchase Price shall be paid as follows:

                  (a) __________ percent (__ %) of the Purchase Price shall be
         paid in cash or immediately available funds at Closing; and

                  (b) The remainder of the Purchase Price to be paid to
         Shareholder in common stock of OrthAlliance to be valued at the average
         closing price of the common stock as reported by the NASDAQ National
         Market (or other exchange or market) for the preceding five (5)
         consecutive trading days ending on the second trading day prior to the
         Closing Date.


                                       21
<PAGE>   22
                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       Exhibit                              Description
       -------                              -----------
<S>                                         <C>
         2.6                                Financial Statements

         2.7                                Leases

         2.9                                Personal Property; Encumbrances

         2.12                               Directors and Officers; Payroll Information

         2.14                               Contracts (other than Leases)

         2.16                               Accounts Receivable/Accounts Payable

         2.19                               Debt

         2.20                               Insurance Policies

         2.21                               Employee Benefit Plans

         2.28                               Banking Relations

         2.30                               Payors

         6.7                                Form of Service Agreement

         6.8                                Employment Agreement

         8.1(l)                             Shareholder Release
</TABLE>


                                       22


<PAGE>   1
                                                               Exhibit 10.13




                               ORTHALLIANCE, INC.

                      1997 ORTHODONTIST STOCK OPTION PLAN






<PAGE>   2
                               ORTHALLIANCE, INC.
                      1997 ORTHODONTIST STOCK OPTION PLAN


                                   ARTICLE I
                                  DEFINITIONS

         As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings unless
the context clearly indicates to the contrary:

         1.1     "Allied Orthodontist" shall mean an orthodontist or dentist
who (i) holds an equity interest in an Allied Practice, or (ii) is a party to
an existing employment agreement with an Allied Practice.

         1.2     "Allied Practice" shall mean a professional business entity
that provides orthodontic or dental services to the public and is a party to an
existing (i) service agreement or (ii) consulting and business services
agreement with the Company or a subsidiary, whereby the Company or a subsidiary
provides management or consulting services to such entity in exchange for a
service or consulting fee.

         1.3    "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

         1.4    "Change in Control" shall mean the occurrence of any of the
following events:

                (a)        a reorganization, merger or consolidation of the
                           Company with one or more other corporations (except
                           with respect to a transaction in which the sole
                           purpose is to change the domicile or name of the
                           Company), as a result of which the Company ceases to
                           exist or becomes a subsidiary of another
                           corporation (which shall be deemed to have occurred
                           if another corporation shall own, directly or
                           indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the
                           aggregate voting power of all outstanding equity
                           securities of the Company);

                (b)        a sale of all or substantially all of the Company's
                           assets; or

                (c)        Any "person" (as such term is used in Sections 13(d)
                           and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other than any
                           person who is a stockholder of the Company on or
                           before the effective date of the Plan, by the
                           acquisition or aggregation of securities is or
                           becomes the beneficial owner, directly or
                           indirectly, of securities of the Company
                           representing fifty percent (50%) or more of the
                           combined voting power of the Company's then
                           outstanding securities ordinarily (and apart from
                           rights accruing under special circumstances) having
                           the right to vote at elections of directors (the
                           "Base Capital Stock"); except that any change in the
                           relative beneficial ownership of the Company's
                           securities by any person resulting solely from a
                           reduction in the aggregate number of outstanding
                           shares of Base





                                       1
<PAGE>   3

                           Capital Stock, and any decrease thereafter in such
                           person's ownership of securities, shall be
                           disregarded until such person increases in any
                           manner, directly or indirectly, such person's
                           beneficial ownership of any securities of the
                           Company.

         1.5    "Closing Stock Price" shall mean the price used to determine
the number of shares of Stock that a recruited or referred orthodontist or
dentist received upon the closing of the affiliation of such orthodontist or
dentist with the Company or a subsidiary.

         1.6    "Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, including effective date and transition rules (whether or not
codified).  Any reference herein to a specific section of the Code shall be
deemed to include a reference to any applicable corresponding provision of
future law.

         1.7    "Committee" shall mean a committee of at least two (2)
Directors appointed from time to time by the Board, having the duties and
authority set forth herein in addition to any other authority granted by the
Board, provided, however, that with respect to any Options granted to an
individual who is also a Section 16 Insider, the Committee shall consist of at
least two (2) Directors who are Non-Employee Directors (within the meaning of
Rule 16b-3). At any time that the Board shall not have appointed a committee as
described above, any reference herein to the Committee shall mean a reference
to the Board.

         1.8    "Company" shall mean OrthAlliance, Inc., a Delaware
corporation.

         1.9    "Director" shall mean a member of the Board and any person who
is an advisory, honorary or emeritus director of the Company if such person is
considered a director for the purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, as
determined by reference to such Section 16 and to the rules, regulations,
judicial decisions, and interpretative or "no-action" positions with respect
thereto of the Securities and Exchange Commission, as the same may be in effect
or set forth from time to time.

         1.10   "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended.  Any reference herein to a specific section of the Exchange Act
shall be deemed to include a reference to any applicable corresponding
provision of future law.

         1.11   "Exercise Price" shall mean the price at which an Optionee may
purchase a share of Stock under a Stock Option Agreement.

         1.12   "Fair Market Value" on any date shall mean (i) the average
closing sales price of the Stock for the immediately preceding five (5) trading
days; (ii) if the Stock is not traded on any national securities exchange, the
average of the closing high bid and low asked prices of the Stock on the Nasdaq
National Market or other over-the-counter market on the date such value is to
be determined, or in the absence of closing bids on such date, the closing bids
on the next preceding date on which there were bids; or (iii) if the Stock is
not traded on a national securities exchange or the over-the-counter market,
the fair market value as determined in good faith by the Board or the Committee
based on such relevant facts as may be available, including, without
limitation, the





                                       2
<PAGE>   4
price at which recent sales of Stock have been made, the book value of the
Stock and the Company's current and future earnings.

         1.13   "Officer" shall mean a person who constitutes an officer of the
Company for the purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act, as determined by
reference to such Section 16 and to the rules, regulations, judicial decisions,
and interpretative or "no-action" positions with respect thereto of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, as the same may be in effect or set forth
from time to time.

         1.14   "Option" shall mean an option to purchase Stock granted
pursuant to the provisions of Article VI hereof.

         1.15   "Optionee" shall mean an Allied Orthodontist to whom an Option
has been granted hereunder or their permitted assign.

         1.16   "Plan" shall mean the OrthAlliance, Inc. 1997 Orthodontist
Stock Option Plan, the terms of which are set forth herein.

         1.17   "Section 16 Insider" shall mean any person who is subject to
the provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

         1.18   "Stock" shall mean the Class A Common Stock, $.001 par value
per share, of the Company, subject to applicable provisions of Section 5.2.

         1.19   "Stock Option Agreement" shall mean a written agreement between
the Company and an Optionee under which the Optionee may purchase Stock
hereunder, as provided in Article VI hereof.

         1.20   "Subsidiary" shall mean any corporation in which the Company
directly or indirectly owns stock possessing fifty percent (50%) or more of the
total combined voting power of all classes of stock of such corporation.

                                   ARTICLE II
                                    THE PLAN

         2.1    Name.  This Plan shall be known as the "OrthAlliance, Inc. 1997
Orthodontist Stock Option Plan."

         2.2    Purpose.  The purpose of the Plan is to advance the interests
of the Company, its Subsidiaries and its stockholders by affording certain
Allied Orthodontists an opportunity to acquire or increase their proprietary
interests in the Company.  The objective of the Options is to promote the
growth and profitability of the Company and its Subsidiaries by providing
Allied Orthodontists with an additional incentive to achieve the Company's
objectives through participation in its success and growth and by rewarding
Allied Orthodontists for successfully recruiting or referring additional
orthodontists or dentists to affiliate with the Company or a Subsidiary.





                                       3
<PAGE>   5
         2.3    Effective Date.  The effective date of this Plan is October 14,
1997, subject to stockholder approval.

                                  ARTICLE III
                                  PARTICIPANTS

         An Allied Orthodontist may be eligible to participate in the Plan if
the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, that such Allied Orthodontist
recruited or referred an orthodontist or dentist to the Company and such
orthodontist or dentist consummates a business combination with the Company or
a Subsidiary whereby such orthodontist or dentist becomes an Allied
Orthodontist.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                 ADMINISTRATION

         4.1    Duties and Powers of the Committee.  This Plan shall be
administered by the Committee.  The Committee shall hold its meetings at such
times and places as it may determine and shall keep minutes of such meetings.
The Committee shall make such rules and regulations for the conduct of its
business as it may deem necessary.  The Committee shall have the power to act
by unanimous written consent in lieu of a meeting, and to meet telephonically.
In administering this Plan, the Committee's actions and determinations shall be
binding on all interested parties.  Only the Committee shall have the power to
grant Options in accordance with the provisions of this Plan.  Subject to the
provisions of this Plan, the Committee shall have the discretion and authority
to determine those Allied Orthodontists to whom Options will be granted, the
number of shares of Stock subject to each Option, such other matters as are
specified herein, and any other terms and conditions of a Stock Option
Agreement.  To the extent not inconsistent with the provisions of this Plan,
the Committee may give an Optionee an election to surrender an Option in
exchange for the grant of a new Option, and shall have the authority to amend
or modify an outstanding Stock Option Agreement or to waive any provision
thereof, provided that the Optionee consents to such action.

         4.2    Interpretation; Rules.  Subject to the express provisions of
the Plan, the Committee shall have complete authority to interpret the Plan, to
prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to it, to determine
the details and provisions of each Stock Option Agreement, and to make all
other determinations necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan,
including, without limitation, the amending or altering of the Plan and any
Options granted hereunder as may be required to comply with or to conform to
any federal, state or local laws or regulations.

         4.3    No Liability.  Neither any Director nor any member of the
Committee shall be liable to any person for any act or determination made in
good faith with respect to the Plan or any Option granted hereunder.

         4.4    Majority Rule.  A majority of the members of the Committee
shall constitute a quorum, and any action taken by a majority at a meeting at
which a quorum is present, or any action taken without a meeting evidenced by a
writing executed by all the members of the Committee, shall constitute the
action of the Committee.





                                       4
<PAGE>   6
         4.5    Company Assistance.  The Company shall supply full and timely
information to the Committee on all matters relating to the eligibiltiy of
Allied Orthodontists to receive a grant under the Plan, their death,
disability, or other termination of status as an Allied Orthodontist and such
other pertinent facts as the Committee may require.  The Company shall furnish
the Committee with such clerical and other assistance as is necessary in the
performance of its duties.

                                   ARTICLE V
                        SHARES OF STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN

         5.1    Limitations.  Subject to any antidilution adjustment pursuant
to the provisions of Section 5.2 hereof, the maximum number of shares of Stock
that may be issued hereunder shall be One Hundred Thousand (100,000).  The
amount of Stock subject to the Plan may be increased from time to time in
accordance with Article VIII hereof.  Shares of Stock subject to an Option may
be either authorized and unissued shares or shares issued and later acquired by
the Company.  The shares covered by any unexercised portion of an Option that
has terminated for any reason (except as set forth in the following paragraph)
may again be optioned under this Plan, and such shares shall not be considered
as having been optioned or issued in computing the number of shares of Stock
remaining available for Options hereunder.

         If Options are issued in respect of options to acquire stock of any
entity acquired, by merger or otherwise, by the Company or any Subsidiary, to
the extent that such issuance shall not be inconsistent with the terms,
limitations and conditions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated pursuant to the Exchange
Act, the aggregate number of shares of Stock for which Options may be granted
hereunder shall automatically be increased by the number of shares subject to
the Options so issued.

         5.2    Antidilution.

         (a)    If (i) the outstanding shares of Stock are increased, decreased
or changed into or exchanged for a different number or kind of shares or other
securities of the Company by reason of merger, consolidation, reorganization,
recapitalization, reclassification, combination or exchange of shares, or stock
split or stock dividend (excluding the conversion of the Company's Class B
Common Stock into shares of Stock as set forth in the Company's Amended and
Restated Certificate of Incorporation), (ii) any spin-off, split-off or other
distribution of assets materially affects the price of the Company's stock, or
(iii) there is any assumption and conversion to this Plan by the Company of an
acquired company's outstanding option grants, then:

                     (A)   the aggregate number and kind of shares of Stock for
                which Options may be granted hereunder shall be adjusted
                appropriately by the Committee; and

                     (B)   the rights of Optionees (concerning the number of
                shares of Stock subject to Options and the Exercise Price)
                under outstanding Options shall be adjusted appropriately by
                the Committee.





                                       5
<PAGE>   7
                (b)  If a Change in Control occurs, the Committee, in its
discretion, may provide notice to all Optionees that all Options granted under
this Plan shall be assumed by the successor corporation or substituted on an
equitable basis with options issued by such successor corporation.

                (c)  If the Company is to be liquidated or dissolved, the
adoption of a plan of dissolution or liquidation of the Company shall cause
every Option outstanding under the Plan to terminate to the extent not
exercised prior to the adoption of such plan of dissolution or liquidation by
the stockholders, provided, however, that, notwithstanding any other provisions
hereof, the Committee may declare all Options granted under the Plan to be
exercisable at any time on or before the fifth (5th) business day following
such adoption.

                (d)  The adjustments described in paragraphs (a) through (c) of
this Section 5.2, and the manner of their application, shall be determined
solely by the Committee, and any such adjustment may provide for the
elimination of fractional share interests.  The adjustments required under this
Article V shall apply to any successors of the Company and shall be made
regardless of the number or type of successive events requiring such
adjustments.

                                   ARTICLE VI
                                    OPTIONS

         6.1    Types of Options Granted.  The Committee may, under this Plan,
grant only non-qualified Options. Neither the Company, any Subsidiary nor any
other person warrants or otherwise represents that favorable or desirable tax
treatment or characterization will be applicable in respect of any Option or
shares of Stock relating thereto.

         6.2    Option Grant and Agreement.  Each Option granted hereunder
shall be evidenced by minutes of a meeting or the written consent of the
Committee and by a written Stock Option Agreement executed by the Company and
the Optionee.  The terms of the Option, including the Option's duration and
exercise price, shall be stated in the Stock Option Agreement.  Every Optionee
shall be given a copy of the Plan.

         6.3    Exercise Price.  The Exercise Price of the Stock subject to
each Option shall be the same as the Closing Stock Price used for the
orthodontist or dentist that the Optionee recruited or referred to the Company
that created such Optionee's eligibility for a grant of an Option hereunder.

         6.4    Exercise Period.  The period for the exercise of each Option
granted hereunder shall  commence immediately upon the grant date and remain
exercisable until such Option expires and is no longer exercisable after the
fifth anniversary of the grant date of such Option.

         6.5    Option Exercise.

                (a)  Unless otherwise provided in the Stock Option Agreement or
this Section, an Option may be exercised at any time or from time to time
during the term of the Option as to any or all full shares subject to the
Option, but not at any time as to less than one hundred (100) shares unless the
remaining shares subject to the Option are less than one hundred (100) shares.
The





                                       6
<PAGE>   8
Committee shall have the authority to prescribe in any Stock Option Agreement
that the Option may be exercised only in accordance with a vesting schedule
during the term of the Option.

                (b)  An Option shall be exercised by (i) delivery to the
Company at its principal office of a written notice of exercise with respect to
a specified number of shares of Stock and (ii) payment to the Company at that
office of the full amount of the Exercise Price for such number of shares in
accordance with Section 6.5(c).

                (c)  The Exercise Price is to be paid in full in cash by a
certified or cashier's check payable to the Company upon the exercise of the
Option and the Company shall not be required to deliver certificates for the
shares purchased until such payment has been made; provided, however, that the
Committee may provide in a Stock Option Agreement (or may otherwise determine
in its sole discretion at the time of exercise) that in lieu of cash, all or
any portion of the Exercise Price may be paid by tendering to the Company
shares of Stock duly endorsed for transfer and owned by the Optionee, or by
authorization to the Company to withhold shares of Stock otherwise issuable
upon exercise of the Option, in each case to be credited against the Exercise
Price at the Fair Market Value of such shares on the date of exercise (however,
no fractional shares may be so transferred, and the Company shall not be
obligated to make any cash payments in consideration of any excess of the
aggregate Fair Market Value of shares transferred over the aggregate Exercise
Price).

                (d)  In addition to and at the time of payment of the Exercise
Price, the Company may withhold, or require the Optionee to pay to the Company
in cash, the amount of any federal, state and local income, employment or other
withholding taxes which the Committee determines are required to be withheld
under federal, state or local law in connection with the exercise of an Option;
provided, however, the Committee may provide in a Stock Option Agreement (or
may otherwise determine in its sole discretion at the time of exercise) that
all or any portion of such tax obligations may, upon the election of the
Optionee, be paid by tendering to the Company whole shares of Stock duly
endorsed for transfer and owned by the Optionee, or by authorization to the
Company to withhold shares of Stock otherwise issuable upon exercise of the
Option, in either case in that number of shares having a Fair Market Value on
the date of exercise equal to the amount of such taxes thereby being paid, and
subject to such restrictions as to the approval and timing of any such election
as the Committee may from time to time determine to be necessary or appropriate
to satisfy the conditions of the exemption set forth in Rule 16b-3 under the
Exchange Act, if such rule is applicable.

                (e)  The holder of an Option shall not have any of the rights
of a stockholder with respect to the shares of Stock subject to the Option
until such shares have been issued and transferred to the Optionee upon the
exercise of the Option.

         6.6    Nontransferability of Option.  No Option shall be transferable
by an Optionee other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.





                                       7
<PAGE>   9
                                  ARTICLE VII
                               STOCK CERTIFICATES

         The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate
for shares of Stock purchased upon the exercise of any Option granted hereunder
or any portion thereof, prior to fulfillment of all of the following
conditions:

                (a)  The admission of such shares to listing on the stock
exchange, Nasdaq National Market or other over-the-counter market on which the
Stock is then listed;

                (b)  The completion of any registration or other qualification
of such shares which the Committee shall deem necessary or advisable under any
federal or state law or under the rulings or regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission or any other governmental regulatory body;

                (c)  The obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any
federal or state governmental agency or body which the Committee shall
determine to be necessary or advisable; and

                (d)  The lapse of such reasonable period of time following the
exercise of the Option as the Board from time to time may establish for reasons
of administrative convenience.

         Stock certificates issued and delivered to Optionees shall bear such
restrictive legends as the Company shall deem necessary or advisable pursuant
to applicable federal and state securities laws.

                                  ARTICLE VIII
                       TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT OF PLAN

         8.1    Termination and Amendment.  The Board may at any time terminate
the Plan, and may at any time and from time to time and in any respect amend
the Plan; provided, however, that the Board (unless its actions are approved or
ratified by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months of the
date that the Board amends the Plan) may not amend the Plan to:

                (a)  Materially increase the number of shares of Stock subject
to the Plan, except as contemplated in Section 5.2 hereof;

                (b)  Materially change the class of persons that may participate
in the Plan; or

                (c)  Otherwise materially increase the benefits accruing to
participants under the Plan.

                8.2  Effect on Optionee's Rights.  No termination, amendment or
modification of the Plan shall affect adversely an Optionee's rights under a
Stock Option Agreement without the consent of the Optionee or his legal
representative, unless such termination, amendment or modification is required
to comply with applicable state and federal laws.





                                       8
<PAGE>   10
                                   ARTICLE IX
                    RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER COMPENSATION PLANS

         The adoption of the Plan shall not affect any other stock option,
incentive, or other compensation plans in effect for the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries; nor shall the adoption of the Plan preclude the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries from establishing any other form of incentive or other
compensation plan for employees or Directors of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries.

                                   ARTICLE X
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

         10.1   Replacement or Amended Grants.  At the sole discretion of the
Committee, and subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee may modify
outstanding Options or accept the surrender of outstanding Options and grant
new Options in substitution for them.  However no modification of an Option
shall adversely affect an Optionee's rights under a Stock Option Agreement
without the consent of the Optionee or his legal representative, unless such
modification is required to comply with applicable state and federal laws.

         10.2   Plan Binding on Successors.  The Plan shall be binding upon the
successors and assigns of the Company.

         10.3   Headings Not Part of Plan.  Headings of Articles and Sections
hereof are inserted for convenience and reference and do not constitute part of
the Plan.

         10.4   Interpretation.  With respect to Section 16 Insiders,
transactions under this Plan, are intended to comply with all applicable
conditions of Rule 16b-3 or its successors under the Exchange Act.  To the
extent any provision of the Plan or action by the Plan administrators fails to
so comply, it shall be deemed void to the extent permitted by law and deemed
advisable by the Plan administrators.

         10.5   Governing Law.  This Plan shall be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to
conflicts of laws principles.


                            *     *      *      *





                                       9
<PAGE>   11

                                                              OrthAlliance, Inc.
                                             1997 Orthodontist Stock Option Plan
                                                  Form of Stock Option Agreement

                               ORTHALLIANCE, INC.
                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

         THIS STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (this "Agreement"), entered into as of the
_____ day of ________________, 1997 by and between OrthAlliance, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and _________________ (the "Optionee").

         WHEREAS, on October 14, 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company
adopted a stock option plan known as the "OrthAlliance, Inc. 1997 Orthodontist
Stock Option Plan" (the "Plan") and recommended that the Plan be approved by
the Company's stockholders; and

         WHEREAS, on ______, 1998, the stockholders of the Company approved the
Plan;

         WHEREAS, the Committee has granted the Optionee an Option (as
described below) to purchase the number of shares of the Company's Common Stock
(the "Stock") as set forth below; and

         WHEREAS, the Company and the Optionee desire to enter into a written
agreement with respect to the Option in accordance with the Plan; and

         WHEREAS, capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the meanings
ascribed to them in the Plan;

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

         1.     Incorporation of Plan.  This Option is granted pursuant to the
provisions of the Plan and the terms and definitions of the Plan are
incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.  A copy of the Plan
has been delivered to, and receipt is hereby acknowledged by, the Optionee.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent the
terms of this Agreement conflict with or otherwise attempt to exceed the
authority set forth under the Plan, the Plan shall govern and control in all
respects.

         2      Grant of Option.  Subject to the terms, restrictions,
limitations, and conditions stated herein and the terms of the Plan, the
Company hereby evidences its grant to the Optionee of the right and option to
purchase all or any part of the number of shares of Stock (as defined under the
Plan), set forth on Schedule A attached hereto and incorporated herein by
reference (the "Option").  The Option shall be exercisable in the amounts
specified on Schedule A.  The Option shall expire and shall not be exercisable
after the date specified on Schedule A as the expiration date or on such
earlier date as determined pursuant to the Plan.





                                       1
<PAGE>   12
         3      Purchase Price.  The price per share to be paid by the Optionee
for the shares subject to this Option (the "Exercise Price") shall be as
specified on Schedule A.

         4      Exercise Terms.  In the event this Option is not exercised with
respect to all or any part of the shares subject to this Option prior to its
expiration, the shares with respect to which this Option was not exercised
shall no longer be subject to this Option.

         5      Restrictions on Transferability.  No Option shall be
transferable by Optionee other than by will or the laws of descent and
distribution.

         6      Notice of Exercise of Option.  This Option may be exercised by
the Optionee, or by the Optionee's administrators, executors or personal
representatives, by a written notice (in substantially the form of the Notice
of Exercise attached hereto as Schedule B) signed by the Optionee, or by such
administrators, executors or personal representatives, and delivered or mailed
to the Company as specified in Section 13 hereof to the attention of the Senior
Vice President, General Counsel or such other officer as the Company may
designate.  Any such notice shall (a) specify the number of shares of Stock
which the Optionee or the Optionee's administrators, executors or personal
representatives, as the case may be, then elects to purchase hereunder, (b)
contain such information as may be reasonably required pursuant to Section 10
hereof, and (c) be accompanied by a certified or cashier's check payable to the
Company in payment of the total Exercise Price applicable to such shares as
provided herein; or, if approved by the Committee (i) shares of Stock owned by
the Optionee and duly endorsed or accompanied by stock transfer powers having a
Fair Market Value equal to the total Exercise Price applicable to such shares
purchased hereunder or (ii) a certified or cashier's check accompanied by the
number of shares of Stock whose Fair Market Value when added to the amount of
the check equals the total Exercise Price applicable to such shares purchased
hereunder, subject to compliance with applicable federal and state laws.  Upon
receipt of any such notice and accompanying payment, and subject to the terms
hereof, the Company agrees to issue to the Optionee or the Optionee's
administrators, executors or personal representatives, as the case may be,
stock certificates for the number of shares specified in such notice registered
in the name of the person exercising this Option.

         7      Adjustment in Option.  The number of shares of Stock subject to
this Option, the Exercise Price and other matters are subject to adjustment
during the term of this Option in accordance with the Plan.

         8      Death of Optionee.  In the event of the Optionee's death, the
appropriate persons described in Section 6 hereof or persons to whom all or a
portion of this Option is transferred in accordance with Section 5 hereof may
exercise this Option at any time within a period ending on the earlier of (a)
the last day of the one (1) year period following the Optionee's death or (b)
the expiration date of this Option.

         9      Date of Grant.  This Option was granted by the Committee on the
date set forth in Schedule A (the "Date of Grant").





                                       2
<PAGE>   13
         10     Compliance with Regulatory Matters.  The Optionee acknowledges
that the issuance of capital stock of the Company is subject to limitations
imposed by federal and state law and the Optionee hereby agrees that the
Company shall not be obligated to issue any shares of Stock upon exercise of
this Option that would cause the Company to violate law or any rule,
regulation, order or consent decree of any regulatory authority (including
without limitation the Securities and Exchange Commission) having jurisdiction
over the affairs of the Company.  The Optionee agrees that he or she will
provide the Company with such information as is reasonably requested by the
Company or its counsel to determine whether the issuance of Stock complies with
the provisions described by this Section.

         11     Investment Representation of Optionee

         (a)    Optionee represents to the Company the following:

                     (i)   that Optionee has read and understands the terms and
                provisions of the Plan, and hereby accepts this Agreement
                subject to all the terms and provisions of the Plan;

                     (ii)  that Optionee shall accept as binding and final all
                decisions or interpretations of the Board or of the Committee
                upon any questions arising under the Plan; and

                     (iii)        Optionee understands that, unless at the time
                of exercise of the Option, a registration statement under the
                Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is in effect covering the
                Stock, as a condition to the exercise of the Option the Company
                may require Optionee to represent that Optionee is acquiring
                the Stock for Optionee's own account only and not with a view
                to, or for sale in connection with, any distribution of the
                Stock.

         (b)    The Optionee understands and agrees that the certificate or
certificates representing any shares of Stock acquired hereunder may bear an
appropriate legend relating to registration and resale under federal and state
securities laws.

         (c)    The Optionee shall not have any rights of a stockholder of the
Company with respect to the shares of Stock which may be purchased upon
exercise of this Option, unless and until such shares shall have been issued
and delivered and his/her name has been entered as a stockholder on the stock
transfer records of the Company.


         12     Miscellaneous.

                (a)  This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto
and their representatives, successors and assigns.

                (b)  This Agreement is executed and delivered in, and shall be
governed by the laws of, the State of Delaware, without regard to conflicts of
laws principles.





                                       3
<PAGE>   14
                (c)  Any notice, request, document or other communication given
hereunder shall be deemed to be sufficiently given upon personal delivery to
the other party or upon the expiration of three (3) days after depositing same
in the United States mail, return receipt requested, properly addressed to the
respective parties or such other address as they may give to the other party in
writing in the same manner as follows:

                 Company:     OrthAlliance, Inc.
                              23848 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 200
                              Torrance, California 90505
                              Attention:  Senior Vice President, General Counsel


                 Optionee:    ___________________________________
                              ___________________________________
                              ___________________________________
                              ___________________________________


                (d)  This Agreement may not be modified except in writing
executed by each of the parties hereto.

                (e)  This Agreement, together with the Plan, contains the
entire understanding of the parties hereto and supersedes any prior
understanding and/or written or oral agreement between them respecting the
subject matter hereof.

                (f)  The parties agree that the provisions of this Agreement
are severable and the invalidity or unenforceability of any provision in whole
or part shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any enforceable part
of such provision or any other provisions hereof.

                (g)  The headings with Sections herein are included solely for
convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of
any of the provisions of this Agreement.

                (h)  No waiver of any breach or default hereunder shall be
considered valid unless in writing, and no such waiver shall be deemed a waiver
of any subsequent breach or default of the same or similar nature.

                (i)  This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.





                                       4
<PAGE>   15
                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Committee  has caused this Stock Option
Agreement to be executed on behalf of the Company and attested by the Secretary
or an Assistant Secretary of the Company, and the Optionee has executed this
Stock Option Agreement, all as of the day and year first above written.


                                                COMPANY: 

                                                ORTHALLIANCE, INC.

                                                By:____________________________
                                                Name:__________________________
                                                Title:_________________________


                                                OPTIONEE:


                                                By:____________________________















                                        5
<PAGE>   16
                                   SCHEDULE A
                                       TO
                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
                                    BETWEEN
                               ORTHALLIANCE, INC.
                                      AND
                               [Name of Optionee]

                             Dated ________________


10       Number of Shares Subject to Option:  ________________ shares of Stock.

20       Option Exercise Price:  $_________________ per share.

30       Date of Grant:  ________________________

40       Option Exercise Period:

















                                       6
<PAGE>   17
                                   SCHEDULE B
                                       TO
                             STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT
                                    BETWEEN
                               ORTHALLIANCE, INC.
                                      AND
                               [Name of Optionee]

                             Dated ________________

                               NOTICE OF EXERCISE


                 The undersigned hereby notifies OrthAlliance, Inc. (the
"Company") of this election to exercise the undersigned's stock option to
purchase ________________ shares of Stock (as defined under the Plan) pursuant
to the Stock Option Agreement (the "Agreement") between the undersigned and the
Company dated ________________.  Accompanying this Notice is (1) a certified or
a cashier's check in the amount of $________________ payable to the Company,
and/or (2) _______________ shares of Stock (as defined under the Plan)
presently owned by the undersigned and duly endorsed or accompanied by stock
transfer powers, having an aggregate Fair Market Value (as defined under the
Plan) as of the date hereof of $__________________, such amounts being equal,
in the aggregate, to the purchase price per share set forth in Section 3 of the
Agreement multiplied by the number of shares being purchased hereby (in each
instance subject to appropriate adjustment pursuant to Section 7 of the
Agreement).

         The undersigned is a resident of the State of _____________.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has set his/her hand and
seal, this ________ day of ________________, ______.

                                        OPTIONEE [OR OPTIONEE'S ADMINISTRATOR,
                                        EXECUTOR OR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE]

                                             __________________________________
                                             Name:_____________________________
                                             Position (if other than Optionee):








                                        7

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 10.16




                                CREDIT AGREEMENT


                                     among


                              ORTHALLIANCE, INC.,


                           THE LENDERS NAMED HEREIN,


                                      and


                           FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK,
                                    as Agent


                     $25,000,000 Revolving Credit Facility


                                  Arranged by
                       FIRST UNION CAPITAL MARKETS CORP.


                         Dated as of December 30, 1997






<PAGE>   2
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                           Page
        <S>          <C>                                                                                                   <C>
                                                              ARTICLE I

                                                             DEFINITIONS

         1.1.         Defined Terms   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  1
         1.2.         Accounting Terms  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
         1.3.         Other Terms; Construction.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

                                                             ARTICLE II

                                                    AMOUNT AND TERMS OF THE LOANS

         2.1.         Commitments   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
         2.2.         Borrowings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
         2.3.         Disbursements; Funding Reliance; Domicile of Loans  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
         2.4.         Notes   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
         2.5.         Termination and Reduction of Commitments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
         2.6.         Mandatory Payments and Prepayments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
         2.7.         Voluntary Prepayments   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
         2.8.         Interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
         2.9.         Fees.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
         2.10.        Interest Periods.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
         2.11.        Conversions and Continuations   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
         2.12.        Method of Payments; Computations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
         2.13.        Recovery of Payments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
         2.14.        Use of Proceeds   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
         2.15.        Pro Rata Treatment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
         2.16.        Increased Costs; Change in Circumstances; Illegality; etc   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
         2.17.        Taxes   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
         2.18.        Compensation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

                                                             ARTICLE III

                                                       CONDITIONS OF BORROWING

         3.1.         Conditions of Initial Borrowing   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
         3.2.         Conditions of All Borrowings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

                                                             ARTICLE IV
</TABLE>





                                                                 -1-
<PAGE>   3

<TABLE>
         <S>          <C>                                                                                                   <C>
                                                   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         4.1.         Corporate Organization and Power  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
         4.2.         Authorization; Enforceability.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
         4.3.         No Violation.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
         4.4.         Governmental and Third-Party Authorization; Permits.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
         4.5.         Litigation.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
         4.6.         Taxes.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
         4.7.         Subsidiaries.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
         4.8.         Full Disclosure.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
         4.9.         Margin Regulations.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
         4.10.        No Material Adverse Change.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
         4.11.        Financial Matters.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
         4.12.        Ownership of Properties.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
         4.13.        ERISA.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
         4.14.        Environmental Matters.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
         4.15.        Compliance With Laws.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
         4.16.        Regulated Industries.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
         4.17.        Insurance   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
         4.18.        Material Contracts.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
         4.19.        Security Documents.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
         4.20.        Labor Relations.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

                                                              ARTICLE V

                                                        AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

         5.1.         Financial Statements.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
         5.2.         Other Business and Financial Information.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
         5.3.         Corporate Existence; Franchises; Maintenance of Properties.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
         5.4.         Compliance with Laws  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
         5.5.         Payment of Obligations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
         5.6.         Insurance.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
         5.7.         Maintenance of Books and Records; Inspection.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
         5.8.         Permitted Acquisitions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
         5.9.         Creation or Acquisition of Subsidiaries   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
         5.10.        Additional Security   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
         5.11.        Further Assurances  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
         5.12.        Year 2000 Compatibility   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

                                                             ARTICLE VI

                                                         FINANCIAL COVENANTS

         6.1.         Leverage Ratio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
</TABLE>





                                                                 -2-
<PAGE>   4

<TABLE>
         <S>          <C>                                                                                                   <C>
         6.2.         Coverage Ratio  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
         6.3.         Consolidated Net Worth  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
         6.4.         Capital Expenditures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46



                                                             ARTICLE VII

                                                         NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         7.1.         Merger; Consolidation   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
         7.2.         Indebtedness  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
         7.3.         Liens   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
         7.4.         Disposition of Assets   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
         7.5.         Investments   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
         7.6.         Restricted Payments   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
         7.7.         Transactions with Affiliates  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
         7.8.         Lines of Business   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
         7.9.         Certain Amendments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
         7.10.        Limitation on Certain Restrictions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
         7.11.        No Other Negative Pledges   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
         7.12.        Fiscal Year   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
         7.13.        Accounting Changes.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

                                                            ARTICLE VIII

                                                          EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         8.1.         Events of Default   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
         8.2.         Remedies: Termination of Commitments, Acceleration, etc.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
         8.3.         Remedies: Set-Off.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

                                                             ARTICLE IX

                                                              THE AGENT

         9.1.         Appointment   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
         9.2.         Nature of Duties  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
         9.3.         Exculpatory Provisions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
         9.4.         Reliance by Agent   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
         9.5.         Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Lenders   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
         9.6.         Notice of Default   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
         9.7.         Indemnification   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
         9.8.         The Agent in its Individual Capacity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
         9.9.         Successor Agent   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
</TABLE>





                                                                 -3-
<PAGE>   5

<TABLE>
         <S>          <C>                                                                                                   <C>
         9.10.        Collateral Matters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

                                                              ARTICLE X

                                                            MISCELLANEOUS

         10.1.        Fees and Expenses   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
         10.2.        Indemnification   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
         10.3.        Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
         10.4.        Arbitration; Preservation and Limitation of Remedies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
         10.5.        Notices   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
         10.6.        Amendments, Waivers, etc  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
         10.7.        Assignments, Participations.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
         10.8.        No Waiver.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
         10.9.        Successors and Assigns.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
         10.10.       Survival.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
         10.11.       Severability.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
         10.12.       Construction.   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
         10.13.       Confidentiality   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
         10.14.       Counterparts; Effectiveness   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
         10.15.       Disclosure of Information   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
         10.16.       Entire Agreement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

</TABLE>




                                                                 -4-
<PAGE>   6
                                    EXHIBITS

Exhibit A                 Form of Note
Exhibit B-1               Form of Notice of Borrowing
Exhibit B-2               Form of Notice of Conversion/Continuation
Exhibit C                 Form of Compliance Certificate
Exhibit D                 Form of Assignment and Acceptance
Exhibit E                 Form of Pledge and Security Agreement
Exhibit F                 Form of Subsidiary Guaranty
Exhibit G                 Form of Opinion of Munger, Tolles & Olson
Exhibit H                 Form of Financial Condition Certificate




                                   SCHEDULES

Schedule 4.4              Consents and Approvals
Schedule 4.7              Subsidiaries
Schedule 4.12             Real Property Interests
Schedule 4.17             Insurance
Schedule 4.18             Material Contracts
Schedule 7.2              Indebtedness
Schedule 7.3              Liens
Schedule 7.5              Investments
Schedule 7.8              Transactions with Affiliates





                                       -5-
<PAGE>   7
                                CREDIT AGREEMENT


         THIS CREDIT AGREEMENT, dated as of the 30th day of December, 1997
(this "Agreement"), is made among ORTHALLIANCE, INC., a Delaware corporation
with its principal offices in Torrance, California (the "Borrower"), the banks
and financial institutions listed on the signature pages hereto or that become
parties hereto after the date hereof (collectively, the "Lenders"), and FIRST
UNION NATIONAL BANK ("First Union"), as agent for the Lenders (in such
capacity, the "Agent").


                                    RECITALS

         A.      The Borrower has requested that the Lenders make available to
the Borrower a revolving credit facility in the aggregate principal amount of
$25,000,000.  The Borrower will use the proceeds of this facility for working
capital, including the financing of certain patient receivables, and general
corporate purposes, including permitted acquisitions, all as more fully
described herein.

         B.      The Lenders are willing to make available to the Borrower the
credit facility described herein subject to and on the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement.


                                   AGREEMENT

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


                                   ARTICLE I

                                  DEFINITIONS

         1.1.    Defined Terms.  For purposes of this Agreement, in addition to
the terms defined elsewhere herein, the following terms shall have the meanings
set forth below (such meanings to be equally applicable to the singular and
plural forms thereof):

         "Account Designation Letter" shall mean a letter from the Borrower to
the Agent, duly completed and signed by an Authorized Officer and in form and
substance satisfactory to the Agent, listing any one or more accounts to which
the Borrower may from time to time request the Agent to forward the proceeds of
any Loans made hereunder.

         "Acquisition" shall mean any transaction or series of related
transactions, consummated on or after the date hereof, by which the Borrower
directly, or indirectly through one or more Subsidiaries, (i) acquires any
going business, or all or substantially all of the assets, of any Person,
whether through purchase of assets, merger or otherwise, or (ii) acquires
securities or other ownership interests of any Person having at least a
majority of combined voting power of the then outstanding securities or other
ownership interests of such Person.
<PAGE>   8
         "Acquisition Amount" shall mean, with respect to any Acquisition, the
sum (without duplication) of (i) the amount of cash paid by the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries in connection with such Acquisition, (ii) the Fair Market
Value of all Capital Stock of the Borrower issued or given in connection with
such Acquisition, (iii) the amount (determined by using the face amount or the
amount payable at maturity, whichever is greater) of all Indebtedness incurred,
assumed or acquired by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in connection with
such Acquisition, (iv) all additional purchase price amounts in connection with
such Acquisition in the form of earnouts and other contingent obligations that
should be recorded as a liability on the balance sheet of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries or expensed, in either event in accordance with GAAP, Regulation
S-X under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any other rule or
regulation of the Securities and Exchange Commission, (v) all amounts paid in
respect of covenants not to compete, consulting agreements and other affiliated
contracts in connection with such Acquisition, (vi) the amount of all
transaction fees and expenses (including, without limitation, legal, accounting
and finders' fees and expenses) incurred by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
in connection with such Acquisition and (vii) the aggregate fair market value
of all other consideration given by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in
connection with such Acquisition.

         "Adjusted Base Rate" shall mean, at any time with respect to any Base
Rate Loan, a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate as in effect at such time
plus the Applicable Margin Percentage for Base Rate Loans as in effect at such
time.

         "Adjusted LIBOR Rate" shall mean, at any time with respect to any
LIBOR Loan, a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR Rate as in effect at such time
plus the Applicable Margin Percentage for LIBOR Loans as in effect at such
time.

         "Adjustment Date" shall have the meaning given to such term in the
definition of the term "Applicable Margin Percentage."

         "Affiliate" shall mean, as to any Person, each other Person that
directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, owns or controls,
is controlled by or under common control with, such Person or is a director or
officer of such Person.  For purposes of this definition, with respect to any
Person "control" shall mean (i) the possession, direct or indirect, of the
power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such
Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or
otherwise, or (ii) the beneficial ownership of securities or other ownership
interests of such Person having 10% or more of the combined voting power of the
then outstanding securities or other ownership interests of such Person
ordinarily (and apart from rights accruing under special circumstances) having
the right to vote in the election of directors or other governing body of such
Person.

         "Affiliated Orthodontist" shall mean an orthodontist or group of
orthodontists (including in each case professional corporations) that has
entered into a Services Agreement with the Borrower or its Subsidiaries.

         "Agent" shall mean First Union, in its capacity as Agent appointed
under ARTICLE IX, and its successors and permitted assigns in such capacity.





                                      -2-
<PAGE>   9
         "Agreement" shall mean this Credit Agreement, including all Schedules
and Exhibits hereto, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

         "Annualized EBITDA" shall mean, with respect to the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter,
the product of (i) Consolidated EBITDA for the two (2) consecutive fiscal
quarters ending on such date, multiplied by (ii) two (2), provided that prior
to the Adjustment Date for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 1998, Annualized
EBITDA shall mean the product of (i) Consolidated EBITDA for the fiscal quarter
ending December 31, 1997, multiplied by (ii) four (4), provided, further, that
prior to the Adjustment Date for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 1997,
Annualized EBITDA shall mean $7,900,000.

         "Annualized EBITDAR" shall mean, at any time with respect to the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, as of the last day of
any fiscal quarter, the product of (i) the sum of (a) Consolidated EBITDA for
the two (2) consecutive fiscal quarters ending on such date, plus (b) Corporate
Rent for the two consecutive fiscal quarters ending on such date, multiplied by
(ii) two (2), provided that prior to the Adjustment Date for the fiscal quarter
ending March 31, 1998, Annualized EBITDAR shall mean the product of (i) the sum
of (a) Consolidated EBITDA for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 1997,
plus (b) Corporate Rent for such quarter, multiplied by (ii) four (4),
provided, further, that prior to the Adjustment Date for the fiscal quarter
ending December 31, 1997, Annualized EBITDAR shall mean $7,950,000.

         "Applicable Margin Percentage" shall mean, at any time from and after
the Closing Date, the applicable percentage (a) to be added to the Base Rate
pursuant to SECTION 2.8 for purposes of determining the Adjusted Base Rate, (b)
to be added to the LIBOR Rate pursuant to SECTION 2.8 for purposes of
determining the Adjusted LIBOR Rate, and (c) to be used in calculating the
commitment fee payable pursuant to SECTION 2.9(B), in each case as determined
under the following matrix with reference to the Leverage Ratio:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Applicable Margin        Applicable Margin        Applicable Margin
                                           Percentage for            Percentage for           Percentage for
Leverage Ratio                             Base Rate Loans            LIBOR Loans             Commitment Fee
- --------------                             ---------------            -----------             --------------
<S>                                         <C>                       <C>                      <C>
Greater than 2.5 to 1.0                        0.500%                    1.500%                   0.375%

Greater than 2.0 to 1.0
but less than or equal to 2.5 to 1.0           0.375%                    1.375%                   0.375%

Greater than 1.5 to 1.0
but less than or equal to 2.0 to 1.0           0.250%                    1.250%                   0.250%

Less than or equal to 1.5 to 1.0               0.000%                    1.000%                   0.250%
</TABLE>

On each Adjustment Date (as hereinafter defined), the Applicable Margin
Percentage for all Loans and the commitment fee payable pursuant to SECTION
2.9(B) shall be adjusted effective as of such date (based upon the calculation
of the Leverage Ratio as of the last day of the fiscal period to which such
Adjustment Date relates) in accordance with the above matrix; provided,
however, that, notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else herein to the
contrary, if at any time the Borrower shall





                                      -3-
<PAGE>   10

have failed to deliver the financial statements and a Compliance Certificate as
required by SECTION 5.1(B) or SECTION 5.1(C), as the case may be, and SECTION
5.2(A), or if at any time a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing, then at the election of the Required Lenders, at all times from
and including the date on which such statements and Compliance Certificate are
required to have been delivered (or the date of occurrence of such Default or
Event of Default, as the case may be) to the date on which the same shall have
been delivered (or such Default or Event of Default cured or waived, as the
case may be), each Applicable Margin Percentage shall be determined in
accordance with the above matrix as if the Leverage Ratio were greater than 2.5
to 1.0 (notwithstanding the actual Leverage Ratio).  For purposes of this
definition, "Adjustment Date" shall mean, with respect to any fiscal quarter of
the Borrower beginning with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 1997, the
tenth (10th) day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, on the next succeeding
Business Day) after delivery by the Borrower in accordance with SECTION 5.1(B)
or SECTION 5.1(C), as the case may be, of (i) financial statements for the most
recently completed applicable fiscal period and (ii) a duly completed
Compliance Certificate with respect to such fiscal period.

        "Assignee" shall have the meaning given to such term in SECTION
10.7(A).

        "Assignment and Acceptance" shall mean an Assignment and Acceptance
entered into between a Lender and an Assignee and accepted by the Agent and the
Borrower, in substantially the form of EXHIBIT D.

        "Authorized Officer" shall mean, with respect to any action specified
herein, any officer of the Borrower duly authorized by resolution of the board
of directors of the Borrower to take such action on its behalf, and whose
signature and incumbency shall have been certified to the Agent by the
secretary or an assistant secretary of the Borrower.

        "Bankruptcy Code" shall mean 11 U.S.C. Section 101 et seq., as amended
from time to time, and any successor statute.

        "Base Rate" shall mean the higher of (i) the per annum interest rate
publicly announced from time to time by First Union in Charlotte, North
Carolina, to be its prime rate (which may not necessarily be its best lending
rate), as adjusted to conform to changes as of the opening of business on the
date of any such change in such prime rate, and (ii) the Federal Funds Rate
plus 0.5% per annum, as adjusted to conform to changes as of the opening of
business on the date of any such change in the Federal Funds Rate.

        "Base Rate Loan" shall mean, at any time, any Loan that bears interest
at such time at the applicable Adjusted Base Rate.

        "Borrower Margin Stock" shall mean shares of capital stock of the
Borrower that are held by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries and that
constitute Margin Stock.

        "Borrowing" shall mean the incurrence by the Borrower (including as a
result of conversions and continuations of outstanding Loans pursuant to
SECTION 2.11) on a single date of one or more Loans of a single Type and, in
the case of LIBOR Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.





                                      -4-
<PAGE>   11

        "Borrowing Date" shall mean, with respect to any Borrowing, the date
upon which such Borrowing is made.

        "Business Day" shall mean (i) any day other than a Saturday or Sunday,
a legal holiday or a day on which commercial banks in Charlotte, North Carolina
are required by law to be closed and (ii) in respect of any determination
relevant to a LIBOR Loan, any such day that is also a day on which tradings are
conducted in the London interbank Eurodollar market.

        "Capital Expenditures" shall mean, for any period, the aggregate amount
(whether paid in cash or accrued as a liability) that would, in accordance with
GAAP, be included on the consolidated statement of cash flows of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries for such period as additions to equipment, fixed assets,
real property or improvements or other capital assets (including, without
limitation, capital lease obligations); provided, however, that Capital
Expenditures shall not include any such expenditures (i) for replacements and
substitutions for capital assets, to the extent made with the proceeds of
insurance, (ii) made in connection with Permitted Acquisitions, or (iii) for
additions to or replacements of equipment used in the practice of an Affiliated
Orthodontist.

        "Capital Stock" shall mean (i) with respect to any Person that is a
corporation, any and all shares, interests or equivalents in capital stock
(whether voting or nonvoting, and whether common or preferred) of such
corporation, and (ii) with respect to any Person that is not a corporation, any
and all partnership, membership, limited liability company or other equity
interests of such Person; and in each case, any and all warrants, rights or
options to purchase any of the foregoing.

        "Cash Equivalents" shall mean (i) securities issued or unconditionally
guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality
thereof, backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America
and maturing within 90 days from the date of acquisition, (ii) commercial paper
issued by any Person organized under the laws of the United States of America,
maturing within 90 days from the date of acquisition and, at the time of
acquisition, having a rating of at least A-1 or the equivalent thereof by
Standard & Poor's Ratings Services or at least P-1 or the equivalent thereof by
Moody's Investors Service, Inc., (iii) time deposits and certificates of
deposit maturing within 90 days from the date of issuance and issued by a bank
or trust company organized under the laws of the United States of America or
any state thereof that has combined capital and surplus of at least
$500,000,000 and that has (or is a subsidiary of a bank holding company that
has) a long-term unsecured debt rating of at least A or the equivalent thereof
by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services or at least A2 or the equivalent thereof
by Moody's Investors Service, Inc., (iv) repurchase obligations with a term not
exceeding seven (7) days with respect to underlying securities of the types
described in clause (i) above entered into with any bank or trust company
meeting the qualifications specified in clause (iii) above, and (v) money
market funds at least 95% of the assets of which are continuously invested in
securities of the type described in clause (i) above.

        "Closing Date" shall mean the date upon which the conditions precedent
to the Initial Borrowing set forth in SECTION 3.1 shall have been satisfied.

        "Collateral" shall mean all right, title and interest of the Borrower
and each of its Subsidiaries in (i) the Services Agreements and the proceeds
thereof, (ii) the Securities (as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement)
owned by such Borrower or Subsidiary and the proceeds thereof, (iii) the





                                      -5-
<PAGE>   12
Accounts (as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement) owned by such
Borrower or Subsidiary and the proceeds thereof, and (iv) all other property
and interests in property that shall from time to time be pledged or be
purported to be pledged as direct or indirect security for the Obligations
pursuant to any one or more of the Security Documents.

        "Commitment" shall mean, with respect to any Lender at any time, the
amount set forth opposite such Lender's name on its signature page hereto under
the caption "Commitment" or, if such Lender has entered into one or more
Assignment and Acceptances, the amount set forth for such Lender at such time
in the Register maintained by the Agent pursuant to SECTION 10.7(B) as such
Lender's "Commitment," as such amount may be reduced at or prior to such time
pursuant to the terms hereof.

        "Compliance Certificate" shall mean a fully completed and duly executed
certificate in the form of EXHIBIT C, together with a Covenant Compliance
Worksheet.

        "Consolidated EBITDA" shall mean, for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
on a consolidated basis, for any period, the aggregate of (i) Consolidated Net
Income for such period, plus (ii) the sum of Consolidated Interest Expense,
federal, state, local and other income taxes, depreciation, amortization of
intangible assets, and extraordinary or nonrecurring noncash losses (including
in connection with the sale or write-down of assets) and other noncash expenses
or charges reducing income for such period, all to the extent taken into
account in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income for such period, minus
(iii) the sum of extraordinary or nonrecurring gains (including in connection
with the sale or write-up of assets) and other noncash credits increasing
income for such period, all to the extent taken into account in the calculation
of Consolidated Net Income for such period.

        "Consolidated Funded Debt" shall mean, as of any date of determination,
the aggregate (without duplication) of all Funded Debt of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries as of such date, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance
with GAAP.  For purposes of determining Consolidated Funded Debt as of any
date, each Contingent Obligation of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries required
to be included in such determination shall be valued at the maximum aggregate
principal amount (whether or not drawn or outstanding) of the Indebtedness that
is the corresponding "primary obligation" (as such term is defined in the
definition of Contingent Obligation) as of such date.

        "Consolidated Interest Expense" shall mean, for any period, the sum
(without duplication) of (i) total interest expense of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries for such period in respect of Funded Debt of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries (including, without limitation, all such interest expense accrued
or capitalized during such period, whether or not actually paid during such
period), determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, (ii) all
net amounts payable under or in respect of Hedge Agreements, to the extent paid
or accrued by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during such period, and (iii)
all commitment fees and other ongoing fees in respect of Funded Debt (including
the commitment fee provided for under SECTION 2.9(B) and the fees provided for
under the Fee Letter) paid, accrued or capitalized by the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries during such period.

        "Consolidated Net Income" shall mean, for any period, net income (or
loss) for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a
consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.





                                      -6-
<PAGE>   13

        "Consolidated Net Worth" shall mean, as of any date of determination,
the net worth of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of such date, determined
on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP but excluding any Disqualified
Capital Stock.

        "Contingent Obligation" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any
direct or indirect liability of such Person with respect to any Indebtedness,
liability or other obligation (the "primary obligation") of another Person (the
"primary obligor"), whether or not contingent, (a) to purchase, repurchase or
otherwise acquire such primary obligation or any property constituting direct
or indirect security therefor, (b) to advance or provide funds (i) for the
payment or discharge of any such primary obligation or (ii) to maintain working
capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the
net worth or solvency or any balance sheet item, level of income or financial
condition of the primary obligor, (c) to purchase property, securities or
services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary
obligation of the ability of the primary obligor in respect thereof to make
payment of such primary obligation or (d) otherwise to assure or hold harmless
the owner of any such primary obligation against loss or failure or inability
to perform in respect thereof; provided, however, that, with respect to the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries, the term Contingent Obligation shall not include
endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.

        "Corporate Rent" shall mean, for any period, all amounts paid, payable
or accrued during such period by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis with respect to all leases of real and personal property,
excluding (i) any such amounts that are directly reimbursable pursuant to an
effective Services Agreement and (ii) intercompany items.

        "Covenant Compliance Worksheet" shall mean a fully completed worksheet
in the form of Attachment A to EXHIBIT C.

        "Credit Documents" shall mean this Agreement, the Notes, the Fee
Letter, the Pledge and Security Agreement, the Subsidiary Guaranty, any other
Security Documents, any Hedge Agreement to which the Borrower and any Lender
are parties and that is permitted to be entered into by the Borrower hereunder,
and all other agreements, instruments, documents and certificates now or
hereafter executed and delivered to the Agent or any Lender by or on behalf of
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to this Agreement and the
transactions contemplated hereby, in each case as amended, modified,
supplemented or restated from time to time.

        "Default" shall mean any event or condition that, with the passage of
time or giving of notice, or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

        "Disqualified Capital Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any
Capital Stock of such Person that, by its terms (or by the terms of any
security into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon
the happening of any event or otherwise, (i) matures or is mandatorily
redeemable or subject to any mandatory repurchase requirement, pursuant to a
sinking fund obligation or otherwise, (ii) is redeemable or subject to any
mandatory repurchase requirement at the sole option of the holder thereof, or
(iii) is convertible into or exchangeable for (whether at the option of the
issuer or the holder thereof) (a) debt securities or (b) any Capital Stock
referred to in (i) or (ii) above, in each case under (i), (ii) or (iii) above
at any time on or prior to the Maturity Date; provided, however, that only the
portion of Capital Stock that so matures or is mandatorily redeemable, is so
redeemable at the





                                      -7-
<PAGE>   14
option of the holder thereof, or is so convertible or exchangeable on or prior
to such date shall be deemed to be Disqualified Capital Stock.

        "Dollars" or "$" shall mean dollars of the United States of America.

        "ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended from time to time, and any successor statute, and all rules and
regulations from time to time promulgated thereunder.

        "ERISA Affiliate" shall mean any Person (including any trade or
business, whether or not incorporated) that would be deemed to be under "common
control" with, or a member of the same "controlled group" as, the Borrower or
any of its Subsidiaries, within the meaning of Sections 414(b), (c) or
(o)(without regard to Section 414(m)) of the Internal Revenue Code or Section
4001 of ERISA.

        "ERISA Event" shall mean any of the following with respect to a Plan or
Multiemployer Plan, as applicable: (i) a Reportable Event with respect to a
Plan or a Multiemployer Plan, (ii) a complete or partial withdrawal by the
Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan that results in
liability under Section 4201 or 4204 of ERISA, or the receipt by the Borrower
or any ERISA Affiliate of notice from a Multiemployer Plan that it is in
reorganization or insolvency pursuant to Section 4241 or 4245 of ERISA or that
it intends to terminate or has terminated under Section 4041A of ERISA, (iii)
the distribution by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate under Section 4041 or
4041A of ERISA of a notice of intent to terminate any Plan or the taking of any
action to terminate any Plan, (iv) the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC
under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a
trustee to administer, any Plan, or the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA
Affiliate of a notice from any Multiemployer Plan that such action has been
taken by the PBGC with respect to such Multiemployer Plan, (v) the institution
of a proceeding by any fiduciary of any Multiemployer Plan against the Borrower
or any ERISA Affiliate to enforce Section 515 of ERISA, which is not dismissed
within thirty (30) days, (vi) the imposition upon the Borrower or any ERISA
Affiliate of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC
premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, or the imposition
or threatened imposition of any Lien upon any assets of the Borrower or any
ERISA Affiliate as a result of any alleged failure to comply with the Internal
Revenue Code or ERISA in respect of any Plan, (vii) the engaging in or
otherwise becoming liable for a nonexempt Prohibited Transaction by the
Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate, (viii) a violation of the applicable
requirements of Section 404 or 405 of ERISA or the exclusive benefit rule under
Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code by any fiduciary of any Plan for
which the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates may be directly or indirectly
liable or (ix) the adoption of an amendment to any Plan that, pursuant to
Section 401(a)(29) of the Internal Revenue Code or Section 307 of ERISA, would
result in the loss of tax-exempt status of the trust of which such Plan is a
part if the Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate fails to timely provide security to
such Plan in accordance with the provisions of such sections.

        "Eligible Assignee" shall mean (i) a commercial bank organized under
the laws of the United States or any state thereof and having total assets in
excess of $1,000,000,000, (ii) a commercial bank organized under the laws of
any other country that is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation
and Development or any successor thereto (the "OECD") or a political
subdivision of any such country and having total assets in excess of
$1,000,000,000, provided that such bank or other





                                      -8-
<PAGE>   15

financial institution is acting through a branch or agency located in the
United States, in the country under the laws of which it is organized or in
another country that is also a member of the OECD, (iii) the central bank of
any country that is a member of the OECD, (iv) a finance company, insurance
company or other financial institution or fund that is engaged in making,
purchasing or otherwise investing in loans in the ordinary course of its
business and having total assets in excess of $500,000,000, (v) any Affiliate
of an existing Lender or (vi) any other Person approved by the Required Lenders
(which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld), in each case subject to
the approval of the Borrower (which approval shall not be unreasonably
withheld); provided, however, that no such approval by the Borrower shall be
required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

        "Environmental Claims" shall mean any and all administrative,
regulatory or judicial actions, suits, demands, demand letters, claims, liens,
accusations, allegations, notices of noncompliance or violation, investigations
(other than internal reports prepared by any Person in the ordinary course of
its business and not in response to any third party action or request of any
kind) or proceedings relating in any way to any actual or alleged violation of
or liability under any Environmental Law or relating to any permit issued, or
any approval given, under any such Environmental Law (collectively, "Claims"),
including, without limitation, (i) any and all Claims by Governmental
Authorities for enforcement, cleanup, removal, response, remedial or other
actions or damages pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law and (ii) any
and all Claims by any third party seeking damages, contribution,
indemnification, cost recovery, compensation or injunctive relief resulting
from Hazardous Substances or arising from alleged injury or threat of injury to
human health or the environment.

        "Environmental Laws" shall mean any and all federal, state and local
laws, statutes, ordinances, rules, regulations, permits, licenses, approvals,
rules of common law and orders of courts or Governmental Authorities, relating
to the protection of human health or occupational safety or the environment,
now or hereafter in effect and in each case as amended from time to time,
including, without limitation, requirements pertaining to the manufacture,
processing, distribution, use, treatment, storage, disposal, transportation,
handling, reporting, licensing, permitting, investigation or remediation of
Hazardous Substances.

        "Event of Default" shall have the meaning given to such term in SECTION
8.1.

        "Exchange Act" shall mean the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended from time to time, and any successor statute, and all rules and
regulations from time to time promulgated thereunder.

        "Excluded Subsidiaries" shall mean the Subsidiaries listed on SCHEDULE
1.1, provided that, other than as noted on SCHEDULE 1.1, any such Subsidiary
shall no longer qualify as an Excluded Subsidiary if at any time it enters into
a Service Agreement or holds assets with a fair market value in excess of
$100,000.

        "Facility" shall mean the revolving line of credit facility established
by the Lenders under SECTION 2.1.

        "Fair Market Value" shall mean, with respect to any Capital Stock of
the Borrower given in





                                      -9-
<PAGE>   16

connection with an Acquisition, the value given to such Capital Stock for
purposes of such Acquisition by the parties thereto, as determined in good
faith pursuant to the relevant acquisition agreement or otherwise in connection
with such Acquisition.

        "Federal Funds Rate" shall mean, for any period, a fluctuating per
annum interest rate (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest 1/100 of one
percentage point) equal for each day during such period to the weighted average
of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the
Federal Reserve System arranged by federal funds brokers, as published for such
day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, for the next preceding Business
Day) by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or if such rate is not so
published for any day that is a Business Day, the average of the quotations for
such day on such transactions received by the Agent from three federal funds
brokers of recognized standing selected by the Agent.

        "Federal Reserve Board" shall mean the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System or any successor thereto.

        "Fee Letter" shall mean the letter from First Union to the Borrower,
dated August 29, 1997, relating to certain fees payable by the Borrower in
respect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, as amended,
modified or supplemented from time to time.

        "Financial Condition Certificate" shall mean a fully completed and duly
executed certificate, substantially in the form of EXHIBIT H, together with the
attachments thereto.

        "Financial Officer" shall mean, with respect to the Borrower, the chief
financial officer, principal accounting officer or treasurer of the Borrower.

         "Funded Debt" shall mean, with respect to any Person, all Indebtedness
of such Person that by its terms or by the terms of any instrument or agreement
relating thereto matures more than one year from, or is renewable or extendable
at the option of the debtor to a date more than one year from, the date of
creation thereof (including an option of the debtor under a revolving credit or
similar arrangement obligating the lender or lenders to extend credit over a
period of one year or more), including any current maturities of such
Indebtedness.

         "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles, as set
forth in the statements, opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting
Principles Board, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and
the Financial Accounting Standards Board, consistently applied and maintained,
as in effect from time to time (subject to the provisions of SECTION 1.2).

         "Governmental Authority" shall mean any nation or government, any
state or other political subdivision thereof and any central bank thereof, any
municipal, local, city or county government, and any entity exercising
executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or
pertaining to government, and any corporation or other entity owned or
controlled, through stock or capital ownership or otherwise, by any of the
foregoing.

         "Hazardous Substances" shall mean any substances or materials (i) that
are or become defined as hazardous wastes, hazardous substances, pollutants,
contaminants or toxic substances under any





                                      -10-
<PAGE>   17

Environmental Law, (ii) that are defined by any Environmental Law as toxic,
explosive, corrosive, ignitable, infectious, radioactive, mutagenic or
otherwise hazardous, (iii) the presence of which require investigation or
response under any Environmental Law, (iv) that constitute a nuisance, trespass
or health or safety hazard to Persons or neighboring properties, (v) that
consist of underground or aboveground storage tanks, whether empty, filled or
partially filled with any substance, or (vi) that contain, without limitation,
asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, urea formaldehyde foam insulation,
petroleum hydrocarbons, petroleum derived substances or wastes, crude oil,
nuclear fuel, natural gas or synthetic gas.

         "Hedge Agreement" shall mean any interest or foreign currency rate
swap, cap, collar, option, hedge, forward rate or other similar agreement or
arrangement designed to protect against fluctuations in interest rates or
currency exchange rates.

         "Indebtedness" shall mean, with respect to any Person (without
duplication), (i) all indebtedness and obligations of such Person for borrowed
money or in respect of loans or advances of any kind, (ii) all obligations of
such Person evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or similar instruments, (iii)
all reimbursement obligations of such Person with respect to surety bonds,
letters of credit and bankers' acceptances (in each case, whether or not drawn
or matured and in the stated amount thereof), (iv) all obligations of such
Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services, (v) all
indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title
retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person, (vi) all
obligations of such Person as lessee under leases that are or are required to
be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capital leases, to the extent such
obligations are required to be so recorded, (vii) all Disqualified Capital
Stock issued by such Person, with the amount of Indebtedness represented by
such Disqualified Capital Stock being equal to the greater of its voluntary or
involuntary liquidation preference and its maximum fixed repurchase price, but
excluding accrued dividends, if any (for purposes hereof, the "maximum fixed
repurchase price" of any Disqualified Capital Stock that does not have a fixed
repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of such
Disqualified Capital Stock as if such Disqualified Capital Stock were purchased
on any date on which Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant
to this Agreement, and if such price is based upon, or measured by, the fair
market value of such Disqualified Capital Stock, such fair market value shall
be determined reasonably and in good faith by the board of directors or other
governing body of the issuer of such Disqualified Capital Stock), (viii) the
net termination obligations of such Person under any Hedge Agreements,
calculated as of any date as if such agreement or arrangement were terminated
as of such date, (ix) all Contingent Obligations of such Person and (x) all
indebtedness referred to in clauses (i) through (ix) above secured by any Lien
on any property or asset owned or held by such Person regardless of whether the
indebtedness secured thereby shall have been assumed by such Person or is
nonrecourse to the credit of such Person.

         "Interest Period" shall have the meaning given to such term in SECTION
2.10.

         "Internal Revenue Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended from time to time, and any successor statute, and all rules and
regulations from time to time promulgated thereunder.

         "LIBOR Loan" shall mean, at any time, any Loan that bears interest at
such time at the applicable Adjusted LIBOR Rate.





                                      -11-
<PAGE>   18
         "LIBOR Rate" shall mean, with respect to each LIBOR Loan comprising
part of the same Borrowing for any Interest Period, an interest rate per annum
obtained by dividing (i) (y) the rate of interest appearing on Telerate Page
3750 (or any successor page) or (z) if no such rate is available, the rate of
interest determined by the Agent to be the rate or the arithmetic mean of rates
(rounded upward, if necessary, to the nearest 1/16 of one percentage point) at
which Dollar deposits in immediately available funds are offered by First Union
to first-tier banks in the London interbank Eurodollar market, in each case
under (y) and (z) above at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two (2)
Business Days prior to the first day of such Interest Period for a period
substantially equal to such Interest Period and in an amount substantially
equal to the amount of First Union's LIBOR Loan comprising part of such
Borrowing, by (ii) the amount equal to 1.00 minus the Reserve Requirement
(expressed as a decimal) for such Interest Period.

         "Lender" shall mean each financial institution signatory hereto and
each other financial institution that becomes a "Lender" hereunder pursuant to
SECTION 10.7, and their respective successors and assigns.

         "Lending Office" shall mean, with respect to any Lender, the office of
such Lender designated as its "Lending Office" on its signature page hereto or
in an Assignment and Acceptance, or such other office as may be otherwise
designated in writing from time to time by such Lender to the Borrower and the
Agent.  A Lender may designate separate Lending Offices as provided in the
foregoing sentence for the purposes of making or maintaining different Types of
Loans, and, with respect to LIBOR Loans, such office may be a domestic or
foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender.

         "Leverage Ratio" shall mean, as of the last day of any fiscal quarter,
the ratio of (i) Consolidated Funded Debt as of such date to (ii) Annualized
EBITDA as of such date.

         "Licenses" shall mean any and all licenses, including provisional
licenses, certificates of need, accreditations, permits, franchises, rights to
conduct business, approvals by a Governmental Authority or otherwise, consents,
qualifications, operating authority and any other authorizations.

         "Lien" shall mean any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment,
security interest, lien (statutory or otherwise), preference, priority, charge
or other encumbrance of any nature, whether voluntary or involuntary,
including, without limitation, the interest of any vendor or lessor under any
conditional sale agreement, title retention agreement, capital lease or any
other lease or arrangement having substantially the same effect as any of the
foregoing.


         "Limitation" shall mean a revocation, suspension, termination,
impairment, probation, limitation, non-renewal, forfeiture, declaration of
ineligibility, loss of status as a participating provider in a Third Party
Payor Arrangement and the loss of any other rights.

         "Loans" shall have the meaning given to such term in SECTION 2.1.

         "Margin Stock" shall have the meaning given to such term in Regulation
U.





                                      -12-
<PAGE>   19
         "Material Adverse Change" shall mean a material adverse change in the
condition (financial or otherwise), operations, prospects, business, properties
or assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

         "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean a material adverse effect upon
(i) the condition (financial or otherwise), operations, prospects, business,
properties or assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole,
(ii) the ability of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to perform its obligations
under this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents to which it is a
party or (iii) the legality, validity or enforceability of this Agreement or
any of the other Credit Documents or the rights and remedies of the Agent and
the Lenders hereunder and thereunder.

         "Material Contract" shall have the meaning given to such term in
SECTION 4.18.

         "Maturity Date" shall mean December 30, 2000, provided that if, upon
the request of the Borrower, the Lenders have agreed in writing at least 90
days prior to such Maturity Date to renew the Facility for one year, then the
Maturity Date shall be December 30, 2001 and if, upon the further request of
the Borrower, the Lenders have agreed in writing at least 90 days prior to such
extended Maturity Date to renew the Facility for an additional year, then the
Maturity Date shall be December 30, 2002.

         "Multiemployer Plan" shall mean any "multiemployer plan" within the
meaning of Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA to which the Borrower or any ERISA
Affiliate makes, is making or is obligated to make contributions or has made or
been obligated to make contributions.

         "Notes" shall mean the promissory notes of the Borrower in
substantially the form of EXHIBIT A, together with any amendments,
modifications and supplements thereto, substitutions therefor and restatements
thereof.

         "Notice of Borrowing" shall have the meaning given to such term in
SECTION 2.2(B).

         "Notice of Conversion/Continuation" shall have the meaning given to
such term in SECTION 2.11(B).

         "Obligations" shall mean all principal of and interest (including, to
the greatest extent permitted by law, post-petition interest) on the Loans and
all fees, expenses, indemnities and other obligations owing, due or payable at
any time by the Borrower to the Agent, any Lender or any other Person entitled
thereto, under this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents.

         "PBGC" shall mean the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation and any
successor thereto.

         "Participant" shall have the meaning given to such term in SECTION
10.7(D).

         "Permitted Acquisition" shall mean (a) any Acquisition with respect to
which all of the following conditions are satisfied: (i) each business acquired
shall be within the permitted lines of business described in SECTION 7.8, (ii)
any Capital Stock given as consideration in connection therewith shall be
Capital Stock of the Borrower, (iii) in the case of an Acquisition involving
the acquisition of





                                      -13-
<PAGE>   20
control of Capital Stock of any Person, immediately after giving effect to such
Acquisition such Person (or the surviving Person, if the Acquisition is
effected through a merger or consolidation) shall be the Borrower or a Wholly
Owned Subsidiary, and (iv) all of the conditions and requirements of SECTIONS
5.9 and 5.10 applicable to such Acquisition are satisfied; or (b) any other
Acquisition to which the Required Lenders (or the Agent on their behalf) shall
have given their prior written consent (which consent may be in their sole
discretion and may be given subject to such additional terms and conditions as
the Required Lenders shall establish) and with respect to which all of the
conditions and requirements set forth in this definition and in SECTION 5.9,
and in or pursuant to any such consent, have been satisfied or waived in
writing by the Required Lenders (or the Agent on their behalf).

         "Permitted Liens" shall have the meaning given to such term in SECTION
7.3.

         "Person" shall mean any corporation, association, joint venture,
partnership, limited liability company, organization, business, individual,
trust, government or agency or political subdivision thereof or any other legal
entity.

         "Plan" shall mean any "employee pension benefit plan" within the
meaning of Section 3(2) of ERISA that is subject to the provisions of Title IV
of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Plan) and to which the Borrower or any
ERISA Affiliate may have any liability.

         "Pledge and Security Agreement" shall mean a pledge and security
agreement made by the Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors in favor of the
Agent, in substantially the form of EXHIBIT E, as amended, modified or
supplemented from time to time.

         "Prohibited Transaction" shall mean any transaction described in (i)
Section 406 of ERISA that is not exempt by reason of Section 408 of ERISA or by
reason of a Department of Labor prohibited transaction individual or class
exemption or (ii) Section 4975(c) of the Internal Revenue Code that is not
exempt by reason of Section 4975(c)(2) or 4975(d) of the Internal Revenue Code.

         "Projections" shall have the meaning given to such term in SECTION
4.11(B).

         "Register" shall have the meaning given to such term in SECTION
10.7(B).

         "Regulations D, G, T, U and X" shall mean Regulations D, G, T, U and
X, respectively, of the Federal Reserve Board, and any successor regulations.

         "Reimbursement Approvals" shall mean, with respect to all Third Party
Payor Arrangements, any and all certifications, provider numbers, provider
agreements, participation agreements, accreditations and any other similar
agreements with or approvals by Governmental Authorities or other Persons.

         "Reportable Event" shall mean (i) any "reportable event" within the
meaning of Section 4043(c) of ERISA for which the 30-day notice under Section
4043(a) of ERISA has not been waived by the PBGC (including any failure to meet
the minimum funding standard of, or timely make any required installment under,
Section 412 of the Internal Revenue





                                      -14-
<PAGE>   21

Code or Section 302 of ERISA, regardless of the issuance of any waivers in
accordance with Section 412(d) of the Internal Revenue Code), (ii) any such
"reportable event" subject to advance notice to the PBGC under Section
4043(b)(3) of ERISA, (iii) any application for a funding waiver or an extension
of any amortization period pursuant to Section 412 of the Internal Revenue
Code, and (iv) a cessation of operations described in Section 4062(e) of ERISA.

         "Required Lenders" shall mean the Lenders holding outstanding Loans
and Commitments representing more than fifty-one percent (51%) of the aggregate
at such time of all outstanding Loans and Commitments.

         "Requirement of Law" shall mean, with respect to any Person, the
charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation and bylaws or
other organizational or governing documents of such Person, and any statute,
law, treaty, rule, regulation, order, decree, writ, injunction or determination
of any arbitrator or court or other Governmental Authority, in each case
applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which
such Person or any of its property is subject or otherwise pertaining to any or
all of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Credit
Documents.

         "Reserve Requirement" shall mean, with respect to any Interest Period,
the reserve percentage (expressed as a decimal) in effect from time to time
during such Interest Period, as provided by the Federal Reserve Board, applied
for determining the maximum reserve requirements (including, without
limitation, basic, supplemental, marginal and emergency reserves) applicable to
First Union under Regulation D with respect to "Eurocurrency liabilities"
within the meaning of Regulation D, or under any similar or successor
regulation with respect to Eurocurrency liabilities or Eurocurrency funding.

         "Responsible Officer" shall mean, with respect to the Borrower, the
president, the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, any
executive officer, or any other Financial Officer of the Borrower, and any
other officer or similar official thereof responsible for the administration of
the obligations of the Borrower in respect of this Agreement.

         "Security Documents" shall mean the Pledge and Security Agreement and
all other pledge or security agreements, mortgages, deeds of trust, assignments
or other similar agreements or instruments executed and delivered by the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to SECTION 5.10 or SECTION 5.11 or
otherwise in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, in each case
as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

         "Services Agreements" shall mean the management services agreements
and any related consulting agreements between the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
and any Affiliated Orthodontist, whether now existing or hereafter acquired or
arising, together with any and all extensions, modifications, amendments,
renewals, substitutions or replacements thereof.

         "Subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any corporation
or other Person of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding
Capital Stock having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of
directors, board of managers or other governing body of such Person, is at the
time, directly or indirectly, owned or controlled by such Person and one or
more of its other Subsidiaries or a combination thereof (irrespective of
whether, at the time, securities of any other class or classes of any such
corporation or other Person shall or might have voting power by reason of the





                                      -15-
<PAGE>   22

happening of any contingency).  When used without reference to a parent entity,
the term "Subsidiary" shall be deemed to refer to a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

         "Subsidiary Guarantor" shall mean any Subsidiary of the Borrower that
is or is required by SECTION 3.1(A)(II) or SECTION 5.9 to be a guarantor under
the Subsidiary Guaranty and has granted to the Agent a Lien upon and security
interest in certain of its personal property assets pursuant to the Pledge and
Security Agreement, including, without limitation, OrthAlliance Finance, Inc.,
any other subsidiary that has executed a Services Agreement and any Excluded
Subsidiary that ceases to qualify under the definition thereof.

         "Subsidiary Guaranty" shall mean a guaranty agreement made by the
Subsidiary Guarantors in favor of the Agent and the Lenders, in substantially
the form of EXHIBIT F, as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time.

         "Termination Date" shall mean the Maturity Date or such earlier date
of termination of the Commitments pursuant to SECTION 2.5 or SECTION 8.2.

         "Third Party Payor Arrangements"  shall mean any and all arrangements
with Medicare, Medicaid, CHAMPUS, and any other Governmental Authority, or
quasi-public agency, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, any managed care plans and
organizations including, without limitation, HMO's and preferred provider
organizations, private commercial insurance companies and any similar third
party arrangements, plans or programs for payment or reimbursement in
connection with orthodontic, dental and other health care services, products or
supplies.

         "Type" shall have the meaning given to such term in SECTION 2.2(A).

         "Unfunded Pension Liability" shall mean, with respect to any Plan or
Multiemployer Plan, the excess of its benefit liabilities under Section
4001(a)(16) of ERISA over the current value of its assets, determined in
accordance with the applicable assumptions used for funding under Section 412
of the Code for the applicable plan year.

         "Unutilized Commitment" shall mean, with respect to any Lender at any
time, such Lender's Commitment at such time less the aggregate principal amount
of all Loans made by such Lender that are outstanding at such time.

         "Wholly Owned" shall mean, with respect to any Subsidiary of any
Person, that 100% of the outstanding Capital Stock of such Subsidiary is owned,
directly or indirectly, by such Person.

         1.2.    Accounting Terms.  Except as specifically provided otherwise
in this Agreement, all accounting terms used herein that are not specifically
defined shall have the meanings customarily given them in accordance with GAAP.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, for purposes of
calculation of the financial covenants set forth in ARTICLE VI, all accounting
determinations and computations hereunder shall be made in accordance with GAAP
as in effect as of the date of this Agreement applied on a basis consistent
with the application used in preparing the most recent financial statements of
the Borrower referred to in SECTION 5.11(A).  In the event that any changes in
GAAP after such date are required to be applied to the Borrower and would
affect the





                                      -16-
<PAGE>   23
computation of the financial covenants contained in ARTICLE VI, such changes
shall be followed only from and after the date this Agreement shall have been
amended to take into account any such changes.

         1.3.   Other Terms; Construction.  Unless otherwise specified or
unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to sections,
annexes, schedules and exhibits are references to sections, annexes, schedules
and exhibits in and to this Agreement, and all terms defined in this Agreement
shall have the defined meanings when used in any other Credit Document or any
certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto.  All
references herein to the Lenders or any of them shall be deemed to include the
Issuing Lender unless specifically provided otherwise or unless the context
otherwise requires.


                                   ARTICLE II

                         AMOUNT AND TERMS OF THE LOANS

         2.1.   Commitments.  Each Lender severally agrees, subject to and on
the terms and conditions of this Agreement, to make loans (each, a "Loan," and
collectively, the "Loans") to the Borrower, from time to time on any Business
Day during the period from and including the Closing Date to but not including
the Termination Date, provided that (i) the aggregate principal amount of Loans
at any time outstanding for any Lender shall not exceed such Lender's
Commitment at such time, and (ii) no Borrowing shall be made if, immediately
after giving effect thereto, the sum of the aggregate principal amount of Loans
outstanding at such time would exceed the aggregate Commitments at such time.
Subject to and on the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Borrower may
borrow, repay and reborrow Loans.

         2.2    Borrowings.  (a)  The Loans shall, at the option of the
Borrower and subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, be either
Base Rate Loans or LIBOR Loans (each, a "Type" of Loan), provided that (i) all
Loans comprising the same Borrowing shall, unless otherwise specifically
provided herein, be of the same Type and (ii) any Loans made on the Closing
Date shall be made initially as Base Rate Loans.

                   (b)    In order to make a Borrowing (other than Borrowings
involving continuations or conversions of outstanding Loans, which shall be
made pursuant to SECTION 2.11), the Borrower will give the Agent written notice
not later than 12:00 noon, Charlotte time, three (3) Business Days prior to
each Borrowing to be comprised of LIBOR Loans and one (1) Business Day prior to
each Borrowing to be comprised of Base Rate Loans; provided, however, that
requests for the Borrowing of any Loans to be made on the Closing Date may, at
the discretion of the Agent, be given later than the times specified
hereinabove.  Each such notice (each, a "Notice of Borrowing") shall be
irrevocable, shall be given in the form of EXHIBIT B-1 and shall specify (1)
the aggregate principal amount and initial Type of the Loans to be made
pursuant to such Borrowing, (2) in the case of a Borrowing of LIBOR Loans, the
initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, and (3) the requested date of
such Borrowing (the "Borrowing Date"), which shall be a Business Day.  Upon its
receipt of a Notice of Borrowing, the Agent will promptly notify each Lender of
the proposed Borrowing.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
herein:





                                      -17-
<PAGE>   24
                   (i)    the aggregate principal amount of each Borrowing
         comprised of Base Rate Loans shall not be less than $250,000, or, if
         greater, an integral multiple of $50,000 in excess thereof, and the
         aggregate principal amount of each Borrowing comprised of LIBOR Loans
         shall not be less than $500,000 or, if greater, an integral multiple
         of $250,000 in excess thereof;

                  (ii)    if the Borrower shall have failed to designate the
         Type of Loans comprising a Borrowing, the Borrower shall be deemed to
         have requested a Borrowing comprised of Base Rate Loans; and

                 (iii)    if the Borrower shall have failed to select the
         duration of the Interest Period to be applicable to any Borrowing of
         LIBOR Loans, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an
         Interest Period with a duration of one month.

         (c)     Not later than 1:00 p.m., Charlotte time, on the requested
Borrowing Date, each Lender will make available to the Agent at its office
referred to in SECTION 10.5 (or at such other location as the Agent may
designate) an amount, in Dollars and in immediately available funds, equal to
the amount of the Loan or Loans to be made by such Lender.  To the extent the
Lenders have made such amounts available to the Agent as provided hereinabove,
the Agent will make the aggregate of such amounts available to the Borrower in
accordance with SECTION 2.3(A) and in like funds as received by the Agent.

         2.3.    Disbursements; Funding Reliance; Domicile of Loans.  (a)  The
Borrower hereby authorizes the Agent to disburse the proceeds of each Borrowing
in accordance with the terms of any written instructions from any of the
Authorized Officers, provided that the Agent shall not be obligated under any
circumstances to forward amounts to any account not listed in an Account
Designation Letter.  The Borrower may at any time deliver to the Agent an
Account Designation Letter listing any additional accounts or deleting any
accounts listed in a previous Account Designation Letter.

         (b)     Unless the Agent has received, prior to 1:00 p.m., Charlotte
time, on the relevant Borrowing Date, written notice from a Lender that such
Lender will not make available to the Agent such Lender's ratable portion, if
any, of the relevant Borrowing, the Agent may assume that such Lender has made
such portion available to the Agent in immediately available funds on such
Borrowing Date in accordance with the applicable provisions of SECTION 2.2, and
the Agent may, in reliance upon such assumption, but shall not be obligated to,
make a corresponding amount available to the Borrower on such Borrowing Date.
If and to the extent that such Lender shall not have made such portion
available to the Agent, and the Agent shall have made such corresponding amount
available to the Borrower, such Lender, on the one hand, and the Borrower, on
the other, severally agree to pay to the Agent forthwith on demand such
corresponding amount, together with interest thereon for each day from the date
such amount is made available to the Borrower until the date such amount is
repaid to the Agent, (i) in the case of such Lender, at the Federal Funds Rate,
and (ii) in the case of the Borrower, at the rate of interest applicable at
such time to the Type of Loan comprising such Borrowing, as determined under
the provisions of SECTION 2.8.  If such Lender shall repay to the Agent such
corresponding amount, such amount shall constitute such Lender's Loan as part
of such Borrowing for purposes of this Agreement.  The failure of any Lender to
make any Loan required to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not
relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its





                                      -18-
<PAGE>   25
Loan as part of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the
failure of any other Lender to make the Loan to be made by such other Lender as
part of any Borrowing.

         (c)     Each Lender may, at its option, make and maintain any Loan at,
to or for the account of any of its Lending Offices, provided that any exercise
of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such
Loan to or for the account of such Lender in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement.

         2.4.    Notes.  (a)  The Loans made by each Lender shall be evidenced
by a Note appropriately completed in substantially the form of EXHIBIT A.

         (b)     Each Note issued to a Lender with a Commitment shall (i) be
executed by the Borrower, (ii) be payable to the order of such Lender, (iii) be
dated as of the Closing Date, (iv) be in a stated principal amount equal to
such Lender's Commitment, (v) bear interest in accordance with the provisions
of SECTION 2.8, as the same may be applicable from time to time to the Loans
made by such Lender, and (vi) be entitled to all of the benefits of this
Agreement and the other Credit Documents and subject to the provisions hereof
and thereof.

         (c)     Each Lender will record on its internal records the amount and
Type of each Loan made by it and each payment received by it in respect thereof
and will, in the event of any transfer of any of its Notes, either endorse on
the reverse side thereof or on a schedule attached thereto (or any continuation
thereof) the outstanding principal amount and Type of the Loans evidenced
thereby as of the date of transfer or provide such information on a schedule to
the Assignment and Acceptance relating to such transfer; provided, however,
that the failure of any Lender to make any such recordation or provide any such
information, or any error therein, shall not affect the Borrower's obligations
under this Agreement or the Notes.

         2.5.    Termination and Reduction of Commitments.  (a) The Commitments
shall be automatically and permanently terminated on the Termination Date (or
on December 31, 1997, but only if the Closing Date shall not have occurred on
or prior to such date).

         (b)     At any time and from time to time, upon at least five (5)
Business Days' prior written notice to the Agent, the Borrower may terminate in
whole or reduce in part the aggregate Unutilized Commitments, provided that any
such partial reduction shall be in an aggregate amount of not less than
$1,000,000 or integral multiples thereof.  The amount of any such termination
or reduction made under this subparagraph (b) shall be applied ratably to the
Commitments and may not thereafter be reinstated.

         2.6.    Mandatory Payments and Prepayments.  (a)  Except to the extent
due or paid sooner pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, the aggregate
outstanding principal of the Loans shall be due and payable in full on the
Maturity Date.

         (b)     In the event that, at any time, the aggregate principal amount
of Loans outstanding at such time shall exceed the aggregate Commitments at
such time, the Borrower will immediately prepay the outstanding principal
amount of the Loans in the amount of such excess.

         (c)     Each payment or prepayment of a LIBOR Loan made pursuant to
the provisions of this





                                      -19-
<PAGE>   26
Section on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period applicable
thereto shall be made together with all amounts required under SECTION 2.18 to
be paid as a consequence thereof.

         2.7.    Voluntary Prepayments.  (a)  At any time and from time to
time, the Borrower shall have the right to prepay the Loans, in whole or in
part, without premium or penalty (except as provided in clause (iii) below),
upon written notice given to the Agent not later than 12:00 noon, Charlotte
time, three (3) Business Days prior to each intended prepayment of LIBOR Loans
and one (1) Business Day prior to each intended prepayment of Base Rate Loans,
provided that (i) each partial prepayment shall be in an aggregate principal
amount of not less than $250,000 or, if greater, an integral multiple of
$50,000 in excess thereof, (ii) no partial prepayment of LIBOR Loans made
pursuant to any single Borrowing shall reduce the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of the remaining LIBOR Loans under such Borrowing to less than
$500,000 or to any greater amount not an integral multiple of $250,000 in
excess thereof, and (iii) unless made together with all amounts required under
SECTION 2.18 to be paid as a consequence of such prepayment, a prepayment of a
LIBOR Loan may be made only on the last day of the Interest Period applicable
thereto.  Each such notice shall specify the proposed date of such prepayment
and the aggregate principal amount and Type of the Loans to be prepaid (and, in
the case of LIBOR Loans, the Interest Period of the Borrowing pursuant to which
made), and shall be irrevocable and shall bind the Borrower to make such
prepayment on the terms specified therein.  Loans prepaid pursuant to this
subsection (a) may be reborrowed, subject to the terms and conditions of this
Agreement.

         (b)     Each prepayment of the Loans made pursuant to subsection (a)
above shall be applied ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans being
prepaid, in proportion to the principal amount held by each.

         2.8.    Interest.  (a)  The Borrower will pay interest in respect of
the unpaid principal amount of each Loan, from the date of Borrowing thereof
until such principal amount shall be paid in full, (i) at the Adjusted Base
Rate applicable to such Loan, as in effect from time to time during such
periods as such Loan is a Base Rate Loan, and (ii) at the Adjusted LIBOR Rate
applicable to such Loan, as in effect from time to time during such periods as
such Loan is a LIBOR Loan.

         (b)     Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of
Default as the result of failure by the Borrower to pay any principal of or
interest on any Loan, any fees or other amount hereunder when due (whether at
maturity, pursuant to acceleration or otherwise), and (at the election of the
Required Lenders) upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any other
Event of Default, all outstanding principal amounts of the Loans and, to the
greatest extent permitted by law, all interest accrued on the Loans and all
other accrued and outstanding fees and other amounts hereunder, shall bear
interest at a rate per annum equal to the interest rate applicable from time to
time thereafter to such Loans (whether the Adjusted Base Rate or the Adjusted
LIBOR Rate) plus 2% (or, in the case of fees and other amounts, at the Adjusted
Base Rate plus 2%), and, in each case, such default interest shall be payable
on demand.  To the greatest extent permitted by law, interest shall continue to
accrue after the filing by or against the Borrower of any petition seeking any
relief in bankruptcy or under any law pertaining to insolvency or debtor
relief.

         (c)     Accrued (and theretofore unpaid) interest shall be payable as
follows:





                                      -20-
<PAGE>   27
                   (i)    in respect of each Base Rate Loan (including any Base
         Rate Loan or portion thereof paid or prepaid pursuant to the
         provisions of SECTION 2.6, except as provided hereinbelow), in arrears
         on the last Business Day of each calendar quarter, beginning with the
         first such day to occur after the Closing Date; provided, that in the
         event the Loans are repaid or prepaid in full and the Commitments have
         been terminated, then accrued interest in respect of all Base Rate
         Loans shall be payable together with such repayment or prepayment on
         the date thereof;

                  (ii)    in respect of each LIBOR Loan (including any LIBOR
         Loan or portion thereof paid or prepaid pursuant to the provisions of
         SECTION 2.6, except as provided hereinbelow), in arrears on the last
         Business Day of the Interest Period applicable thereto (subject to the
         provisions of clause (iv) in SECTION 2.10); provided, that in the
         event all LIBOR Loans made pursuant to a single Borrowing are repaid
         or prepaid in full, then accrued interest in respect of such LIBOR
         Loans shall be payable together with such repayment or prepayment on
         the date thereof; and

                 (iii)    in respect of any Loan, at maturity (whether pursuant
         to acceleration or otherwise) and, after maturity, on demand.

         (d)     Nothing contained in this Agreement or in any other Credit
Document shall be deemed to establish or require the payment of interest to any
Lender at a rate in excess of the maximum rate permitted by applicable law.  If
the amount of interest payable for the account of any Lender on any interest
payment date would exceed the maximum amount permitted by applicable law to be
charged by such Lender, the amount of interest payable for its account on such
interest payment date shall be automatically reduced to such maximum
permissible amount.  In the event of any such reduction affecting any Lender,
if from time to time thereafter the amount of interest payable for the account
of such Lender on any interest payment date would be less than the maximum
amount permitted by applicable law to be charged by such Lender, then the
amount of interest payable for its account on such subsequent interest payment
date shall be automatically increased to such maximum permissible amount,
provided that at no time shall the aggregate amount by which interest paid for
the account of any Lender has been increased pursuant to this sentence exceed
the aggregate amount by which interest paid for its account has theretofore
been reduced pursuant to the previous sentence.

         (e)     The Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders
upon determining the interest rate for each Borrowing of LIBOR Loans after its
receipt of the relevant Notice of Borrowing or Notice of
Conversion/Continuation, and upon each change in the Base Rate; provided,
however, that the failure of the Agent to provide the Borrower or the Lenders
with any such notice shall neither affect any obligations of the Borrower or
the Lenders hereunder nor result in any liability on the part of the Agent to
the Borrower or any Lender.  Each such determination (including each
determination of the Reserve Requirement) shall, absent manifest error, be
conclusive and binding on all parties hereto.

         2.9.    Fees.  The Borrower agrees to pay:

         (a)     To First Union, for its own account, on the date of its
execution of this Agreement, the fees described in the Fee Letter, in the
amounts set forth therein as due and payable on such date and to the extent not
theretofore paid to First Union;





                                      -21-
<PAGE>   28
         (b)     To the Agent, for the account of each Lender, a commitment fee
for each calendar quarter (or portion thereof) for the period from the date of
this Agreement to the Termination Date, at a per annum rate equal to the
Applicable Margin Percentage in effect for such fee from time to time during
such quarter, on such Lender's ratable share (based on the proportion that its
Commitment bears to the aggregate Commitments) of the average daily aggregate
Unutilized Commitments, payable in arrears (i) on the last Business Day of each
calendar quarter, beginning with the first such day to occur after the Closing
Date, and (ii) on the Termination Date;

         (c)     To the Agent, for its own account, an annual administrative
fee in the amount and on the terms as may be agreed by the Borrower and the
Agent upon the primary syndication of the Facility.

         2.10.   Interest Periods.  Concurrently with the giving of a Notice
of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation in respect of any Borrowing
comprised of Base Rate Loans to be converted into, or LIBOR Loans to be
continued as, LIBOR Loans, the Borrower shall have the right to elect, pursuant
to such notice, the interest period (each, an "Interest Period") to be
applicable to such LIBOR Loans, which Interest Period shall, at the option of
the Borrower, be a one, two or three-month period; provided, however, that:

                   (i)    all LIBOR Loans comprising a single Borrowing shall
         at all times have the same Interest Period;

                   (ii)   the initial Interest Period for any LIBOR Loan shall
         commence on the date of the Borrowing of such LIBOR Loan (including
         the date of any continuation of, or conversion into, such LIBOR Loan),
         and each successive Interest Period applicable to such LIBOR Loan
         shall commence on the day on which the next preceding Interest Period
         applicable thereto expires;

                   (iii)  LIBOR Loans may not be outstanding under more than
         five (5) separate Interest Periods at any one time (for which purpose
         Interest Periods shall be deemed to be separate even if they are
         coterminous);

                   (iv)   if any Interest Period otherwise would expire on a
         day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall expire on
         the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business
         Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest
         Period shall expire on the next preceding Business Day;

                   (v)    the Borrower may not select any Interest Period that
         begins prior to the Closing Date or that expires after the Maturity
         Date, with respect to Loans that are to be maintained as LIBOR Loans;

                   (vi)   if any Interest Period begins on a day for which
         there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month during
         which such Interest Period would otherwise expire, such Interest
         Period shall expire on the last Business Day of such calendar month;
         and





                                      -22-
<PAGE>   29
                   (vii)  if, upon the expiration of any Interest Period
         applicable to a Borrowing of LIBOR Loans, the Borrower shall have
         failed to elect a new Interest Period to be applicable to such LIBOR
         Loans, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have elected to convert
         such LIBOR Loans into Base Rate Loans as of the expiration of the then
         current Interest Period applicable thereto.

         2.11.     Conversions and Continuations.  (a)  The Borrower shall have
the right, on any Business Day occurring on or after the Closing Date, to elect
(i) to convert all or a portion of the outstanding principal amount of any Base
Rate Loans into LIBOR Loans, or to convert any LIBOR Loans the Interest Periods
for which end on the same day into Base Rate Loans, or (ii) to continue all or
a portion of the outstanding principal amount of any LIBOR Loans the Interest
Periods for which end on the same day for an additional Interest Period,
provided that (x) any such conversion of LIBOR Loans into Base Rate Loans shall
involve an aggregate principal amount of not less than $250,000 or, if greater,
an integral multiple of $50,000 in excess thereof; any such conversion of Base
Rate Loans into, or continuation of, LIBOR Loans shall involve an aggregate
principal amount of not less than $500,000 or, if greater, an integral multiple
of $250,000 in excess thereof; and no partial conversion of LIBOR Loans made
pursuant to a single Borrowing shall reduce the outstanding principal amount of
such LIBOR Loans to less than $500,000 or to any greater amount not an integral
multiple of $250,000 in excess thereof, (y) except as otherwise provided in
SECTION 2.16(D), LIBOR Loans may be converted into Base Rate Loans only on the
last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto (and, in any event, if a
LIBOR Loan is converted into a Base Rate Loan on any day other than the last
day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, the Borrower will pay, upon such
conversion, all amounts required under SECTION 2.18 to be paid as a consequence
thereof), and (z) no conversion of Base Rate Loans into LIBOR Loans or
continuation of LIBOR Loans shall be permitted during the continuance of a
Default or Event of Default.

         (b)       The Borrower shall make each such election by giving the
Agent written notice not later than 12:00 noon, Charlotte time, three (3)
Business Days prior to the intended effective date of any conversion of Base
Rate Loans into, or continuation of, LIBOR Loans and one (1) Business Day prior
to the intended effective date of any conversion of LIBOR Loans into Base Rate
Loans.  Each such notice (each, a "Notice of Conversion/Continuation") shall be
irrevocable, shall be given in the form of EXHIBIT B-2 and shall specify (x)
the date of such conversion or continuation (which shall be a Business Day),
(y) in the case of a conversion into, or a continuation of, LIBOR Loans, the
Interest Period to be applicable thereto, and (z) the aggregate amount and Type
of the Loans being converted or continued.  Upon the receipt of a Notice of
Conversion/Continuation, the Agent will promptly notify each Lender of the
proposed conversion or continuation.  In the event that the Borrower shall fail
to deliver a Notice of Conversion/Continuation as provided herein with respect
to any outstanding LIBOR Loans, such LIBOR Loans shall automatically be
converted to Base Rate Loans upon the expiration of the then current Interest
Period applicable thereto (unless repaid pursuant to the terms hereof).  In the
event the Borrower shall have failed to select in a Notice of
Conversion/Continuation the duration of the Interest Period to be applicable to
any conversion into, or continuation of, LIBOR Loans, then the Borrower shall
be deemed to have selected an Interest Period with a duration of one month.

         2.12.     Method of Payments; Computations.  (a)  All payments by the
Borrower hereunder shall be made without setoff, counterclaim or other defense,
in Dollars and in immediately available funds to the Agent, for the account of
the Lenders entitled to such payment (except as otherwise





                                      -23-
<PAGE>   30

provided herein as to payments required to be made to the Agent for its own
account or directly to the Lenders) at its office referred to in SECTION 10.5,
prior to 12:00 noon, Charlotte time, on the date payment is due.  Any payment
made as required hereinabove, but after 12:00 noon, Charlotte time, shall be
deemed to have been made on the next succeeding Business Day.  If any payment
falls due on a day that is not a Business Day, then such due date shall be
extended to the next succeeding Business Day (except that in the case of LIBOR
Loans to which the provisions of clause (iv) in SECTION 2.10 are applicable,
such due date shall be the next preceding Business Day), and such extension of
time shall then be included in the computation of payment of interest, fees or
other applicable amounts.

         (b)       The Agent will distribute to the Lenders like amounts
relating to payments made to the Agent for the account of the Lenders as
follows: (i) if the payment is received by 12:00 noon, Charlotte time, in
immediately available funds, the Agent will make available to each relevant
Lender on the same date, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, such
Lender's ratable share of such payment (based on the percentage that the amount
of the relevant payment owing to such Lender bears to the total amount of such
payment owing to all of the relevant Lenders), and (ii) if such payment is
received after 12:00 noon, Charlotte time, or in other than immediately
available funds, the Agent will make available to each such Lender its ratable
share of such payment by wire transfer of immediately available funds on the
next succeeding Business Day (or in the case of uncollected funds, as soon as
practicable after collected).  If the Agent shall not have made a required
distribution to the appropriate Lenders as required hereinabove after receiving
a payment for the account of such Lenders, the Agent will pay to each such
Lender, on demand, its ratable share of such payment with interest thereon at
the Federal Funds Rate for each day from the date such amount was required to
be disbursed by the Agent until the date repaid to such Lender.

         (c)       Unless the Agent shall have received written notice from the
Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to any Lender hereunder
that such payment will not be made in full, the Agent may assume that the
Borrower has made such payment in full to the Agent on such date, and the Agent
may, in reliance on such assumption, but shall not be obligated to, cause to be
distributed to such Lender on such due date an amount equal to the amount then
due to such Lender.  If and to the extent the Borrower shall not have so made
such payment in full to the Agent, and without limiting the obligation of the
Borrower to make such payment in accordance with the terms hereof, such Lender
shall repay to the Agent forthwith on demand such amount so distributed to such
Lender, together with interest thereon for each day from the date such amount
is so distributed to such Lender until the date repaid to the Agent, at the
Federal Funds Rate.

         (d)       Each Lender for whose account any payment is to be made
hereunder may, but shall not be obligated to, debit the amount of any such
payment not made as and when required hereunder to any ordinary deposit account
of the Borrower with such Lender (with prompt notice to the Agent and the
Borrower); provided, however, that the failure to give such notice shall not
affect the validity of such debit by such Lender.

         (e)       All computations of interest and fees hereunder (including
computations of the Reserve Requirement) shall be made on the basis of a year
consisting of 360 days and the actual number of days (including the first day,
but excluding the last day) elapsed for LIBOR Loans and of 365/366 days and the
actual number of days (including the first day, but excluding the last day)
elapsed for Base Rate Loans.





                                      -24-
<PAGE>   31
         2.13.     Recovery of Payments.  (a)  The Borrower agrees that to the
extent the Borrower makes a payment or payments to or for the account of the
Agent or any Lender, which payment or payments or any part thereof are
subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside
or required to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party under any
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar state or federal law, common law or equitable
cause, then, to the extent of such payment or repayment, the Obligation
intended to be satisfied shall be revived and continued in full force and
effect as if such payment had not been received.

         (b)       If any amounts distributed by the Agent to any Lender are
subsequently returned or repaid by the Agent to the Borrower or its
representative or successor in interest, whether by court order or by
settlement approved by the Lender in question, such Lender will, promptly upon
receipt of notice thereof from the Agent, pay the Agent such amount.  If any
such amounts are recovered by the Agent from the Borrower or its representative
or successor in interest, the Agent will redistribute such amounts to the
Lenders on the same basis as such amounts were originally distributed.

         2.14.     Use of Proceeds.  The proceeds of the Loans shall be used
solely (i) to provide working capital for the Borrower's and the Subsidiaries'
general business purposes, including (y)  financing of Permitted Acquisitions
together with legal and accounting fees and other transaction costs incurred in
connection therewith, and (z) financing of patient receivables to the extent
permitted pursuant to SECTION 7.5(IX) and (ii) to pay certain fees and expenses
in connection with this Facility.

         2.15.     Pro Rata Treatment.  (a)  All fundings, continuations and
conversions of Loans shall be made by the Lenders pro rata on the basis of
their respective Commitments to provide Loans (in the case of the initial
funding of Loans pursuant to SECTION 2.2) or on the basis of their respective
outstanding Loans (in the case of continuations and conversions of Loans
pursuant to SECTION 2.11, and additionally in all cases in the event the
Commitments have expired or have been terminated), as the case may be from time
to time.  All payments on account of principal of or interest on any Loans,
fees or any other Obligations owing to or for the account of any one or more
Lenders shall be apportioned ratably among such Lenders in proportion to the
amounts of such principal, interest, fees or other Obligations owed to them
respectively.

         (b)       Each Lender agrees that if it shall receive any amount
hereunder (whether by voluntary payment, realization upon security, exercise of
the right of setoff or banker's lien, counterclaim or cross action, or
otherwise, other than pursuant to SECTION 2.18 or SECTION 10.7) applicable to
the payment of any of the Obligations that exceeds its ratable share (according
to the proportion of (i) the amount of such Obligations due and payable to such
Lender at such time to (ii) the aggregate amount of such Obligations due and
payable to all Lenders at such time) of payments on account of such Obligations
then or therewith obtained by all the Lenders to which such payments are
required to have been made, such Lender shall forthwith purchase from the other
Lenders such participations in such Obligations as shall be necessary to cause
such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment or other recovery ratably
with each of them; provided, however, that if all or any portion of such excess
payment is thereafter recovered from such purchasing Lender, such purchase from
each such other Lender shall be rescinded and each such other Lender shall
repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price to the extent of such
recovery, together with an amount equal to such other Lender's ratable share
(according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such other Lender's





                                      -25-
<PAGE>   32
required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing
Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing
Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered.  The Borrower agrees that
any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender pursuant to the
provisions of this subsection may, to the fullest extent permitted by law,
exercise any and all rights of payment (including, without limitation, setoff,
banker's lien or counterclaim) with respect to such participation as fully as
if such participant were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of
such participation.  If under any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar
law, any Lender receives a secured claim in lieu of a setoff to which this
subsection applies, such Lender shall, to the extent practicable, exercise its
rights in respect of such secured claim in a manner consistent with the rights
of the Lenders entitled under this subsection to share in the benefits of any
recovery on such secured claim.

         2.16.     Increased Costs; Change in Circumstances; Illegality; etc.
(a)  If, at any time after the date hereof and from time to time, the
introduction of or any change in any applicable law, rule or regulation or in
the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority
charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by any
Lender with any guideline or request from any such Governmental Authority
(whether or not having the force of law), shall (i) subject such Lender to any
tax or other charge, or change the basis of taxation of payments to such
Lender, in respect of any of its LIBOR Loans or any other amounts payable
hereunder or its obligation to make, fund or maintain any LIBOR Loans (other
than any change in the rate or basis of tax on the overall net income of such
Lender or its applicable Lending Office), (ii) impose, modify or deem
applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar requirement (other than as a
result of any change in the Reserve Requirement) against assets of, deposits
with or for the account of, or credit extended by, such Lender or its
applicable Lending Office, or (iii) impose on such Lender or its applicable
Lending Office any other condition, and the result of any of the foregoing
shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining any LIBOR
Loans or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender
hereunder, the Borrower will, promptly upon demand therefor by such Lender, pay
to such Lender such additional amounts as shall compensate such Lender for such
increase in costs or reduction in return.

         (b)       If, at any time after the date hereof and from time to time,
any Lender shall have reasonably determined that the introduction of or any
change in any applicable law, rule or regulation regarding capital adequacy or
in the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority
charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance by
such Lender with any guideline or request from any such Governmental Authority
(whether or not having the force of law), has or would have the effect, as a
consequence of such Lender's Commitment or Loans hereunder, of reducing the
rate of return on the capital of such Lender or any Person controlling such
Lender to a level below that which such Lender or controlling Person could have
achieved but for such introduction, change or compliance (taking into account
such Lender's or controlling Person's policies with respect to capital
adequacy), the Borrower will, promptly upon demand therefor by such Lender
therefor, pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such
Lender or controlling Person for such reduction in return.

         (c)       If, on or prior to the first day of any Interest Period, (y)
the Agent shall have determined that adequate and reasonable means do not exist
for ascertaining the applicable LIBOR Rate for such Interest Period or (z) the
Agent shall have received written notice from the Required Lenders





                                      -26-
<PAGE>   33
of their determination that the rate of interest referred to in the definition
of "LIBOR Rate" upon the basis of which the Adjusted LIBOR Rate for LIBOR Loans
for such Interest Period is to be determined will not adequately and fairly
reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining LIBOR Loans during
such Interest Period, the Agent will forthwith so notify the Borrower and the
Lenders.  Upon such notice, (i) all then outstanding LIBOR Loans shall
automatically, on the expiration date of the respective Interest Periods
applicable thereto (unless then repaid in full), be converted into Base Rate
Loans, (ii) the obligation of the Lenders to make, to convert Base Rate Loans
into, or to continue, LIBOR Loans shall be suspended (including pursuant to the
Borrowing to which such Interest Period applies), and (iii) any Notice of
Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation given at any time thereafter
with respect to LIBOR Loans shall be deemed to be a request for Base Rate
Loans, in each case until the Agent or the Required Lenders, as the case may
be, shall have determined that the circumstances giving rise to such suspension
no longer exist (and the Required Lenders, if making such determination, shall
have so notified the Agent), and the Agent shall have so notified the Borrower
and the Lenders.

         (d)       Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, if,
at any time after the date hereof and from time to time, any Lender shall have
determined in good faith that the introduction of or any change in any
applicable law, rule or regulation or in the interpretation or administration
thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the interpretation or
administration thereof, or compliance with any guideline or request from any
such Governmental Authority (whether or not having the force of law), has or
would have the effect of making it unlawful for such Lender to make or to
continue to make or maintain LIBOR Loans, such Lender will forthwith so notify
the Agent and the Borrower.  Upon such notice, (i) each of such Lender's then
outstanding LIBOR Loans shall automatically, on the expiration date of the
respective Interest Period applicable thereto (or, to the extent any such LIBOR
Loan may not lawfully be maintained as a LIBOR Loan until such expiration date,
upon such notice), be converted into a Base Rate Loan, (ii) the obligation of
such Lender to make, to convert Base Rate Loans into, or to continue, LIBOR
Loans shall be suspended (including pursuant to any Borrowing for which the
Agent has received a Notice of Borrowing but for which the Borrowing Date has
not arrived), and (iii) any Notice of Borrowing or Notice of
Conversion/Continuation given at any time thereafter with respect to LIBOR
Loans shall, as to such Lender, be deemed to be a request for a Base Rate Loan,
in each case until such Lender shall have determined that the circumstances
giving rise to such suspension no longer exist and shall have so notified the
Agent, and the Agent shall have so notified the Borrower.

         (e)       Determinations by the Agent or any Lender for purposes of
this Section of any increased costs, reduction in return, market contingencies,
illegality or any other matter shall, absent manifest error, be conclusive,
provided that such determinations are made in good faith.  No failure by the
Agent or any Lender at any time to demand payment of any amounts payable under
this Section shall constitute a waiver of its right to demand payment of any
additional amounts arising at any subsequent time.  Nothing in this Section
shall require or be construed to require the Borrower to pay any interest,
fees, costs or other amounts in excess of that permitted by applicable law.

         2.17.     Taxes.  (a)  Any and all payments by the Borrower hereunder
or under any Note shall be made, in accordance with the terms hereof and
thereof, free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or
future taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges or withholdings, and all
liabilities with respect thereto, other than net income and franchise taxes
imposed on the Agent or any





                                      -27-
<PAGE>   34
Lender by the United States or by the jurisdiction under the laws of which the
Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, is organized or in which its
principal office or (in the case of a Lender) its applicable Lending Office is
located, or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof (all such
nonexcluded taxes, levies, imposts, deductions, charges, withholdings and
liabilities being hereinafter referred to as "Taxes").  If the Borrower shall
be required by law to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable
hereunder or under any Note to the Agent or any Lender, (i) the sum payable
shall be increased as may be necessary so that after making all required
deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under
this Section), the Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, receives an amount
equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (ii)
the Borrower will make such deductions, (iii) the Borrower will pay the full
amount deducted to the relevant taxation authority or other authority in
accordance with applicable law and (iv) the Borrower will deliver to the Agent
or such Lender, as the case may be, evidence of such payment.

         (b)       The Borrower will indemnify the Agent and each Lender for
the full amount of Taxes (including, without limitation, any Taxes imposed by
any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this Section) paid by the Agent or
such Lender, as the case may be, and any liability (including penalties,
interest and expenses) arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or
not such Taxes were correctly or legally asserted.  This indemnification shall
be made within 30 days from the date the Agent or such Lender, as the case may
be, makes written demand therefor.

         (c)       Each of the Agent and the Lenders agrees that if it
subsequently recovers, or receives a permanent net tax benefit with respect to,
any amount of Taxes (i) previously paid by it and as to which it has been
indemnified by or on behalf of the Borrower or (ii) previously deducted by the
Borrower (including, without limitation, any Taxes deducted from any additional
sums payable under clause (i) of subsection (a) above), the Agent or such
Lender, as the case may be, shall reimburse the Borrower to the extent of the
amount of any such recovery or permanent net tax benefit (but only to the
extent of indemnity payments made, or additional amounts paid, by or on behalf
of the Borrower under this Section with respect to the Taxes giving rise to
such recovery or tax benefit); provided, however, that the Borrower, upon the
request of the Agent or such Lender, agrees to repay to the Agent or such
Lender, as the case may be, the amount paid over to the Borrower (together with
any penalties, interest or other charges), in the event the Agent or such
Lender is required to repay such amount to the relevant taxing authority or
other Governmental Authority.  The determination by the Agent or any Lender of
the amount of any such recovery or permanent net tax benefit shall, in the
absence of manifest error, be conclusive and binding.

         (d)       If any Lender is incorporated or organized under the laws of
a jurisdiction other than the United States of America or any state thereof (a
"Non-U.S. Lender") and claims exemption from United States withholding tax
pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, such Non-U.S. Lender will deliver to
each of the Agent and the Borrower, on or prior to the Closing Date (or, in the
case of a Non-U.S. Lender that becomes a party to this Agreement as a result of
an assignment after the Closing Date, on the effective date of such
assignment), (i) in the case of a Non-U.S. Lender that is a "bank" for purposes
of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, a properly completed
Internal Revenue Service Form 4224 or 1001, as applicable (or successor forms),
certifying that such Non-U.S. Lender is entitled to an exemption from or a
reduction of withholding or deduction for or on account of United States
federal income taxes in connection with payments under this Agreement or any of
the Notes, together with a properly completed Internal Revenue Service Form W-8
or W-9, as applicable





                                      -28-
<PAGE>   35
(or successor forms), and (ii) in the case of a Non-U.S. Lender that is not a
"bank" for purposes of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, a
certificate in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and the
Borrower and to the effect that (x) such Non-U.S. Lender is not a "bank" for
purposes of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code, is not subject
to regulatory or other legal requirements as a bank in any jurisdiction, and
has not been treated as a bank for purposes of any tax, securities law or other
filing or submission made to any governmental authority, any application made
to a rating agency or qualification for any exemption from any tax, securities
law or other legal requirements, (y) is not a 10-percent shareholder for
purposes of Section 881(c)(3)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code and (z) is not a
controlled foreign corporation receiving interest from a related person for
purposes of Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Internal Revenue Code, together with a
properly completed Internal Revenue Service Form W-8 or W-9, as applicable (or
successor forms).  Each such Non-U.S. Lender further agrees to deliver to each
of the Agent and the Borrower an additional copy of each such relevant form on
or before the date that such form expires or becomes obsolete or after the
occurrence of any event (including a change in its applicable Lending Office)
requiring a change in the most recent forms so delivered by it, in each case
certifying that such Non-U.S. Lender is entitled to an exemption from or a
reduction of withholding or deduction for or on account of United States
federal income taxes in connection with payments under this Agreement or any of
the Notes, unless an event (including, without limitation, any change in
treaty, law or regulation) has occurred prior to the date on which any such
delivery would otherwise be required, which event renders all such forms
inapplicable or the exemption to which such forms relate unavailable and such
Non-U.S. Lender notifies the Agent and the Borrower that it is not entitled to
receive payments without deduction or withholding of United States federal
income taxes.  Each such Non-U.S. Lender will promptly notify the Agent and the
Borrower of any changes in circumstances that would modify or render invalid
any claimed exemption or reduction.

         (e)       If any Lender is entitled to a reduction in (and not a
complete exemption from) the applicable withholding tax, the Borrower and the
Agent may withhold from any interest payment to such Lender an amount
equivalent to the applicable withholding tax after taking into account such
reduction.  If any of the forms or other documentation required under
subsection (d) above are not delivered to the Agent as therein required, then
the Borrower and the Agent may withhold from any interest payment to such
Lender not providing such forms or other documentation an amount equivalent to
the applicable withholding tax.

         2.18.     Compensation.  The Borrower will compensate each Lender upon
demand for all losses, expenses and liabilities (including, without limitation,
any loss, expense or liability incurred by reason of the liquidation or
reemployment of deposits or other funds required by such Lender to fund or
maintain LIBOR Loans) that such Lender may incur or sustain (i) if for any
reason (other than a default by such Lender) a Borrowing or continuation of, or
conversion into, a LIBOR Loan does not occur on a date specified therefor in a
Notice of Borrowing or Notice of Conversion/Continuation, (ii) if any
repayment, prepayment or conversion of any LIBOR Loan occurs on a date other
than the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a
consequence of acceleration of the maturity of the Loans pursuant to SECTION
8.2), (iii) if any prepayment of any LIBOR Loan is not made on any date
specified in a notice of prepayment given by the Borrower or (iv) as a
consequence of any other failure by the Borrower to make any payments with
respect to any LIBOR Loan when due hereunder.  Calculation of all amounts
payable to a Lender under this Section shall be made as though such Lender had
actually funded its relevant LIBOR Loan through the purchase of a Eurodollar
deposit





                                      -29-
<PAGE>   36

bearing interest at the LIBOR Rate in an amount equal to the amount of such
LIBOR Loan and having a maturity comparable to the relevant Interest Period;
provided, however, that each Lender may fund its LIBOR Loans in any manner it
sees fit, and the foregoing assumption shall be utilized only for the
calculation of amounts payable under this Section.  Determinations by any
Lender for purposes of this Section of any such losses, expenses or liabilities
shall, absent manifest error, be conclusive, provided that such determinations
are made in good faith.


                                  ARTICLE III

                            CONDITIONS OF BORROWING

         3.1.      Conditions of Initial Borrowing.  The obligation of each
Lender to make Loans in connection with the initial Borrowing hereunder is
subject to the satisfaction of the following conditions precedent:

         (a) The Agent(shall have received the following, each dated as of the
Closing Date (unless otherwise specified) and, except for the Notes and any
certificates or instruments required to be delivered under the Pledge and
Security Agreement, in sufficient copies for each Lender:

                   (i)    A Note for each Lender that is a party hereto as of
         the Closing Date, in the amount of such Lender's Commitment, duly
         completed in accordance with SECTION 2.4 and executed by the Borrower;

                  (ii)    the Subsidiary Guaranty, duly completed and executed
         by each Subsidiary of the Borrower other than the Excluded
         Subsidiaries;

                 (iii)    the Pledge and Security Agreement, duly completed and
         executed by the Borrower and by each Subsidiary Guarantor, together
         with any certificates evidencing the Capital Stock being pledged
         thereunder as of the Closing Date and undated assignments separate
         from certificate for any such certificate, duly executed in blank, and
         any promissory notes being pledged thereunder, duly endorsed in blank;
         and

                  (iv)    the favorable opinions of Munger, Tolles & Olson,
         special counsel to the Borrower, in substantially the form of EXHIBIT
         G, addressed to the Agent and the Lenders and addressing such other
         matters as the Agent may reasonably request.

         (b)     The Agent shall have received a certificate, signed by the
president, the chief executive officer or the chief financial officer of the
Borrower, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, certifying that (i)
all representations and warranties of the Borrower contained in this Agreement
and the other Credit Documents are true and correct as of the Closing Date,
both immediately before and after giving effect to the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby, the making of the initial Loans hereunder and
the application of the proceeds thereof, (ii) no Default or Event of Default
has occurred and is continuing, both immediately before and after giving effect
to the consummation of the





                                      -30-
<PAGE>   37

transactions contemplated hereby, the making of the initial Loans hereunder and
the application of the proceeds thereof, (iii) both immediately before and
after giving effect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated
hereby, the making of the initial Loans hereunder and the application of the
proceeds thereof, no Material Adverse Change has occurred since August 21, 1997
(the date of filing of the final amendment to the registration statement of the
Borrower on Form S-1), and there exists no event, condition or state of facts
that could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change, and
(iv) all conditions to the initial extensions of credit hereunder set forth in
this Section and in SECTION 3.2 have been satisfied or waived as required
hereunder.

         (c)     The Agent shall have received a certificate of the secretary
or an assistant secretary of each of the Borrower and the Subsidiary
Guarantors, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, certifying (i)
that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the articles or
certificate of incorporation and all amendments thereto of the Borrower or such
Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, certified as of a recent date by the
Secretary of State (or comparable Governmental Authority) of its jurisdiction
of organization, and that the same has not been amended since the date of such
certification, (ii) that attached thereto is a true and complete copy of the
bylaws of the Borrower or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, as
then in effect and as in effect at all times from the date on which the
resolutions referred to in clause (iii) below were adopted to and including the
date of such certificate, and (iii) that attached thereto is a true and
complete copy of resolutions adopted by the board of directors of the Borrower
or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, authorizing the execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents to
which it is a party, and as to the incumbency and genuineness of the signature
of each officer of the Borrower or such Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may
be, executing this Agreement or any of such other Credit Documents, and
attaching all such copies of the documents described above.

         (d)     The Agent shall have received (i) a certificate as of a recent
date of the good standing of each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries under
the laws of its jurisdiction of organization, from the Secretary of State (or
comparable Governmental Authority) of such jurisdiction, (ii) a certificate as
of a recent date of the qualification of each of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries to conduct business as a foreign corporation in each jurisdiction
where it is so qualified as of the Closing Date, from the Secretary of State
(or comparable Governmental Authority) of such jurisdiction, and (iii) to the
extent generally provided, a tax clearance, tax good standing or similar
certificate or letter as to each of the Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors,
from the department of revenue (or comparable Governmental Authority) in each
applicable jurisdiction under (i) and (ii) above.

         (e)     All legal matters, documentation, and corporate or other
proceedings incident to the transactions contemplated hereby shall be
satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent; all approvals, permits and
consents of any Governmental Authorities or other Persons required in
connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other
Credit Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
and thereby shall have been obtained (except for approvals, permits and
consents the absence of which, individually or in the aggregate, is not
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect), without the imposition of
conditions that are not acceptable to the Agent, and all related filings, if
any, shall have been made, and all such approvals, permits, consents and
filings shall be in full force and effect and the Agent shall have received
such copies thereof as it shall have requested; all applicable waiting periods
shall have expired without any adverse action being taken by any Governmental
Authority having jurisdiction; and no action, proceeding, investigation,
regulation or legislation shall have been instituted, threatened or proposed
before, and no order, injunction or decree shall have been entered by, any
court or other Governmental





                                      -31-
<PAGE>   38

Authority, in each case to enjoin, restrain or prohibit, to obtain substantial
damages in respect of, or that is otherwise related to or arises out of, this
Agreement, any of the other Credit Documents or the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, or that, in the opinion of the
Agent, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         (f)     The Agent shall have received certified reports from an
independent search service satisfactory to it listing any judgment or tax lien
filing or Uniform Commercial Code financing statement that names the Borrower
or any Subsidiary Guarantor as debtor in any of the jurisdictions listed on
Annex B to the Pledge and Security Agreement, and the results thereof shall be
satisfactory to the Agent.

         (g)     The Agent shall have received evidence in form and substance
satisfactory to it that all filings, recordings, registrations and other
actions (including, without limitation, the filing of duly completed and
executed UCC-1 financing statements in each jurisdiction listed on Annex B to
the Pledge and Security Agreement) necessary or, in the reasonable opinion of
the Agent, desirable to perfect the Liens created by the Security Documents
shall have been completed, or arrangements satisfactory to the Agent for the
completion thereof shall have been made.

         (h)     Since August 21, 1997 (the date of filing of the final
amendment to the registration statement of the Borrower on Form S-1), both
immediately before and after giving effect to the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, there shall not have occurred any
Material Adverse Change or any event, condition or state of facts that could
reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Change.

         (i)     The Borrower shall have paid (i) to First Union, the unpaid
balance of the fees described in the Fee Letter, (ii) to the Agent, the initial
payment of the annual administrative fee (if any), and (iii) all other fees and
expenses of the Agent and the Lenders required hereunder or under any other
Credit Document to be paid on or prior to the Closing Date (including fees and
expenses of counsel) in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby.

         (j)     The Agent shall have received a Financial Condition
Certificate, together with the Projections as described in SECTION 4.11(B), all
of which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent.

         (k)     The Agent shall have received a Covenant Compliance Worksheet,
duly completed and certified by the chief financial officer of the Borrower and
in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, demonstrating the Borrower's
compliance with the financial covenants set forth in SECTIONS 6.1 through 6.4,
determined on a pro forma basis as of [September 30, 1997] after giving effect
to the making of the initial Loans hereunder and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby.

         (l)     The Agent shall have received from the Borrower its
consolidated operating budget and cash flow projections, prepared on a
quarterly basis, for the period from September 30, 1997 through December 31,
1998, and the same shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent.

         (m)     The Agent shall have received evidence in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to it that all of the requirements of SECTION 5.6 and
those provisions of the Pledge and Security





                                      -32-
<PAGE>   39

Agreement relating to the maintenance of insurance have been satisfied,
including receipt of certificates of insurance evidencing the insurance
coverages described on SCHEDULE 4.17 and all other or additional coverages
required under the Borrower Pledge and Security Agreement and naming the Agent
as loss payee or additional insured, as its interests may appear.

         (n)     The Agent shall have received an Account Designation Letter,
together with written instructions from an Authorized Officer, including wire
transfer information, directing the payment of the proceeds of the initial
Loans to be made hereunder.

         (o)     The Agent and each Lender shall have received such other
documents, certificates, opinions and instruments in connection with the
transactions contemplated hereby as the Agent shall have reasonably requested.

         3.2.    Conditions of All Borrowings.  The obligation of each Lender
to make any Loans hereunder, including the initial Loans, is subject to the
satisfaction of the following conditions precedent on the relevant Borrowing
Date:

         (a)     The Agent shall have received a Notice of Borrowing in
accordance with SECTION 2.2(B);

         (b)     Each of the representations and warranties contained in
ARTICLE IV and in the other Credit Documents shall be true and correct on and
as of such Borrowing Date (including the Closing Date, in the case of the
initial Loans made hereunder) or date of issuance with the same effect as if
made on and as of such date, both immediately before and after giving effect to
the Loans to be made on such date (except to the extent any such representation
or warranty is expressly stated to have been made as of a specific date, in
which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all
material respects as of such date); and

         (c)     No Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing on such date, both immediately before and after giving effect to the
Loans to be made on such date.

         Each giving of a Notice of Borrowing and the consummation of each
Borrowing shall be deemed to constitute a representation by the Borrower that
the statements contained in subsections (b) and (c) above are true, both as of
the date of such notice or request and as of the relevant Borrowing Date.


                                   ARTICLE IV

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

         To induce the Agent and the Lenders to enter into this Agreement and
to induce the Lenders to extend the credit contemplated hereby, the Borrower
represents and warrants to the Agent and the Lenders as follows:

         4.1.    Corporate Organization and Power.  Each of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries (i) is a





                                      -33-
<PAGE>   40
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and (ii) is duly qualified to do
business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in each jurisdiction
where the nature of its business or the ownership of its properties requires it
to be so qualified, except where the failure to be so qualified would not,
individually or in the aggregate, be reasonably likely to have a Material
Adverse Effect; and each of the Borrower and the Subsidiary Guarantors has the
full corporate power and authority to execute, deliver and perform the Credit
Documents to which it is or will be a party, to own and hold its property and
to engage in its business as presently conducted.

         4.2.    Authorization; Enforceability.  Each of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries has taken, or on the Closing Date will have taken, all necessary
corporate action to execute, deliver and perform each of the Credit Documents
to which it is or will be a party, and has, or on the Closing Date (or any
later date of execution and delivery) will have, validly executed and delivered
each of the Credit Documents to which it is or will be a party.  This Agreement
constitutes, and each of the other Credit Documents upon execution and delivery
will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligation of each of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries that is a party hereto or thereto, enforceable
against it in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar
laws affecting creditors' rights generally, by general equitable principles or
by principles of good faith and fair dealing.

         4.3.    No Violation.  The execution, delivery and performance by each
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries of this Agreement and each of the other
Credit Documents to which it is or will be a party, and compliance by it with
the terms hereof and thereof, do not and will not (i) violate any provision of
its articles or certificate of incorporation or bylaws or contravene any other
Requirement of Law applicable to it, (ii) conflict with, result in a breach of
or constitute (with notice, lapse of time or both) a default under any
indenture, agreement or other instrument to which it is a party, by which it or
any of its properties is bound or to which it is subject, (iii) result in a
Limitation on any Licenses applicable to the operations of the Borrower or any
of its Subsidiaries or adversely affect the ability of the Borrower or any of
its Subsidiaries to participate in any Third Party Payor Arrangement or (iv)
except for the Liens granted in favor of the Agent pursuant to the Security
Documents, result in or require the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any
of its properties or assets.  No Subsidiary is a party to any agreement or
instrument or otherwise subject to any restriction or encumbrance that
restricts or limits its ability to make dividend payments or other
distributions in respect of its Capital Stock, to repay Indebtedness owed to
the Borrower or any other Subsidiary, to make loans or advances to the Borrower
or any other Subsidiary, or to transfer any of its assets or properties to the
Borrower or any other Subsidiary, in each case other than such restrictions or
encumbrances existing under or by reason of the Credit Documents or applicable
Requirements of Law.

         4.4.    Governmental and Third-Party Authorization; Permits.  (a)  No
consent, approval, authorization or other action by, notice to, or registration
or filing with, any Governmental Authority or other Person is or will be
required as a condition to or otherwise in connection with the due execution,
delivery and performance by each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries of this
Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents to which it is or will be a
party or the legality, validity or enforceability hereof or thereof, other than
(i) filings of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and other
instruments and actions necessary to perfect the Liens created by the Security
Documents, (ii) consents, authorizations and filings that have been (or on or
prior to the Closing Date





                                      -34-
<PAGE>   41

will have been) made or obtained and that are (or on the Closing Date will be)
in full force and effect, which consents, authorizations and filings are listed
on SCHEDULE 4.4, and (iii) consents and filings the failure to obtain or make
which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse
Effect.

         (b)     Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has, and is in good
standing with respect to, all governmental approvals, Licenses, Reimbursement
Approvals and other authorizations necessary to conduct its business as
presently conducted and to own or lease and operate its properties, except for
those the failure to obtain which would not be reasonably likely, individually
or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.  Without limitation of
the foregoing, the Borrower and each Subsidiary has, to the extent applicable,
(i) obtained and maintains in good standing all required Licenses and
Reimbursement Approvals, except where the failure to do so would not have a
Material Adverse Effect, and (ii) to the extent prudent and customary in the
industry in which the Borrower and such Subsidiary is engaged, obtained and
maintains accreditation from all generally recognized accrediting agencies for
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.  No Medicaid or Medicare certifications are
required for the operation of the business of the Borrower or any Subsidiary
and neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary is required to have entered into
Medicaid or Medicare provider agreements for the operation of its business.

         4.5.    Litigation.  There are no actions, investigations, suits or
proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened, at law,
in equity or in arbitration, before any court, other Governmental Authority or
other Person, (i) against or affecting the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or
any of their respective properties that would, if adversely determined, be
reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) with respect to
this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents.

         4.6.    Taxes.  Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has timely
filed all federal, state and local tax returns and reports required to be filed
by it and has paid all taxes, assessments, fees and other charges levied upon
it or upon its properties that are shown thereon as due and payable, other than
those that are being contested in good faith and by proper proceedings and for
which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP.  Such
returns accurately reflect in all material respects all liability for taxes of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the periods covered thereby.  There is no
ongoing audit or examination or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, other
investigation by any Governmental Authority of the tax liability of the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, and there is no unresolved claim by any
Governmental Authority concerning the tax liability of the Borrower or any of
its Subsidiaries for any period for which tax returns have been or were
required to have been filed, other than claims for which adequate reserves have
been established in accordance with GAAP.  Neither the Borrower nor any of its
Subsidiaries has waived or extended or has been requested to waive or extend
the statute of limitations relating to the payment of any taxes.

         4.7.    Subsidiaries.  SCHEDULE 4.7 sets forth a list, as of the
Closing Date, of all of the Subsidiaries of the Borrower and, as to each such
Subsidiary, the percentage ownership (direct and indirect) of the Borrower in
each class of its capital stock and each direct owner thereof.  Except for the
shares of capital stock expressly indicated on SCHEDULE 4.7, there are no
shares of capital stock, warrants, rights, options or other equity securities,
or other Capital Stock of any Subsidiary of the Borrower outstanding or
reserved for any purpose.  All outstanding shares of capital stock of each
Subsidiary of the Borrower are duly and validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable.  The Borrower is





                                      -35-
<PAGE>   42
the sole legal, record and beneficial owner of, and has good and valid title
to, all such capital stock, free and clear of all Liens other than the Liens
created pursuant to the Pledge and Security Agreement.

         4.8.    Full Disclosure.  All factual information heretofore or
contemporaneously furnished to the Agent or any Lender in writing by or on
behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries for purposes of or in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby is, and
all other such factual information hereafter furnished to the Agent or any
Lender in writing by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries
will be, true and accurate in all material respects on the date as of which
such information is dated or certified (or, if such information has been
amended or supplemented, on the date as of which any such amendment or
supplement is dated or certified) and not made incomplete by omitting to state
a material fact necessary to make the statements contained therein, in light of
the circumstances under which such information was provided, not misleading.

         4.9.    Margin Regulations.  Neither the Borrower nor any of its
Subsidiaries is engaged principally, or as one of its important activities, in
the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying
Margin Stock.  No proceeds of the Loans will be used, directly or indirectly,
to purchase or carry any Margin Stock, to extend credit for such purpose or for
any other purpose that would violate or be inconsistent with Regulations G, T,
U or X or any provision of the Exchange Act.

         4.10.     No Material Adverse Change.  There has been no Material
Adverse Change since August 21, 1997 (the date of filing of the final amendment
to the registration statement of the Borrower on Form S-1), and there exists no
event, condition or state of facts that could reasonably be expected to result
in a Material Adverse Change.

         4.11.     Financial Matters.  (a)  The Borrower has heretofore
furnished to the Agent copies of (i) the financial statements filed with the
Borrower's registration statement on Form S-1, and (ii) the unaudited
consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of September
30, 1997, and the related statements of income and cash flows for the
nine-month period then ended.  Such financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with GAAP (subject, with respect to the unaudited financial
statements, to the absence of notes required by GAAP and to normal year-end
adjustments) and present fairly the financial condition of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of the respective dates thereof and the
consolidated results of operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the
respective periods then ended.  Except as fully reflected in the most recent
financial statements referred to above and the notes thereto, there are no
material liabilities or obligations with respect to the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries of any nature whatsoever (whether absolute, contingent or
otherwise and whether or not due).

         (b)       The Borrower has prepared, and has heretofore furnished to
the Agent a copy of, annual projected balance sheets and statements of income
and cash flows of the Borrower for the years ended December 31, 1997 and
December 31, 1998, giving effect to the initial extensions of credit made under
this Agreement, and the payment of transaction fees and expenses related to the
foregoing (the "Projections").  In the opinion of management of the Borrower,
the assumptions used in the preparation of the Projections were fair, complete
and reasonable when made and continue to be fair, complete and reasonable as of
the date hereof.  The Projections have been prepared in good faith by the
executive and financial personnel of the Borrower, are complete and represent a
reasonable estimate of the future performance and financial condition of the
Borrower, subject to the uncertainties and





                                      -36-
<PAGE>   43

approximations inherent in any projections.

         (c)       Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, after giving
effect to the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (i) has
capital sufficient to carry on its businesses as conducted and as proposed to
be conducted, (ii) has assets with a fair saleable value, determined on a going
concern basis, (y) not less than the amount required to pay the probable
liability on its existing debts as they become absolute and matured and (z)
greater than the total amount of its liabilities (including identified
Contingent Obligations, valued at the amount that can reasonably be expected to
become absolute and matured), and (iii) does not intend to, and does not
believe that it will, incur debts or liabilities beyond its ability to pay such
debts and liabilities as they mature.

         4.12.     Ownership of Properties.  Each of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries (i) has good and marketable title to all real property owned by
it, (ii) holds interests as lessee under valid leases in full force and effect
with respect to all material leased real and personal property used in
connection with its business, except to the extent that the Borrower and
Subsidiaries are not correctly reflected as lessees under leases acquired by or
assigned to the Borrower or a Subsidiary, so long as the Borrower is making
reasonable efforts to correct such leases and such condition is not reasonably
likely to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect,
(iii) possesses or has rights to use licenses, patents, copyrights, trademarks,
service marks, trade names and other assets sufficient to enable it to continue
to conduct its business substantially as heretofore conducted and without any
material conflict with the rights of others, and (iv) has good title to all of
its other properties and assets reflected in the most recent financial
statements referred to in SECTION 4.11(A) (except as sold or otherwise disposed
of since the date thereof in the ordinary course of business), in each case
under (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above free and clear of all Liens other than
Permitted Liens.  SCHEDULE 4.12 lists, as of the Closing Date, all real
property interests of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, indicating in each
case the address of the property, the nature of use of the premises, and
whether such interest is a leasehold or fee ownership interest.

         4.13.     ERISA.  Each Plan is and has been administered in compliance
in all material respects with all applicable Requirements of Law, including,
without limitation, the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Internal Revenue
Code.  No ERISA Event has occurred and is continuing or, to the knowledge of
the Borrower, is reasonably expected to occur with respect to any Plan, in
either case that would be reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate,
to have a Material Adverse Effect.  No Plan has any Unfunded Pension Liability,
and neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction
that could be subject to Section 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA, in either instance
where the same would be reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to
have a Material Adverse Effect.  Neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate
is required to contribute to or has, or has at any time had, any liability to a
Multiemployer Plan.  To the best of the Borrower's actual knowledge, no
condition or event exists, with respect to any Plan (other than a Multiemployer
Plan) which is sponsored by other than the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate, and
with respect to which the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate and the sponsor
thereof are considered members of an affiliated service group, which would have
a Material Adverse Effect.

         4.14.     Environmental Matters.  (a)  No Hazardous Substances are or
have been generated, used, located, released, treated, disposed of or stored by
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Borrower,
by any other Person (including any predecessor in interest) or





                                      -37-
<PAGE>   44
otherwise, in, on or under any portion of any real property, leased or owned,
of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, except in material compliance with
all applicable Environmental Laws, and no portion of any such real property or,
to the knowledge of the Borrower, any other real property at any time leased,
owned or operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, has been
contaminated by any Hazardous Substance, in either case except to the extent
the existence of any Hazardous Substance(s) is not reasonably likely,
individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect; and no
portion of any real property, leased or owned, of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries has been or is presently the subject of an environmental audit,
assessment or remedial action.

         (b)       No portion of any real property, leased or owned, of the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has been used by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, by any other Person, as or
for a mine, a landfill, a dump or other disposal facility, a gasoline service
station, or (other than for petroleum substances stored in the ordinary course
of business) a petroleum products storage facility; no portion of such real
property or any other real property at any time leased, owned or operated by
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries has, pursuant to any Environmental Law,
been placed on the "National Priorities List" or "CERCLIS List" (or any similar
federal, state or local list) of sites subject to possible environmental
problems; and there are not and have never been any underground storage tanks
situated on any real property, leased or owned, of the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries, except to the extent any such tanks are not reasonably likely,
individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.

         (c)       All activities and operations of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries are in compliance with the requirements of all applicable
Environmental Laws, except to the extent the failure so to comply, individually
or in the aggregate, would not be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse
Effect.  Each of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has obtained all licenses
and permits under Environmental Laws necessary to its respective operations;
all such licenses and permits are being maintained in good standing; and each
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries is in compliance with all terms and
conditions of such licenses and permits, except for such licenses and permits
the failure to obtain, maintain or comply with which would not be reasonably
likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries is involved in any suit,
action or proceeding, or has received any notice, complaint or other request
for information from any Governmental Authority or other Person, with respect
to any actual or alleged Environmental Claims that, if adversely determined,
would be reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a
Material Adverse Effect; and, to the knowledge of the Borrower, there are no
threatened actions, suits, proceedings or investigations with respect to any
such Environmental Claims, nor any basis therefor.

         4.15.    Compliance With Laws.  Each of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries has timely filed all material reports, documents and other
materials required to be filed by it under all applicable Requirements of Law
with any Governmental Authority, has retained all material records and
documents required to be retained by it under all applicable Requirements of
Law, and is otherwise in compliance with all applicable Requirements of Law in
respect of the conduct of its business and the ownership and operation of its
properties, except for such Requirements of Law the failure to comply with
which, individually or in the aggregate, would not be reasonably likely to have
a Material Adverse Effect.





                                      -38-
<PAGE>   45
          4.16.    Regulated Industries.  Neither the Borrower nor any of its
Subsidiaries is (i) an "investment company," a company "controlled" by an
"investment company," or an "investment advisor," within the meaning of the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, or (ii) a "holding company," a
"subsidiary company" of a "holding company," or an "affiliate" of a "holding
company" or of a "subsidiary company" of a "holding company," within the
meaning of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended.

         4.17.    Insurance.  SCHEDULE 4.17 sets forth a true and complete
summary of all insurance policies or arrangements carried or maintained by the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date, indicating in each case
the insurer, policy number, expiration, amount and type of coverage and
deductibles.  The assets, properties and business of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries are insured against such hazards and liabilities, under such
coverages and in such amounts, as are customarily maintained by prudent
companies similarly situated and under policies issued by insurers of
recognized responsibility.

         4.18.    Material Contracts.  SCHEDULE 4.18 lists, as of the Closing
Date, each "material contract" (within the meaning of Item 601(b)(10) of
Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act) to which the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries is a party, by which any of them or their respective properties is
bound or to which any of them is subject (collectively, "Material Contracts"),
and also indicates the parties, subject matter and term thereof.  As of the
Closing Date, (i) each Material Contract is in full force and effect and is
enforceable by the Borrower or the Subsidiary that is a party thereto in
accordance with its terms, and (ii) neither the Borrower nor any of its
Subsidiaries (nor, to the knowledge of the Borrower, any other party thereto)
is in breach of or default under any Material Contract in any material respect
or has given notice of termination or cancellation of any Material Contract.

         4.19.    Security Documents.  The provisions of each of the Security
Documents (whether executed and delivered prior to or on the Closing Date or
thereafter) are and will be effective to create in favor of the Agent, for its
benefit and the benefit of the Lenders, a valid and enforceable security
interest in and Lien upon all right, title and interest of each of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries that is a party thereto in and to the Collateral purported
to be pledged by it thereunder and described therein, and upon (i) the initial
extension of credit hereunder, (ii) the filing of appropriately completed
Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and continuations thereof in the
jurisdictions specified therein, (iii) the filing of appropriately completed
short-form assignments in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the U.S.
Copyright Office, (iv) in the case of uncertificated securities, compliance
with Section 8-313 (or its successor provision) of the applicable Uniform
Commercial Code, and (v) the possession by the Agent of any certificates
evidencing the securities pledged thereby, such security interest and Lien
shall constitute a fully perfected and first priority security interest in and
Lien upon such right, title and interest of the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as
applicable, in and to such Collateral, to the extent that such security
interest and Lien can be perfected by such filings, actions and possession,
subject only to Permitted Liens.

         4.20.    Labor Relations.  Neither the Borrower nor any of its
Subsidiaries is engaged in any unfair labor practice within the meaning of the
National Labor Relations Act of 1947, as amended.  There is (i) no unfair labor
practice complaint before the National Labor Relations Board, or grievance or
arbitration proceeding arising out of or under any collective bargaining
agreement, pending or, to





                                      -39-
<PAGE>   46

the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened, against the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries, (ii) no strike, lock-out, slowdown, stoppage, walkout or other
labor dispute pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened, against
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, and (iii) to the knowledge of the
Borrower, no petition for certification or union election or union organizing
activities taking place with respect to the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries.

                                   ARTICLE V

                             AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

         The Borrower covenants and agrees that, until the termination of the
Commitments and the payment in full of all principal and interest with respect
to the Loans together with all other amounts then due and owing hereunder:

         5.1.      Financial Statements.  The Borrower will deliver to each
Lender:

         (a)       As soon as available and in any event within thirty (30)
days after the end of each of each month, beginning with the month ending
December 31, 1997, (i) copies of all financial statements customarily prepared
for the Borrower's senior management and/or Board of Directors and (ii) such
other financial statements as the Agent may reasonably request; and

         (b)       As soon as available and in any event within fifty (50) days
after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year,
beginning with the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 1998, unaudited consolidated
and consolidating balance sheets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the
end of such fiscal quarter and unaudited consolidated and consolidating
statements of income and cash flows for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for
the fiscal quarter then ended and for that portion of the fiscal year then
ended, in each case setting forth comparative consolidated (or consolidating)
figures, if applicable, as of the end of and for the corresponding period in
the preceding fiscal year together with comparative budgeted figures for the
fiscal year then ended, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance
with GAAP (subject to the absence of notes required by GAAP and subject to
normal year-end adjustments) applied on a basis consistent with that of the
preceding quarter or containing disclosure of the effect on the financial
condition or results of operations of any change in the application of
accounting principles and practices during such quarter; and

         (c)       As soon as available and in any event within ninety (90)
days after the end of each fiscal year, beginning with the fiscal year ending
December 31, 1997, (i) an audited consolidated balance sheet of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year and audited consolidated
statements of income and cash flows for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for
the fiscal year then ended, including the notes thereto, in each case setting
forth comparative figures as of the end of and for the preceding fiscal year,
if applicable, together with comparative budgeted figures for the fiscal year
then ended, all in reasonable detail and certified by the independent certified
public accounting firm regularly retained by the Borrower or another
independent certified public accounting firm of recognized national standing
reasonably acceptable to the Required Lenders, together with (y) a report
thereon by such accountants that is not qualified as to going concern or scope
of audit and to the effect that such financial statements present fairly the
consolidated financial condition and results of





                                      -40-
<PAGE>   47
operations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the dates and for the
periods indicated in accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with
that of the preceding year or containing disclosure of the effect on the
financial condition or results of operations of any change in the application
of accounting principles and practices during such year, and (z) a report by
such accountants to the effect that, based on and in connection with their
examination of the financial statements of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries,
they obtained no knowledge of the occurrence or existence of any Default or
Event of Default relating to accounting or financial reporting matters, or a
statement specifying the nature and period of existence of any such Default or
Event of Default disclosed by their audit; provided, however, that such
accountants shall not be liable by reason of the failure to obtain knowledge of
any Default or Event of Default that would not be disclosed or revealed in the
course of their audit examination, and (ii) if and to the extent requested by
the Agent, an unaudited consolidating balance sheet of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries as of the end of such fiscal year and unaudited consolidating
statements of income and cash flows for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for
the fiscal year then ended, all in reasonable detail.

         (d)       Concurrently with each delivery of the financial statements
described in this SECTION 5.1, a current report showing the ageing of the
accounts receivable financed by the Borrower or a Subsidiary, and from time to
time, additional accounts receivable ageing reports to the extent requested by
the Agent.

         5.2.      Other Business and Financial Information.  The Borrower will
deliver to each Lender:

         (a)       Concurrently with each delivery of the financial statements
described in SECTION 5.1(B) AND (C), a Compliance Certificate with respect to
the period covered by the financial statements then being delivered, executed
by a Financial Officer of the Borrower, together with a Covenant Compliance
Worksheet reflecting the computation of the financial covenants set forth in
SECTIONS 6.1 through 6.4 as of the last day of the period covered by such
financial statements;

         (b)       As soon as available and in any event by the end of each
fiscal year, beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997, a
consolidated operating budget for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the
succeeding fiscal year (prepared on a quarterly basis), consisting of a
consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statements of income and cash
flows, together with a certificate of a Financial Officer of the Borrower to
the effect that such budgets have been prepared in good faith and are
reasonable estimates of the financial position and results of operations of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the period covered thereby; and as soon as
available from time to time thereafter, any modifications or revisions to or
restatements of such budget;

         (c)       Promptly upon receipt thereof, copies of any "management
letter" submitted to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries by its certified
public accountants in connection with each annual, interim or special audit,
and promptly upon completion thereof, any response reports from the Borrower or
any such Subsidiary in respect thereof;

         (d)       Promptly upon the sending, filing or receipt thereof, copies
of (i) all financial statements, reports, notices and proxy statements that the
Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall send or make available generally to
its shareholders, (ii) all regular, periodic and special reports, registration
statements and prospectuses (other than on Form S-8) that the Borrower or any
of its Subsidiaries shall





                                      -41-
<PAGE>   48
render to or file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or any national securities exchange,
and (iii) all press releases and other statements made available generally by
the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to the public concerning material
developments in the business of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

         (e) Promptly upon (and in any event within five (5) Business Days
after) any Responsible Officer of the Borrower obtaining knowledge thereof,
written notice of any of the following:

                   (i)    the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default,
         together with a written statement of a Responsible Officer of the
         Borrower specifying the nature of such Default or Event of Default,
         the period of existence thereof and the action that the Borrower has
         taken and proposes to take with respect thereto;

                  (ii)    the institution or threatened institution of any
         action, suit, investigation or proceeding against or affecting the
         Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, including any such investigation
         or proceeding by any Governmental Authority (other than routine
         periodic inquiries, investigations or reviews), that would, if
         adversely determined, be reasonably likely, individually or in the
         aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect, and any material
         development in any litigation or other proceeding previously reported
         pursuant to SECTION 4.5 or this subsection;

                 (iii)    the receipt by the Borrower or any of its
         Subsidiaries from any Governmental Authority of (y) any notice
         asserting any failure by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to be
         in compliance with applicable Requirements of Law or that threatens
         the taking of any action against the Borrower or such Subsidiary or
         sets forth circumstances that, if taken or adversely determined, would
         be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect, or (z) any
         notice of any actual or threatened Limitation on any License,
         Reimbursement Agreement or other authorization of the Borrower or any
         of its Subsidiaries, where such action would be reasonably likely to
         have a Material Adverse Effect;

                  (iv)    the occurrence of any ERISA Event, together with (x)
         a written statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower
         specifying the details of such ERISA Event and the action that the
         Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto, (y) a
         copy of any notice with respect to such ERISA Event that may be
         required to be filed with the PBGC and (z) a copy of any notice
         delivered by the PBGC to the Borrower or such ERISA Affiliate with
         respect to such ERISA Event;

                   (v)    the occurrence of any material default under, or any
         proposed or threatened termination or cancellation of, any Material
         Contract or other material contract or agreement to which the Borrower
         or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, the termination or cancellation
         of which would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;

                  (vi)    the occurrence of any of the following: (x) the
         assertion of any Environmental Claim against or affecting the
         Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective real
         property, leased or owned; (y) the receipt by the Borrower or any of
         its Subsidiaries of notice of any alleged violation of or
         noncompliance with any Environmental Laws; or (z) the taking of





                                      -42-
<PAGE>   49

         any remedial action by the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any
         other Person in response to the actual or alleged generation, storage,
         release, disposal or discharge of any Hazardous Substances on, to,
         upon or from any real property leased or owned by the Borrower or any
         of its Subsidiaries; but in each case under clauses (x), (y) and (z)
         above, only to the extent the same would be reasonably likely to have
         a Material Adverse Effect; and

                 (vii)    any other matter or event that has, or would be
         reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect, together with a
         written statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting
         forth the nature and period of existence thereof and the action that
         the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto; and

         (f)     As promptly as reasonably possible, such other information
about the business, condition (financial or otherwise), operations or
properties of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (including any Plan and
any information required to be filed under ERISA) as the Agent or any Lender
may from time to time reasonably request.

         5.3.    Corporate Existence; Franchises; Maintenance of Properties.
The Borrower will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) maintain and
preserve in full force and effect its corporate existence, except as expressly
permitted otherwise by SECTION 7.1 and (ii) keep all material properties in
good working order and condition (normal wear and tear excepted) and from time
to time make all necessary repairs to and renewals and replacements of such
properties, except to the extent that any of such properties are obsolete or
are being replaced.

         5.4.    Compliance with Laws.  The Borrower shall, and shall cause
each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) comply in all respects with all applicable
Requirements of Law and (ii) obtain and maintain in effect all Licenses and
Reimbursement Approvals, in each case in respect of the conduct of its business
and the ownership and operation of its properties, except to the extent that
the failure to so comply would not be reasonably likely to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

         5.5.    Payment of Obligations.  The Borrower will, and will cause
each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) pay all liabilities and obligations as and
when due (subject to any applicable subordination provisions), except to the
extent failure to do so would not be reasonably likely to have a Material
Adverse Effect, and (ii) pay and discharge all taxes, assessments and
governmental charges or levies imposed upon it, upon its income or profits or
upon any of its properties, prior to the date on which penalties would attach
thereto, and all lawful claims that, if unpaid, might become a Lien upon any of
the properties of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries; provided, however,
that neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to pay
any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim that is being contested in good
faith and by proper proceedings and as to which the Borrower or such Subsidiary
is maintaining adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP.

         5.6.    Insurance.  The Borrower will, and will cause each of its
Subsidiaries to, maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance
companies insurance with respect to its assets, properties and business,
against such hazards and liabilities, of such types and in such amounts, as is
customarily maintained by companies in the same or similar businesses similarly
situated, and maintain such other or additional insurance on such terms and
subject to such conditions as may be required under any Security Document.





                                      -43-
<PAGE>   50
         5.7.    Maintenance of Books and Records; Inspection.  The Borrower
will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, (i) maintain adequate books,
accounts and records, in which full, true and correct entries shall be made of
all financial transactions in relation to its business and properties, and
prepare all financial statements required under this Agreement, in each case in
accordance with GAAP and in compliance with the requirements of any
Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over it, and (ii) permit employees
or agents of the Agent or any Lender to inspect its properties and examine or
audit its books, records, working papers and accounts and make copies and
memoranda of them, and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its
officers and employees and, upon notice to the Borrower, the independent public
accountants of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (and by this provision the
Borrower authorizes such accountants to discuss the finances and affairs of the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries), all at such times and from time to time, upon
reasonable notice and during business hours, as may be reasonably requested.

         5.8.    Permitted Acquisitions.  (a)  Subject to the provisions of
subsection (b) below and the requirements contained in the definition of
Permitted Acquisition, and subject to the other terms and conditions of this
Agreement, the Borrower may from time to time on or after the Closing Date
effect Permitted Acquisitions, provided that, with respect to each Permitted
Acquisition:

                 (i)      no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred
         and be continuing at the time of the consummation of such Permitted
         Acquisition or would exist immediately after giving effect thereto;
         and

                 (ii)     the Acquisition Amount with respect thereto
         (regardless of the form of consideration) (y) shall not exceed
         $2,000,000, and (z) together with the aggregate of the Acquisition
         Amounts (regardless of the form of consideration) for all other
         Permitted Acquisitions consummated during the term of the Facility,
         shall not exceed $75,000,000.

         (b)     As soon as reasonably practicable after the consummation of
any Permitted Acquisition, the Borrower will deliver to the Agent and each
Lender:

                 (i)      a certificate, in form and substance reasonably
         satisfactory to the Agent, executed by a Financial Officer of the
         Borrower setting forth a reasonably detailed description of the
         material terms of such Permitted Acquisition, including the
         Acquisition Amount and each Person or business that is the subject of
         such Permitted Acquisition (each, a "Target"), and further to the
         effect that, to the best of such individual's knowledge, (x) the
         consummation of such Permitted Acquisition will not result in a
         violation of any provision of this Section, and after giving effect to
         such Permitted Acquisition and any Borrowings made in connection
         therewith, the Borrower will be in compliance with the financial
         covenants contained in SECTIONS 6.1 through 6.4, such compliance
         determined with regard to calculations made on a pro forma basis in
         accordance with GAAP as if each Target had been consolidated with the
         Borrower for those periods applicable to such covenants (such
         calculations to be attached to the certificate), (y) the Borrower
         believes in good faith that it will continue to comply with such
         financial covenants for a period of one year following the date of the
         consummation of such Permitted Acquisition, and (z) after giving
         effect to such Permitted Acquisition and any Borrowings in connection
         therewith, the Borrower believes in good faith that it will have





                                      -44-
<PAGE>   51

        sufficient availability under the Facility to meet its ongoing working
        capital requirements; and

                 (ii)     a copy of the fully executed acquisition agreement
        (excluding schedules and exhibits thereto, except to the extent
        reasonably requested by the Agent) and any Services Agreement executed
        in connection therewith.

         (c)     The consummation of each Permitted Acquisition shall be deemed
to be a representation and warranty by the Borrower that (except as shall have
been approved in writing by the Required Lenders) all conditions thereto set
forth in this Section and in the description furnished under clause (i) of
subsection (b) above have been satisfied, that the same is permitted in
accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and that the matters certified to
by the Financial Officer of the Borrower in the certificate referred to in
clause (iv) of subsection (b) above are, to the best of such individual's
knowledge, true and correct in all material respects as of the date such
certificate is given, which representation and warranty shall be deemed to be a
representation and warranty as of the date thereof for all purposes hereunder,
including, without limitation, for purposes of SECTIONS 3.2 and 8.1.

         5.9.    Creation or Acquisition of Subsidiaries.  Subject to the
provisions of SECTION 7.5, the Borrower may from time to time create or acquire
new Wholly Owned Subsidiaries in connection with Permitted Acquisitions or
otherwise, and the Subsidiary Guarantors of the Borrower may create or acquire
new Wholly Owned Subsidiaries, provided that with respect to each such
Subsidiary that has assets at any time in excess of $100,000, has executed or
is likely to execute a Services Agreement, or is or will be engaged in active
business operations:

         (a)     Concurrently with (and in any event within ten (10) Business
Days thereafter) the creation or direct or indirect acquisition by the Borrower
thereof, each such new Subsidiary will execute and deliver to the Agent (i) a
joinder to the Subsidiary Guaranty, pursuant to which such new Subsidiary shall
become a party thereto and shall guarantee the payment in full of the
Obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Credit
Documents, and (ii) a joinder to the Pledge and Security Agreement, pursuant to
which such new Subsidiary shall become a party thereto and shall grant to the
Agent a first priority Lien upon and security interest in its accounts
receivable, inventory, equipment, general intangibles and other personal
property as Collateral for its obligations under the Subsidiary Guaranty,
subject only to Permitted Liens;

         (b)     Concurrently with (and in any event within ten (10) Business
Days thereafter) the creation or acquisition of any new Subsidiary all or a
portion of the Capital Stock of which is directly owned by the Borrower, the
Borrower will execute and deliver to the Agent an amendment or supplement to
the Pledge and Security Agreement pursuant to which all of the Capital Stock of
such new Subsidiary owned by the Borrower shall be pledged to the Agent,
together with the certificates evidencing such Capital Stock and undated stock
powers duly executed in blank; and concurrently with (and in any event within
ten (10) Business Days thereafter) the creation or acquisition of any new
Subsidiary all or a portion of the Capital Stock of which is directly owned by
another Subsidiary (the "Parent Subsidiary"), the Parent Subsidiary will
execute and deliver to the Agent an appropriate joinder, amendment or
supplement to the Pledge and Security Agreement, pursuant to which all of the
Capital Stock of such new Subsidiary owned by such Parent Subsidiary shall be
pledged to the Agent, together with the certificates evidencing such Capital
Stock and undated stock powers duly executed in blank; and





                                      -45-
<PAGE>   52
         (c)     As promptly as reasonably possible, the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries will deliver any such other documents, certificates and opinions
(including opinions of local counsel in the jurisdiction of organization of
each such new Subsidiary), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the
Agent, as the Agent may reasonably request in connection therewith and will
take such other action as the Agent may reasonably request to create in favor
of the Agent a perfected security interest in the Collateral being pledged
pursuant to the documents described above.

         5.10.   Additional Security.  The Borrower will, and will cause each
of its Subsidiaries to, grant to the Agent from time to time security
interests, Liens and mortgages in and upon such assets and properties of the
Borrower or such Subsidiary as are not covered by the Security Documents
executed and delivered on the Closing Date or pursuant to SECTION 5.10 and as
may be reasonably requested from time to time by the Required Lenders
(including, without limitation, Liens on assets acquired by the Borrower or a
Subsidiary in connection with any Permitted Acquisition).  Such security
interests, Liens and mortgages shall be granted pursuant to documentation in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent and shall constitute
valid and perfected security interests and Liens, subject to no Liens other
than Permitted Liens.  Without limitation of the foregoing, in connection with
the grant of any mortgage or deed of trust with respect to any interest in real
property, the Borrower will, and will cause each applicable Subsidiary to, at
the Borrower's expense, prepare, obtain and deliver to the Agent any
environmental assessments, appraisals, surveys, title insurance and other
matters or documents as the Agent may reasonably request or as may be required
under applicable banking laws and regulations.

         5.11.   Further Assurances.  The Borrower will, and will cause each of
its Subsidiaries to, make, execute, endorse, acknowledge and deliver any
amendments, modifications or supplements hereto and restatements hereof and any
other agreements, instruments or documents, and take any and all such other
actions, as may from time to time be reasonably requested by the Agent or the
Required Lenders to perfect and maintain the validity and priority of the Liens
granted pursuant to the Security Documents and to effect, confirm or further
assure or protect and preserve the interests, rights and remedies of the Agent
and the Lenders under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents.

         5.12.   Year 2000 Compatibility.  The Borrower will take all action
necessary to assure that the Borrower's and its Subsidiaries' computer systems
are able to operate and effectively process data including dates on and after
January 1, 2000.  At the request of the Agent, the Borrower will provide the
Agent assurance acceptable to the Agent of such Year 2000 compatibility.


                                   ARTICLE VI

                              FINANCIAL COVENANTS

         The Borrower covenants and agrees that, until the termination of the
Commitments and the payment in full of all principal and interest with respect
to the Loans, together with all other amounts then due and owing hereunder:

         6.1.   Leverage Ratio.  The Borrower will not permit the ratio of
Consolidated Funded Debt





                                      -46-
<PAGE>   53

to Annualized EBITDA as of the last day of any fiscal quarter to exceed 3.0 to
1.0.

         6.2.   Coverage Ratio.  The Borrower will not permit the ratio of
Annualized EBITDAR to the sum of (i) Consolidated Interest Expense and (ii)
Corporate Rent as of the last day of any fiscal quarter to be less than 2.5 to
1.0.

         6.3.   Consolidated Net Worth.  The Borrower will not permit
Consolidated Net Worth as of the last day of any fiscal quarter, beginning with
the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 1997, to be less than the sum of (i)
Consolidated Net Worth as shown on the balance sheets of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries as of September 30, 1997, plus (ii) 80% of the aggregate of
Consolidated Net Income for each fiscal quarter ending after September 30, 1997
(provided that Consolidated Net Income for any such fiscal quarter shall be
taken into account for purposes of this calculation only if positive), plus
(iii) 80% of the aggregate amount of all increases in the stated capital and
additional paid-in capital accounts of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, as
determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, resulting from the
issuance of equity securities (including pursuant to the exercise of options,
rights or warrants or pursuant to the conversion of convertible securities) or
other Capital Stock after September 30, 1997.

         6.4.   Capital Expenditures.  The Borrower will not permit Capital
Expenditures during any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters ending on
the last day of any fiscal quarter to be greater than $200,000.


                                  ARTICLE VII

                               NEGATIVE COVENANTS

         The Borrower covenants and agrees that, until the termination of the
Commitments and the payment in full of all principal and interest with respect
to the Loans, together with all other amounts then due and owing hereunder:

         7.1.  Merger; Consolidation.  The Borrower will not, and will not
permit or cause any of its Subsidiaries to, liquidate, wind up or dissolve, or
enter into any consolidation, merger or other combination, or agree to do any
of the foregoing; provided, however, that:

                    (i)   the Borrower may merge or consolidate with another
         Person so long as (x) the Borrower is the surviving entity, (y) unless
         such other Person is a Wholly Owned Subsidiary immediately prior to
         giving effect thereto, such merger or consolidation shall constitute a
         Permitted Acquisition and the applicable conditions and requirements
         of SECTIONS 5.9 and 5.10 shall be satisfied, and (z) immediately after
         giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default would exist; and

                   (ii)   any Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with another
         Person so long as (x) the surviving entity is the Borrower or a
         Subsidiary Guarantor, (y) unless such other Person is a Wholly Owned
         Subsidiary immediately prior to giving effect thereto, such merger or
         consolidation shall constitute a Permitted Acquisition and the
         applicable conditions and





                                      -47-
<PAGE>   54

         requirements of SECTIONS 5.9 and 5.10 shall be satisfied, and (z)
         immediately after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of
         Default would exist.

         7.2.  Indebtedness.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit or
cause any of its Subsidiaries to, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any
Indebtedness other than:

                   (i)    Indebtedness incurred under this Agreement, the Notes
        and the Subsidiary Guaranty;

                   (ii)   Indebtedness existing on the Closing Date and
        described in SCHEDULE 7.2;

                 (iii)    accrued expenses (including salaries, accrued
         vacation and other compensation), current trade or other accounts
         payable and other current liabilities arising in the ordinary course
         of business and not incurred through the borrowing of money, provided
         that the same shall be paid when due except to the extent being
         contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings;

                  (iv)    loans and advances by the Borrower or any Subsidiary
         Guarantors to any other Subsidiary Guarantor or by any Subsidiary
         Guarantor to the Borrower, provided that any such loan or advance is
         subordinated in right and time of payment to the Obligations and is
         evidenced by a promissory note, in form and substance satisfactory to
         the Agent, pledged to the Agent pursuant to the Security Documents;

                   (v)    Indebtedness of the Borrower under Hedge Agreements
         entered into (y) with any Lender as the counterparty thereto and (z)
         with the prior written consent of the Agent;

                  (vi)    unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower that is
         expressly subordinated and made junior in right and time of payment to
         the Obligations and that is evidenced by one or more written
         agreements or instruments having terms, conditions and provisions
         (including, without limitation, provisions relating to principal
         amount, maturity, covenants, defaults, interest, and subordination)
         satisfactory in form and substance to the Required Lenders in their
         sole discretion;

                 (vii)    purchase money Indebtedness of the Borrower and its
         Subsidiaries incurred solely to finance the payment of all or part of
         the purchase price of any equipment, real property or other fixed
         assets acquired in the ordinary course of business, including
         Indebtedness in respect of capital lease obligations, and any
         renewals, refinancings or replacements thereof (subject to the
         limitations on the principal amount thereof set forth in this clause
         (vi)), which Indebtedness shall not exceed $250,000 in aggregate
         principal amount outstanding at any time; and

                (viii)    other unsecured Indebtedness not exceeding $250,000
        in aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time.

         7.3.  Liens.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit or cause
any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make, create, incur, assume
or suffer to exist, any Lien upon or with respect





                                      -48-
<PAGE>   55

to any part of its property or assets, whether now owned or hereafter acquired,
or file or permit the filing of, or permit to remain in effect, any financing
statement or other similar notice of any Lien with respect to any such
property, asset, income or profits under the Uniform Commercial Code of any
state or under any similar recording or notice statute, or agree to do any of
the foregoing, other than the following (collectively, "Permitted Liens"):

                   (i)    Liens created under the Security Documents;

                  (ii)    Liens in existence on the Closing Date and set forth
        on SCHEDULE 7.3;

                 (iii)    Liens imposed by law, such as Liens of carriers,
         warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen and landlords, and other similar
         Liens incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums not
         constituting borrowed money that are not overdue for a period of more
         than thirty (30) days or that are being contested in good faith by
         appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been
         established in accordance with GAAP (if so required);

                  (iv)    Liens (other than any Lien imposed by ERISA, the
         creation or incurrence of which would result in an Event of Default
         under SECTION 8.1(J)) incurred in the ordinary course of business in
         connection with worker's compensation, unemployment insurance or other
         forms of governmental insurance or benefits, or to secure the
         performance of letters of credit, bids, tenders, statutory
         obligations, surety and appeal bonds, leases, government contracts and
         other similar obligations (other than obligations for borrowed money)
         entered into in the ordinary course of business;

                   (v)    Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental
         charges or statutory obligations that are not delinquent or remain
         payable without any penalty or that are being contested in good faith
         by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been
         established in accordance with GAAP (if so required);

                  (vi)    Liens securing the purchase money Indebtedness
         permitted under clause (vii) of SECTION 7.2, provided that any such
         Lien (a) shall attach to such property concurrently with or within ten
         (10) days after the acquisition thereof by the Borrower or such
         Subsidiary, (b) shall not exceed the lesser of (y) the fair market
         value of such property or (z) the cost thereof to the Borrower or such
         Subsidiary and (c) shall not encumber any other property of the
         Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries;

                 (vii)    any attachment or judgment Lien not constituting an
         Event of Default under SECTION 8.1(H) that is being contested in good
         faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have
         been established in accordance with GAAP (if so required);

                (viii)    Liens arising from the filing, for notice purposes
        only, of financing statements in respect of true leases;

                  (ix)    Liens on Borrower Margin Stock, to the extent the
         fair market value thereof exceeds 25% of the fair market value of the
         assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including Borrower Margin
         Stock);





                                      -49-
<PAGE>   56
                   (x)    with respect to any real property occupied by the
         Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, all easements, rights of way,
         licenses and similar encumbrances on title that do not materially
         impair the use of such property for its intended purposes; and

                  (xi)    other Liens securing obligations of the Borrower and
         its Subsidiaries not exceeding $100,000 in aggregate amount
         outstanding at any time.

         7.4.  Disposition of Assets.  The Borrower will not, and will not
permit or cause any of its Subsidiaries to, sell, assign, lease, convey,
transfer or otherwise dispose of (whether in one or a series of transactions)
all or any portion of its assets, business or properties (including, without
limitation, any Capital Stock of any Subsidiary), or enter into any arrangement
with any Person providing for the lease by the Borrower or any Subsidiary as
lessee of any asset that has been sold or transferred by the Borrower or such
Subsidiary to such Person, or agree to do any of the foregoing, except for:

                   (i)    sales of inventory and licenses or leases of
         intellectual property and other assets, in each case in the ordinary
         course of business;

                  (ii)    the sale or exchange of used or obsolete equipment to
         the extent (y) the proceeds of such sale are applied towards, or such
         equipment is exchanged for, replacement equipment or (z) such
         equipment is no longer necessary for the operations of the Borrower or
         its applicable Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

                 (iii)    the sale or other disposition by the Borrower and its
         Subsidiaries of any Borrower Margin Stock to the extent the fair
         market value thereof exceeds 25% of the fair market value of the
         assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (including Borrower Margin
         Stock), provided that fair value is received in exchange therefor;

                  (iv)    the sale, lease or other disposition of assets by a
         Subsidiary of the Borrower to the Borrower or to a Subsidiary
         Guarantor if, immediately after giving effect thereto, no Default or
         Event of Default would exist; and

                   (v)    the sale or disposition of assets outside the
         ordinary course of business for fair value and for cash, provided that
         (x) the fair market value of such assets, when aggregated with the
         fair market value of all other assets the disposition of which is not
         otherwise specifically permitted under this Section that are sold
         during the same fiscal quarter or the period of three consecutive
         fiscal quarters immediately prior thereto, does not exceed $100,000 in
         the aggregate for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (y) in no event
         shall the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries sell or otherwise
         dispose of any of the Capital Stock of any Subsidiary, and (z)
         immediately after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of
         Default would exist.

                  (vi)    sales of patient receivables, provided that all of
         the net proceeds of such sales shall be used to repay the aggregate
         outstanding principal and interest of the Loans pursuant to SECTION
         2.7.

         7.5.  Investments.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit or
cause any of its





                                      -50-
<PAGE>   57

Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, purchase, own, invest in or otherwise
acquire any Capital Stock, evidence of indebtedness or other obligation or
security or any interest whatsoever in any other Person, or make or permit to
exist any loans, advances or extensions of credit to, or any investment in cash
or by delivery of property in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise
acquire (whether in one or a series of related transactions) any portion of the
assets, business or properties of another Person (including pursuant to an
Acquisition), or create or acquire any Subsidiary, or become a partner or joint
venturer in any partnership or joint venture (collectively, "Investments"), or
make a commitment or otherwise agree to do any of the foregoing, other than:

                   (i)    Cash Equivalents;

                  (ii)    Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions
         of inventory, supplies, materials and equipment or licenses or leases
         of intellectual property and other assets, in each case in the
         ordinary course of business,

                 (iii)    Investments consisting of loans and advances to
         employees for reasonable travel, relocation and business expenses in
         the ordinary course of business, extensions of trade credit in the
         ordinary course of business, and prepaid expenses incurred in the
         ordinary course of business;

                  (iv)    without duplication, Investments consisting of
        intercompany Indebtedness permitted under clause (iv) of SECTION 7.2;

                   (v)    Investments existing on the Closing Date and
        described in SCHEDULE 7.5;

                  (vi)    Investments of the Borrower under Hedge Agreements
         permitted pursuant to, and entered into in accordance with, SECTION
         7.2(V);

                 (vii)    Investments consisting of the making of capital
         contributions or the purchase of Capital Stock (a) by the Borrower or
         any Subsidiary in any other Wholly Owned Subsidiary that is (or
         immediately after giving effect to such Investment will be) a
         Subsidiary Guarantor, provided that the Borrower complies with the
         provisions of SECTION 5.10, and (b) by any Subsidiary in the Borrower;

                (viii)    Permitted Acquisitions;

                  (ix)    Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions
         of (y) patient receivables of all Affiliated Orthodontists and (z) up
         to $1,000,000 in aggregate amount at any time outstanding of patient
         receivables of Persons who are not Affiliated Orthodontists; and

                   (x)    other Investments in an aggregate amount, as valued
         at the time each such Investment is made, not exceeding $500,000 for
         all such Investments from and after the Closing Date.

         7.6.  Restricted Payments.  (a)  The Borrower will not, and will not
permit or cause any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, declare or
make any dividend payment, or make any other





                                      -51-
<PAGE>   58

distribution of cash, property or assets, in respect of any of its Capital
Stock or any warrants, rights or options to acquire its Capital Stock, or
purchase, redeem, retire or otherwise acquire for value any shares of its
Capital Stock or any warrants, rights or options to acquire its Capital Stock,
or set aside funds for any of the foregoing, except that:

                   (i)    the Borrower may declare and make dividend payments
        or other distributions payable solely in its common stock; and

                  (ii)    each Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower may
         declare and make dividend payments or other distributions to the
         Borrower or another Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Borrower, to the
         extent not prohibited under applicable Requirements of Law.

         (b)     The Borrower will not, and will not permit or cause any of its
Subsidiaries to, make (or give any notice in respect of) any voluntary or
optional payment or prepayment of principal on any subordinated indebtedness
(as permitted pursuant to SECTION 7.2(VI)), or directly or indirectly make any
redemption (including pursuant to any change of control provision), retirement,
defeasance or other acquisition for value of any such subordinated
indebtedness, or make any deposit or otherwise set aside funds for any of the
foregoing purposes.

         7.7.  Transactions with Affiliates.  The Borrower will not, and will
not permit or cause any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any transaction
(including, without limitation, any purchase, sale, lease or exchange of
property or the rendering of any service) with any officer, director,
stockholder or other Affiliate of the Borrower or any Subsidiary, except in the
ordinary course of its business and upon fair and reasonable terms that are no
less favorable to it than would obtain in a comparable arm's length transaction
with a Person other than an Affiliate of the Borrower or such Subsidiary;
provided, however, that nothing contained in this Section shall prohibit:

                   (i)    transactions described on SCHEDULE 7.7 or otherwise
        expressly permitted under this Agreement; and

                  (ii)    the payment by the Borrower of reasonable and
        customary fees to members of its board of directors.

         7.8.  Lines of Business.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit
or cause any of its Subsidiaries to, engage in any business other than (i) the
businesses engaged in by it on the date hereof, (ii) businesses and activities
reasonably related thereto and (iii) to the extent otherwise permitted by this
Agreement, the financing of patient receivables.

         7.9.  Certain Amendments.  The Borrower will not, and will not
permit or cause any of its Subsidiaries to, (i) amend, modify or waive, or
permit the amendment, modification or waiver of, any provision of any agreement
or instrument evidencing or governing any subordinated indebtedness (as
permitted pursuant to SECTION 7.2(VI)), the effect of which would be to (a)
increase the principal amount due thereunder, (b) shorten or accelerate the
time of payment of any amount due thereunder, (c) increase the applicable
interest rate or amount of any fees or costs due thereunder, (d) amend any of
the subordination provisions thereunder (including any of the definitions
relating thereto), (e) make any covenant therein more restrictive or add any
new covenant, or (f) otherwise materially and adversely





                                      -52-
<PAGE>   59

affect the Lenders, or breach or otherwise violate any of the subordination
provisions applicable thereto, including, without limitation, restrictions
against payment of principal and interest thereon, or (ii) amend, modify or
change any provision of its articles or certificate of incorporation or bylaws,
or the terms of any class or series of its Capital Stock, other than in a
manner that could not reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Lenders.

         7.10.   Limitation on Certain Restrictions.  The Borrower will not,
and will not permit or cause any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or
indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective
any restriction or encumbrance on (i) the ability of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries to perform and comply with their respective obligations under the
Credit Documents or (ii) the ability of any Subsidiary of the Borrower to make
any dividend payments or other distributions in respect of its Capital Stock,
to repay Indebtedness owed to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary, to make
loans or advances to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary, or to transfer any
of its assets or properties to the Borrower or any other Subsidiary, in each
case other than such restrictions or encumbrances existing under or by reason
of the Credit Documents or applicable Requirements of Law.

         7.11.   No Other Negative Pledges.  The Borrower will not, and will
not permit or cause any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter
into or suffer to exist any agreement or restriction that prohibits or
conditions the creation, incurrence or assumption of any Lien upon or with
respect to any part of its property or assets, whether now owned or hereafter
acquired, or agree to do any of the foregoing, other than as set forth in (i)
this Agreement and the Security Documents, (ii) any agreement or instrument
creating a Permitted Lien (but only to the extent such agreement or restriction
applies to the assets subject to such Permitted Lien), and (iii) operating
leases of real or personal property entered into by the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries as lessee in the ordinary course of business.

         7.12.   Fiscal Year.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit or
cause any of its Subsidiaries to, change the ending date of its fiscal year to
a date other than December 31.

         7.13.   Accounting Changes.  The Borrower will not, and will not
permit or cause any of its Subsidiaries to, make or permit any material change
in its accounting policies or reporting practices, except as may be required by
GAAP.


                                  ARTICLE VIII

                               EVENTS OF DEFAULT

         8.1.   Events of Default.  The occurrence of any one or more of the
following events shall constitute an "Event of Default":

         (a)       The Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of or interest
on any Loan, any fee or any other Obligation when due;

         (b)       The Borrower shall fail to observe, perform or comply with
any condition, covenant or agreement contained in any of SECTIONS 2.14, 5.1,
5.2, 5.3(i), 5.8, 5.9, 5.10 or in ARTICLE VI or ARTICLE VII;





                                      -53-
<PAGE>   60
         (c)       The Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall fail to
observe, perform or comply with any condition, covenant or agreement contained
in this Agreement or any of the Credit Documents other than those enumerated in
subsections (a) and (b) above, and such failure (i) is deemed by the terms of
the relevant Credit Document to constitute an Event of Default or (ii) shall
continue unremedied for any grace period specifically applicable thereto or, if
no such grace period is applicable, for a period of thirty (30) days after the
earlier of (y) the date on which a Responsible Officer of the Borrower acquires
knowledge thereof and (z) the date on which written notice thereof is delivered
by the Agent or any Lender to the Borrower;

         (d)       Any representation or warranty made or deemed made by or on
behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in this Agreement, any of the
other Credit Documents or in any certificate, instrument, report or other
document furnished in connection herewith or therewith or in connection with
the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall prove to have been false
or misleading in any material respect as of the time made, deemed made or
furnished;

         (e)       The Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall (i) fail to
pay when due (whether by scheduled maturity, acceleration or otherwise and
after giving effect to any applicable grace period) any principal of or
interest on any Indebtedness (other than the Indebtedness incurred pursuant to
this Agreement) having an aggregate principal amount of at least $100,000 or
(ii) fail to observe, perform or comply with any condition, covenant or
agreement contained in any agreement or instrument evidencing or relating to
any such Indebtedness, or any other event shall occur or condition exist in
respect thereof, and the effect of such failure, event or condition is to
cause, or permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or
agent on its or their behalf) to cause (with the giving of notice, lapse of
time, or both), such Indebtedness to become due, or to be prepaid, redeemed,
purchased or defeased, prior to its stated maturity;

         (f)       The Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall (i) file a
voluntary petition or commence a voluntary case seeking liquidation,
winding-up, reorganization, dissolution, arrangement, readjustment of debts or
any other relief under the Bankruptcy Code or under any other applicable
bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent
to the institution of, or fail to controvert in a timely and appropriate
manner, any petition or case of the type described in subsection (g) below,
(iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of or taking possession by a
custodian, trustee, receiver or similar official for or of itself or all or a
substantial part of its properties or assets, (iv) fail generally, or admit in
writing its inability, to pay its debts generally as they become due, (v) make
a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or (vi) take any corporate
action to authorize or approve any of the foregoing;

         (g)       Any involuntary petition or case shall be filed or commenced
against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries seeking liquidation,
winding-up, reorganization, dissolution, arrangement, readjustment of debts,
the appointment of a custodian, trustee, receiver or similar official for it or
all or a substantial part of its properties or any other relief under the
Bankruptcy Code or under any other applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar
law now or hereafter in effect, and such petition or case shall continue
undismissed and unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days; or an order, judgment
or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered in any
such proceeding;





                                      -54-
<PAGE>   61
         (h)       Any one or more money judgments, writs or warrants of
attachment, executions or similar processes involving an aggregate amount
(exclusive of amounts fully bonded or covered by insurance as to which the
surety or insurer, as the case may be, has acknowledged its liability in
writing) in excess of $100,000 shall be entered or filed against the Borrower
or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective properties and the same
shall not be dismissed, stayed or discharged for a period of thirty (30) days
or in any event later than five days prior to the date of any proposed sale
thereunder;

         (i)       Any Security Document to which the Borrower or any of its
Subsidiaries is now or hereafter a party shall for any reason cease to be in
full force and effect or cease to be effective to give the Agent a valid and
perfected security interest in and Lien upon the Collateral purported to be
covered thereby, subject to no Liens other than Permitted Liens, in each case
unless any such cessation occurs in accordance with the terms thereof or is due
to any act or failure to act on the part of the Agent or any Lender; or the
Borrower or any such Subsidiary shall assert any of the foregoing; or any
Subsidiary Guarantor or any Person acting on behalf of any such Subsidiary
Guarantor shall deny or disaffirm such Subsidiary Guarantor's obligations under
the Subsidiary Guaranty;

         (j)       Any ERISA Event shall occur or exist with respect to any
Plan or Multiemployer Plan and, as a result thereof, together with all other
ERISA Events then existing, the Borrower and its ERISA Affiliates would be
reasonably likely to incur liability to any one or more Plans or Multiemployer
Plans or to the PBGC (or to any combination thereof) in excess of $100,000;

         (k)       There shall be a Limitation on any one or more Licenses or
Reimbursement Approvals of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or any
License or Reimbursement Approval shall not be renewed, or any other action
shall be taken, by any Governmental Authority or other Person in response to
any alleged failure by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to be in
compliance with applicable Requirements of Law and such action, individually or
in the aggregate, would be reasonably likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;

         (l)       Any one or more Environmental Claims shall have been
asserted against the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries (or a reasonable basis
shall exist therefor); the Borrower and its Subsidiaries would be reasonably
likely to incur liability as a result thereof; and such liability would be
reasonably likely, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse
Effect;

         (m)       There shall occur (i) any uninsured damage to, or loss,
theft or destruction of, any Collateral or other properties of the Borrower and
its Subsidiaries having an aggregate fair market value in excess of $100,000 or
(ii) any labor dispute, act of God or other casualty that would be reasonably
likely to have a Material Adverse Effect;

         (n)       Sam Westover shall have ceased to be the chief executive
officer of the Borrower or to continue to perform his current duties as chief
executive officer, and the Borrower shall have failed to hire or appoint a
replacement reasonably satisfactory to the Required Lenders within 120 days
thereafter; or

         (o)       Any of the following shall occur: (i) any Person or group of
Persons acting in concert as a partnership or other group shall, as a result of
a tender or exchange offer, open market purchases,





                                      -55-
<PAGE>   62
privately negotiated purchases or otherwise, have become, after the date
hereof, the "beneficial owner" (within the meaning of such term under Rule
13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of securities of the Borrower representing 20% or
more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding securities of the
Borrower ordinarily (and apart from rights accruing under special
circumstances) having the right to vote in the election of directors; or (ii)
the Board of Directors of the Borrower shall cease to consist of a majority of
the individuals who constituted the Board of Directors as of the date hereof or
who shall have become a member thereof subsequent to the date hereof after
having been nominated, or otherwise approved in writing, by at least a majority
of individuals who constituted the Board of Directors of the Borrower as of the
date hereof (or their replacements approved as herein required).

         8.2.   Remedies: Termination of Commitments, Acceleration, etc.
Upon and at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of any
Event of Default, the Agent shall at the direction, or may with the consent, of
the Required Lenders, take any or all of the following actions at the same or
different times:

         (a)       Declare the Commitments to be terminated, whereupon the same
shall terminate (provided that, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default
pursuant to SECTION 8.1(F) or SECTION 8.1(G), the Commitments shall
automatically be terminated);

         (b)       Declare all or any part of the outstanding principal amount
of the Loans to be immediately due and payable, whereupon the principal amount
so declared to be immediately due and payable, together with all interest
accrued thereon and all other amounts payable under this Agreement, the Notes
and the other Credit Documents, shall become immediately due and payable
without presentment, demand, protest, notice of intent to accelerate or other
notice or legal process of any kind, all of which are hereby knowingly and
expressly waived by the Borrower (provided that, upon the occurrence of an
Event of Default pursuant to SECTION 8.1(F) or SECTION 8.1(G), all of the
outstanding principal amount of the Loans and all other amounts described in
this subsection (b) shall automatically become immediately due and payable
without presentment, demand, protest, notice of intent to accelerate or other
notice or legal process of any kind, all of which are hereby knowingly and
expressly waived by the Borrower); and

         (c)       Exercise all rights and remedies available to it under this
Agreement, the other Credit Documents and applicable law.

         8.3.   Remedies: Set-Off.  In addition to all other rights and
remedies available under the Credit Documents or applicable law or otherwise,
upon and at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of any
Event of Default, each Lender may, and each is hereby authorized by the
Borrower, at any such time and from time to time, to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law, without presentment, demand, protest or other
notice of any kind, all of which are hereby knowingly and expressly waived by
the Borrower, to set off and to apply any and all deposits (general or special,
time or demand, provisional or final) and any other property at any time held
(including at any branches or agencies, wherever located), and any other
indebtedness at any time owing, by such Lender to or for the credit or the
account of the Borrower against any or all of the Obligations to such Lender
now or hereafter existing, whether or not such Obligations may be contingent or
unmatured, the Borrower hereby granting to each Lender a continuing security
interest in and Lien upon all such deposits and other property as security for
such Obligations.  Each Lender agrees promptly to notify





                                      -56-
<PAGE>   63

the Borrower and the Agent after any such set-off and application; provided,
however, that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of
such set-off and application.

                                   ARTICLE IX

                                   THE AGENT

         9.1.     Appointment.  Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints and
authorizes First Union to act as Agent hereunder and under the other Credit
Documents and to take such actions as agent on its behalf hereunder and under
the other Credit Documents, and to exercise such powers and to perform such
duties, as are specifically delegated to the Agent by the terms hereof or
thereof, together with such other powers and duties as are reasonably
incidental thereto.

         9.2.     Nature of Duties.  The Agent shall have no duties or
responsibilities other than those expressly set forth in this Agreement and the
other Credit Documents.  The Agent shall not have, by reason of this Agreement
or any other Credit Document, a fiduciary relationship in respect of any
Lender; and nothing in this Agreement or any other Credit Document, express or
implied, is intended to or shall be so construed as to impose upon the Agent
any obligations or liabilities in respect of this Agreement or any other Credit
Document except as expressly set forth herein or therein.  The Agent may
execute any of its duties under this Agreement or any other Credit Document by
or through agents or attorneys-in-fact and shall not be responsible for the
negligence or misconduct of any agents or attorneys-in-fact that it selects
with reasonable care.  The Agent shall be entitled to consult with legal
counsel, independent public accountants and other experts selected by it with
respect to all matters pertaining to this Agreement and the other Credit
Documents and its duties hereunder and thereunder and shall not be liable for
any action taken or omitted to be taken in good faith by it in accordance with
the advice of such counsel, accountants or experts.  The Lenders hereby
acknowledge that the Agent shall not be under any duty to take any
discretionary action permitted to be taken by it pursuant to the provisions of
this Agreement or any other Credit Document unless it shall be requested in
writing to do so by the Required Lenders (or, where a higher percentage of the
Lenders is expressly required hereunder, such Lenders).

         9.3.     Exculpatory Provisions.  Neither the Agent nor any of its
officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates shall
be (i) liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by it or such Person
under or in connection with the Credit Documents, except for its or such
Person's own gross negligence or willful misconduct, (ii) responsible in any
manner to any Lender for any recitals, statements, information, representations
or warranties herein or in any other Credit Document or in any document,
instrument, certificate, report or other writing delivered in connection
herewith or therewith, for the execution, effectiveness, genuineness, validity,
enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Credit Document,
or for the financial condition of the Borrower, its Subsidiaries or any other
Person, or (iii) required to ascertain or make any inquiry concerning the
performance or observance of any of the terms, provisions or conditions of this
Agreement or any other Credit Document or the existence or possible existence
of any Default or Event of Default, or to inspect the properties, books or
records of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries.

         9.4.     Reliance by Agent.  The Agent shall be entitled to rely,
and shall be fully protected in





                                      -57-
<PAGE>   64
relying, upon any notice, statement, consent or other communication (including,
without limitation, any thereof by telephone, telecopy, telex, telegram or
cable) believed by it in good faith to be genuine and correct and to have been
signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons.  The Agent may deem and
treat each Lender as the owner of its interest hereunder for all purposes
hereof unless and until a written notice of the assignment, negotiation or
transfer thereof shall have been given to the Agent in accordance with the
provisions of this Agreement.  The Agent shall be entitled to refrain from
taking or omitting to take any action in connection with this Agreement or any
other Credit Document (i) if such action or omission would, in the reasonable
opinion of the Agent, violate any applicable law or any provision of this
Agreement or any other Credit Document or (ii) unless and until it shall have
received such advice or concurrence of the Required Lenders (or, where a higher
percentage of the Lenders is expressly required hereunder, such Lenders) as it
deems appropriate or it shall first have been indemnified to its satisfaction
by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense (other than liability
and expense arising from its own gross negligence or willful misconduct) that
may be incurred by it by reason of taking, continuing to take or omitting to
take any such action.  Without limiting the foregoing, no Lender shall have any
right of action whatsoever against the Agent as a result of the Agent's acting
or refraining from acting hereunder or under any other Credit Document in
accordance with the instructions of the Required Lenders (or, where a higher
percentage of the Lenders is expressly required hereunder, such Lenders), and
such instructions and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall
be binding upon all of the Lenders (including all subsequent Lenders).

         9.5.     Non-Reliance on Agent and Other Lenders.  Each Lender
expressly acknowledges that neither the Agent nor any of its officers,
directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates has made any
representation or warranty to it and that no act by the Agent or any such
Person hereinafter taken, including any review of the affairs of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or
warranty by the Agent to any Lender.  Each Lender represents to the Agent that
(i) it has, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other
Lender and based on such documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business,
prospects, operations, properties, financial and other condition and
creditworthiness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and made its own decision
to enter into this Agreement and extend credit to the Borrower hereunder, and
(ii) it will, independently and without reliance upon the Agent or any other
Lender and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate
at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions
in taking or not taking action hereunder and under the other Credit Documents
and to make such investigation as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the
business, prospects, operations, properties, financial and other condition and
creditworthiness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries.  Except as expressly
provided in this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, the Agent shall have
no duty or responsibility, either initially or on a continuing basis, to
provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the
business, prospects, operations, properties, financial or other condition or
creditworthiness of the Borrower, its Subsidiaries or any other Person that may
at any time come into the possession of the Agent or any of its officers,
directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in-fact or Affiliates.

         9.6.     Notice of Default.  The Agent shall not be deemed to have
knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default unless
the Agent shall have received written notice from the Borrower or a Lender
referring to this Agreement, describing such Default or Event of Default and
stating that such notice is a "notice of default."  In the event that the Agent
receives such a notice, the





                                      -58-
<PAGE>   65
Agent will give notice thereof to the Lenders as soon as reasonably
practicable; provided, however, that if any such notice has also been furnished
to the Lenders, the Agent shall have no obligation to notify the Lenders with
respect thereto.  The Agent shall (subject to SECTIONS 9.4 and 10.6) take such
action with respect to such Default or Event of Default as shall reasonably be
directed by the Required Lenders; provided that, unless and until the Agent
shall have received such directions, the Agent may (but shall not be obligated
to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such
Default or Event of Default as it shall deem advisable in the best interests of
the Lenders.

         9.7.     Indemnification.  To the extent the Agent is not reimbursed
by or on behalf of the Borrower, and without limiting the obligation of the
Borrower to do so, the Lenders agree (i) to indemnify the Agent and its
officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys-in- fact and Affiliates,
ratably in proportion to their respective percentages as used in determining
the Required Lenders as of the date of determination, from and against any and
all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions, judgments,
suits, costs, expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys' fees and
expenses) or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever that may at any
time (including, without limitation, at any time following the repayment in
full of the Loans and the termination of the Commitments) be imposed on,
incurred by or asserted against the Agent in any way relating to or arising out
of this Agreement or any other Credit Document or any documents contemplated by
or referred to herein or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby or any
action taken or omitted by the Agent under or in connection with any of the
foregoing, and (ii) to reimburse the Agent upon demand, ratably in proportion
to their respective percentages as used in determining the Required Lenders as
of the date of determination, for any expenses incurred by the Agent in
connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery,
administration, amendment, modification, waiver or enforcement (whether through
negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of
rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement or any of the other Credit
Documents (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and
expenses and compensation of agents and employees paid for services rendered on
behalf of the Lenders); provided, however, that no Lender shall be liable for
any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties,
actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements to the extent
resulting from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the party to be
indemnified.

         9.8.     The Agent in its Individual Capacity.  With respect to its
Commitment, the Loans made by it and the Note or Notes issued to it, the Agent
in its individual capacity and not as Agent shall have the same rights and
powers under the Credit Documents as any other Lender and may exercise the same
as though it were not performing the agency duties specified herein; and the
terms "Lenders," "Required Lenders," "holders of Notes" and any similar terms
shall, unless the context clearly otherwise indicates, include the Agent in its
individual capacity.  The Agent and its Affiliates may accept deposits from,
lend money to, make investments in, and generally engage in any kind of
banking, trust, financial advisory or other business with the Borrower, any of
its Subsidiaries or any of their respective Affiliates as if the Agent were not
performing the agency duties specified herein, and may accept fees and other
consideration from any of them for services in connection with this Agreement
and otherwise without having to account for the same to the Lenders.

         9.9.     Successor Agent.  The Agent may resign at any time by giving
ten (10) days' prior written notice to the Borrower and the Lenders, provided
that, subject to the last sentence of this section, such resignation shall not
be effective until a successor Agent shall have accepted the





                                      -59-
<PAGE>   66
appointment.  Upon any notice of resignation by the Agent, the Required Lenders
will, with the prior written consent of the Borrower (which consent shall not
be unreasonably withheld), appoint from among the Lenders a successor to the
Agent (provided that the Borrower's consent shall not be required in the event
a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing).  If no
successor to the Agent shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and
shall have accepted such appointment within such ten-day period, then the
retiring Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and after consulting with the
Lenders and the Borrower, appoint a successor Agent from among the Lenders.
Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Agent by a successor Agent, such
successor Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the
rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Agent, and the retiring
Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under
the other Credit Documents.  After any retiring Agent's resignation as Agent,
the provisions of this Article shall inure to its benefit as to any actions
taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was Agent.  If no successor to the
Agent has accepted appointment as Agent by the thirtieth (30th) day following a
retiring Agent's notice of resignation, the retiring Agent's resignation shall
nevertheless thereupon become effective, and the Lenders shall thereafter
perform all of the duties of the Agent hereunder and under the other Credit
Documents until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor
Agent as provided for hereinabove.

         9.10.     Collateral Matters.  (a)  The Agent is hereby authorized on
behalf of the Lenders, without the necessity of any notice to or further
consent from the Lenders, from time to time (but without any obligation) to
take any action with respect to the Collateral and the Security Documents that
may be necessary to perfect and maintain perfected the Liens upon the
Collateral granted pursuant to the Security Documents.

         (b)        The Lenders hereby authorize the Agent, at its option and
in its discretion, to release any Lien granted to or held by the Agent upon any
Collateral (i) upon termination of the Commitments and payment in full of all
of the Obligations, (ii) constituting property sold or to be sold or disposed
of as part of or in connection with any disposition expressly permitted
hereunder or under any other Credit Document or to which the Required Lenders
have consented or (iii) otherwise pursuant to and in accordance with the
provisions of any applicable Credit Document.  Upon request by the Agent at any
time, the Lenders will confirm in writing the Agent's authority to release
Collateral pursuant to this subsection (b).














                                      -60-
<PAGE>   67
                                   ARTICLE X

                                 MISCELLANEOUS

         10.1.       Fees and Expenses.  The Borrower agrees (i) whether or not
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be consummated, to pay
upon demand all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Agent
(including, without limitation, the reasonable fees and expenses of counsel to
the Agent) in connection with (w) the Agent's due diligence investigation in
connection with, and the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and
syndication of, this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, and any
amendment, modification or waiver hereof or thereof or consent with respect
hereto or thereto, (x) the administration, monitoring and review of the Loans
and the Collateral (including, without limitation, out-of-pocket expenses for
travel, meals, long-distance telephone calls, wire transfers, facsimile
transmissions and copying and with respect to the engagement of appraisers,
consultants, auditors or similar Persons by the Agent at any time, whether
before or after the Closing, to render opinions concerning the Borrower's
financial condition and the value of the Collateral), (y) any attempt to
inspect, verify, protect, collect, sell, liquidate or otherwise dispose of any
Collateral and (z) the creation, perfection and maintenance of the perfection
of the Agent's Liens upon the Collateral, including, without limitation, Lien
search, filing and recording fees, (ii) to pay upon demand all reasonable
out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Agent and each Lender (including,
without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) in connection with
(y) any refinancing or restructuring of the credit arrangement provided under
this Agreement, whether in the nature of a "work-out," in any insolvency or
bankruptcy proceeding or otherwise and whether or not consummated, and (z) the
enforcement, attempted enforcement or preservation of any rights or remedies
under this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents, whether in any
action, suit or proceeding (including any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding)
or otherwise, and (iii) to pay and hold the Agent and each Lender harmless from
and against all liability for any intangibles, documentary, stamp or other
similar taxes, fees and excises, if any, including any interest and penalties,
and any finder's or brokerage fees, commissions and expenses (other than any
fees, commissions or expenses of finders or brokers engaged by the Agent or any
Lender), that may be payable in connection with the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement and the other Credit Documents.

         10.2.       Indemnification.  The Borrower agrees, whether or not the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be consummated, to indemnify
and hold the Agent and each Lender and each of their respective directors,
officers, employees, agents and Affiliates (each, an "Indemnified Person")
harmless from and against any and all claims, losses, damages, obligations,
liabilities, penalties, costs and expenses (including, without limitation,
reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) of any kind or nature whatsoever,
whether direct, indirect or consequential (collectively, "Indemnified Costs"),
that may at any time be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such
Indemnified Person as a result of, arising from or in any way relating to the
preparation, execution, performance or enforcement of this Agreement or any of
the other Credit Documents, any of the transactions contemplated herein or
therein or any transaction financed or to be financed in whole or in part,
directly or indirectly, with the proceeds of any Loans (including, without
limitation, in connection with the actual or alleged generation, presence,
discharge or release of any Hazardous Substances on, into or from, or the
transportation of Hazardous Substances to or from, any real property at any
time owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, any other
Environmental Claims or any violation of or liability under any Environmental
Law), or any action, suit or proceeding (including any





                                      -61-
<PAGE>   68

inquiry or investigation) by any Person, whether threatened or initiated,
related to any of the foregoing, and in any case whether or not such
Indemnified Person is a party to any such action, proceeding or suit or a
subject of any such inquiry or investigation; provided, however, that no
Indemnified Person shall have the right to be indemnified hereunder for any
Indemnified Costs to the extent resulting from the gross negligence or willful
misconduct of such Indemnified Person.  All of the foregoing Indemnified Costs
of any Indemnified Person shall be paid or reimbursed by the Borrower, as and
when incurred and upon demand.

         10.3.       Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction.  THIS AGREEMENT AND
THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN EXECUTED, DELIVERED AND ACCEPTED IN, AND
SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN MADE IN, NORTH CAROLINA AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY
AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NORTH
CAROLINA (WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS THEREOF).  THE
BORROWER HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE COURT
WITHIN MECKLENBURG COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA OR ANY FEDERAL COURT LOCATED WITHIN
THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA FOR ANY PROCEEDING
INSTITUTED HEREUNDER OR UNDER ANY OF THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS, OR ARISING OUT
OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS,
OR ANY PROCEEDING TO WHICH THE AGENT OR ANY LENDER OR THE BORROWER IS A PARTY,
INCLUDING ANY ACTIONS BASED UPON, ARISING OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY
COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, STATEMENT (WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN) OR
ACTIONS OF THE AGENT OR ANY LENDER OR THE BORROWER.  THE BORROWER IRREVOCABLY
AGREES TO BE BOUND (SUBJECT TO ANY AVAILABLE RIGHT OF APPEAL) BY ANY JUDGMENT
RENDERED OR RELIEF GRANTED THEREBY AND FURTHER WAIVES ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY
HAVE BASED ON LACK OF JURISDICTION OR IMPROPER VENUE OR FORUM NON CONVENIENS TO
THE CONDUCT OF ANY SUCH PROCEEDING.  THE BORROWER CONSENTS THAT ALL SERVICE OF
PROCESS BE MADE BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL DIRECTED TO IT AT ITS ADDRESS
SET FORTH HEREINBELOW, AND SERVICE SO MADE SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE COMPLETED UPON
THE EARLIER OF ACTUAL RECEIPT THEREOF OR THREE (3) DAYS AFTER DEPOSIT IN THE
UNITED STATES MAILS, PROPER POSTAGE PREPAID AND PROPERLY ADDRESSED.  NOTHING IN
THIS SECTION SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT TO SERVE LEGAL PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER
PERMITTED BY LAW OR AFFECT THE RIGHT OF THE AGENT OR ANY LENDER TO BRING ANY
ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST THE BORROWER IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER
JURISDICTION.

         10.4.       Arbitration; Preservation and Limitation of Remedies.  (a)
Upon demand of any party hereto, whether made before or after institution of
any judicial proceeding, any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of,
connected with or relating to this Agreement or any other Credit Document
("Disputes") between or among the Borrower, its Subsidiaries, the Agent and the
Lenders, or any of them, shall be resolved by binding arbitration as provided
herein.  Institution of a judicial proceeding by a party does not waive the
right of that party to demand arbitration hereunder.  Disputes may include,
without limitation, tort claims, counterclaims, claims brought as class
actions, claims arising





                                      -62-
<PAGE>   69
from documents executed in the future, or claims arising out of or connected
with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Credit
Documents.  Arbitration shall be conducted under and governed by the Commercial
Financial Disputes Arbitration Rules (the "Arbitration Rules") of the American
Arbitration Association (the "AAA"), as in effect from time to time, and Title
9 of the U.S. Code, as amended.  All arbitration hearings shall be conducted in
the city in which the principal office of the Agent is located.  The expedited
procedures set forth in Rule 51 et seq. of the Arbitration Rules shall be
applicable to claims of less than $1,000,000.  All applicable statutes of
limitation shall apply to any Dispute.  A judgment upon the award may be
entered in any court having jurisdiction.  The panel from which all arbitrators
are selected shall be comprised of licensed attorneys.  The single arbitrator
selected for expedited procedure shall be a retired judge from the highest
court of general jurisdiction, state or federal, of the state where the hearing
will be conducted.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this arbitration provision
does not apply to Disputes under or related to Hedge Agreements.

         (b)        Notwithstanding the preceding binding arbitration
provisions, the parties hereto agree to preserve, without diminution, certain
remedies that any party hereto may employ or exercise freely, either alone, in
conjunction with or during a Dispute.  Any party hereto shall have the right to
proceed in any court of proper jurisdiction or by self-help to exercise or
prosecute the following remedies, as applicable: (i) all rights to foreclose
against any Collateral by exercising a power of sale granted pursuant to any of
the Credit Documents or under applicable law or by judicial foreclosure and
sale, including a proceeding to confirm the sale; (ii) all rights of self-help,
including peaceful occupation of real property and collection of rents,
set-off, and peaceful possession of personal property; (iii) obtaining
provisional or ancillary remedies, including injunctive relief, sequestration,
garnishment, attachment, appointment of a receiver and filing an involuntary
bankruptcy proceeding; and (iv) when applicable, a judgment by confession of
judgment.  Preservation of these remedies does not limit the power of an
arbitrator to grant similar remedies that may be requested by a party in a
Dispute.  The parties hereto agree that no party shall have a remedy of
punitive or exemplary damages against any other party in any Dispute, and each
party hereby waives any right or claim to punitive or exemplary damages that it
has now or that may arise in the future in connection with any Dispute, whether
such Dispute is resolved by arbitration or judicially.

         10.5.       Notices.  All notices and other communications provided for
hereunder shall be in writing (including telegraphic, telex, facsimile
transmission or cable communication) and mailed, telegraphed, telexed,
telecopied, cabled or delivered to the party to be notified at the following
addresses:

                    (a)   if to the Borrower, to OrthAlliance, Inc., 23848
         Hawthorne Boulevard, Suite 200, Torrance, CA 90505, Attention: Robert
         S. Chilton, Telecopy No. (310) 791-5660, with a copy to Munger, Tolles
         & Olson, 355 South Grand Avenue, 35th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071,
         Attention:  William L. Cathey, Telecopy No. (213) 687-3702;

                    (b)   if to the Agent, to First Union National Bank, One
         First Union Center, TW-5, 301 South College Street, Charlotte, North
         Carolina 28288-0735, Attention: David Straut, Telecopy No. (704)
         383-9144; and

                    (c)   if to any Lender, to it at the address set forth on
         its signature page hereto (or if to any Lender not a party hereto as
         of the date hereof, at the address set forth in its Assignment





                                      -63-
<PAGE>   70
         and Acceptance);

or in each case, to such other address as any party may designate for itself by
like notice to all other parties hereto.  All such notices and communications
shall be deemed to have been given (i) if mailed as provided above by any
method other than overnight delivery service, on the third Business Day after
deposit in the mails, (ii) if mailed by overnight delivery service,
telegraphed, telexed, telecopied or cabled, when delivered for overnight
delivery, delivered to the telegraph company, confirmed by telex answerback,
transmitted by telecopier or delivered to the cable company, respectively, or
(iii) if delivered by hand, upon delivery; provided that notices and
communications to the Agent shall not be effective until received by the Agent.

         10.6.       Amendments, Waivers, etc.  No amendment, modification,
waiver or discharge or termination of, or consent to any departure by the
Borrower from, any provision of this Agreement or any other Credit Document,
shall be effective unless in a writing signed by the Required Lenders (or by
the Agent at the direction or with the consent of the Required Lenders), and
then the same shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the
specific purpose for which given; provided, however, that no such amendment,
modification, waiver, discharge, termination or consent shall:

         (a)        unless agreed to by each Lender directly affected thereby,
(i) reduce or forgive the principal amount of any Loan, reduce the rate of or
forgive any interest thereon, or reduce or forgive any fees or other
Obligations (other than fees payable to the Agent for its own account), or (ii)
extend the Maturity Date or any other date (including any scheduled date for
the termination of any Commitments) fixed for the payment of any principal of
or interest on any Loan (other than additional interest payable under SECTION
2.8(B) at the election of the Required Lenders, as provided therein), any fees
(other than fees payable to the Agent for its own account) or any other
Obligations;

         (b)        unless agreed to by all of the Lenders, (i) increase or
extend any Commitment of any Lender (it being understood that a waiver of any
Event of Default, if agreed to by the requisite Lenders hereunder, shall not
constitute such an increase), (ii) change the percentage of the aggregate
Commitments or of the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Loans, or the
number or percentage of Lenders, that shall be required for the Lenders or any
of them to take or approve, or direct the Agent to take, any action hereunder
(including as set forth in the definition of "Required Lenders"), (iii) except
as may be otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement or in any other
Credit Document, release all or substantially all of the Collateral or release
any Subsidiary Guarantor from its obligations under the Subsidiary Guaranty, or
(iv) change any provision of SECTION 2.15 or this Section; and

         (c)        unless agreed to by the Agent in addition to the Lenders
required as provided hereinabove to take such action, affect the rights or
obligations of the Agent, as applicable, hereunder or under any of the other
Credit Documents; and provided further that the Fee Letter and any Hedge
Agreement to which any Lender is a party may be amended or modified, and any
rights thereunder waived, in a writing signed by the parties thereto.

         10.7.       Assignments, Participations.  (a)  Each Lender may assign
to one or more other Eligible Assignees (each, an "Assignee") all or a portion
of its rights and obligations under this





                                      -64-
<PAGE>   71
Agreement (including, without limitation, all or a portion of its Commitments,
the outstanding Loans made by it and the Note or Notes held by it; provided,
however, that (i) any such assignment (other than an assignment to a Lender or
an Affiliate of a Lender) shall not be made without the prior written consent
of the Agent and the Borrower (to be evidenced by its counterexecution of the
relevant Assignment and Acceptance), which consent shall not be unreasonably
withheld (provided that the Borrower's consent shall not be required in the
event a Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing),
(ii) each such assignment shall be of a uniform, and not varying, percentage of
all of the assigning Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement,
(iii) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender or an Affiliate of a
Lender, no such assignment shall be in an aggregate principal amount
(determined as of the date of the Assignment and Acceptance with respect to
such assignment) less than $5,000,000, determined by combining the amount of
the assigning Lender's outstanding Loans and Unutilized Commitment being
assigned pursuant to such assignment (or, if less, the entire Commitment of the
assigning Lender) and (iv) the parties to each such assignment will execute and
deliver to the Agent, for its acceptance and recording in the Register, an
Assignment and Acceptance, together with any Note or Notes subject to such
assignment, and will pay a nonrefundable processing fee of $3,000 to the Agent
for its own account.  Upon such execution, delivery, acceptance and recording
of the Assignment and Acceptance, from and after the effective date specified
therein, which effective date shall be at least five Business Days after the
execution thereof (unless the Agent shall otherwise agree), (A) the Assignee
thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent that rights and
obligations hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and
Acceptance, shall have the rights and obligations of the assigning Lender
hereunder with respect thereto and (B) the assigning Lender shall, to the
extent that rights and obligations hereunder have been assigned by it pursuant
to such Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights (other than rights
under the provisions of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents relating
to indemnification or payment of fees, costs and expenses, to the extent such
rights relate to the time prior to the effective date of such Assignment and
Acceptance) and be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in
the case of an Assignment and Acceptance covering all or the remaining portion
of such assigning Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement, such
Lender shall cease to be a party hereto).  The terms and provisions of each
Assignment and Acceptance shall, upon the effectiveness thereof, be
incorporated into and made a part of this Agreement, and the covenants,
agreements and obligations of each Lender set forth therein shall be deemed
made to and for the benefit of the Agent and the other parties hereto as if set
forth at length herein.

         (b)        The Agent will maintain at its address for notices referred
to herein a copy of each Assignment and Acceptance delivered to and accepted by
it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders
and the Commitments of, and principal amount of the Loans owing to, each Lender
from time to time (the "Register").  The entries in the Register shall be
conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error, and the
Borrower, the Agent and the Lenders may treat each Person whose name is
recorded in the Register as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this
Agreement.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and
each Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior
notice.

         (c)        Upon its receipt of a duly completed Assignment and
Acceptance executed by an assigning Lender and an Assignee and, if required,
counterexecuted by the Borrower, together with the Note or Notes subject to
such assignment and the processing fee referred to in subsection (a) above, the
Agent will (i) accept such Assignment and Acceptance, (ii) on the effective
date thereof, record the





                                      -65-
<PAGE>   72

information contained therein in the Register and (iii) give notice thereof to
the Borrower and the Lenders.  Within five (5) Business Days after its receipt
of such notice, the Borrower, at its own expense, will execute and deliver to
the Agent, in exchange for the surrendered Note or Notes, a new Note or Notes
to the order of the Assignee (and, if the assigning Lender has retained any
portion of its rights and obligations hereunder, to the order of the assigning
Lender), prepared in accordance with the applicable provisions of SECTION 2.4
as necessary to reflect, after giving effect to the assignment, the Commitments
of the Assignee and (to the extent of any retained interests) the assigning
Lender, dated the date of the replaced Note or Notes and otherwise in
substantially the form of EXHIBIT A.  The Agent will return cancelled Notes to
the Borrower.

         (d)        Each Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower, the
Agent or any other Lender, sell to one or more other Persons (each, a
"Participant") participations in any portion comprising less than all of its
rights and obligations under this Agreement (including, without limitation, a
portion of its Commitments, the outstanding Loans made by it and the Note or
Notes held by it; provided, however, that (i) such Lender's obligations under
this Agreement shall remain unchanged and such Lender shall remain solely
responsible for the performance of such obligations, (ii) no Lender shall sell
any participation that, when taken together with all other participations, if
any, sold by such Lender, covers all of such Lender's rights and obligations
under this Agreement, (iii) the Borrower, the Agent and the other Lenders shall
continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such
Lender's rights and obligations under this Agreement, and no Lender shall
permit any Participant to have any voting rights or any right to control the
vote of such Lender with respect to any amendment, modification, waiver,
consent or other action hereunder or under any other Credit Document (except as
to actions that would (x) reduce or forgive the principal amount of any Loan,
reduce the rate of or forgive any interest thereon, or reduce or forgive any
fees or other Obligations, (y) extend the Maturity Date or any other date fixed
for the payment of any principal of or interest on any Loan, any fees or any
other Obligations, or (z) increase or extend any Commitment of any Lender), and
(iv) no Participant shall have any rights under this Agreement or any of the
other Credit Documents, each Participant's rights against the granting Lender
in respect of any participation to be those set forth in the participation
agreement, and all amounts payable by the Borrower hereunder shall be
determined as if such Lender had not granted such participation.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, each Participant shall have the rights of a
Lender for purposes of SECTIONS 2.16(A), 2.16(B), 2.17, 2.18 and 8.3, and shall
be entitled to the benefits thereto, to the extent that the Lender granting
such participation would be entitled to such benefits if the participation had
not been made, provided that no Participant shall be entitled to receive any
greater amount pursuant to any of such Sections than the Lender granting such
participation would have been entitled to receive in respect of the amount of
the participation made by such Lender to such Participant had such
participation not been made.

         (e)        Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prohibit
any Lender from pledging or assigning all or any portion of its rights and
interest hereunder or under any Note to any Federal Reserve Bank as security
for borrowings therefrom; provided, however, that no such pledge or assignment
shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder.

         (f)        Any Lender or participant may, in connection with any
assignment or participation or proposed assignment or participation pursuant to
this Section, disclose to the Assignee or Participant or proposed Assignee or
Participant any information relating to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
furnished to it by or on behalf of any other party hereto, provided that such
Assignee or Participant or





                                      -66-
<PAGE>   73
proposed Assignee or Participant agrees in writing to keep such information
confidential to the same extent required of the Lenders under SECTION 10.13.

         10.8.       No Waiver.  The rights and remedies of the Agent and the
Lenders expressly set forth in this Agreement and the other Credit Documents
are cumulative and in addition to, and not exclusive of, all other rights and
remedies available at law, in equity or otherwise.  No failure or delay on the
part of the Agent or any Lender in exercising any right, power or privilege
shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of
any such right, power or privilege preclude other or further exercise thereof
or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege or be construed to be a
waiver of any Default or Event of Default.  No course of dealing between any of
the Borrower and the Agent or the Lenders or their agents or employees shall be
effective to amend, modify or discharge any provision of this Agreement or any
other Credit Document or to constitute a waiver of any Default or Event of
Default.  No notice to or demand upon the Borrower in any case shall entitle
the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other
circumstances or constitute a waiver of the right of the Agent or any Lender to
exercise any right or remedy or take any other or further action in any
circumstances without notice or demand.

         10.9.       Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be binding
upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the respective successors
and assigns of the parties hereto, and all references herein to any party shall
be deemed to include its successors and assigns; provided, however, that (i)
the Borrower shall not sell, assign or transfer any of its rights, interests,
duties or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of
all of the Lenders and (ii) any Assignees and Participants shall have such
rights and obligations with respect to this Agreement and the other Credit
Documents as are provided for under and pursuant to the provisions of SECTION
10.7.

         10.10.      Survival.  All representations, warranties and agreements
made by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries in this
Agreement and in the other Credit Documents shall survive the execution and
delivery hereof or thereof and the making and repayment of the Loans.  In
addition, notwithstanding anything herein or under applicable law to the
contrary, the provisions of this Agreement and the other Credit Documents
relating to indemnification or payment of fees, costs and expenses, including,
without limitation, the provisions of SECTIONS 2.16(A), 2.16(B), 2.17, 2.18,
9.7, 10.1 and 10.2, shall survive the payment in full of all Loans, the
termination of the Commitments and any termination of this Agreement or any of
the other Credit Documents.

         10.11.      Severability.  To the extent any provision of this
Agreement is prohibited by or invalid under the applicable law of any
jurisdiction, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such
prohibition or invalidity and only in such jurisdiction, without prohibiting or
invalidating such provision in any other jurisdiction or the remaining
provisions of this Agreement in any jurisdiction.

         10.12.      Construction.  The headings of the various articles,
sections and subsections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience
only and shall not in any way affect the meaning or construction of any of the
provisions hereof.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and in the
other Credit Documents, in the event of any inconsistency or conflict between
any provision of this Agreement and any provision of any of the other Credit
Documents, the provision of this Agreement shall control.





                                      -67-
<PAGE>   74
         10.13.      Confidentiality.  Each Lender agrees to keep confidential,
pursuant to its customary procedures for handling confidential information of a
similar nature and in accordance with safe and sound banking practices, all
nonpublic information provided to it by or on behalf of the Borrower or any of
its Subsidiaries in connection with this Agreement or any other Credit
Document; provided, however, that any Lender may disclose such information (i)
to its directors, employees and agents and to its auditors, counsel and other
professional advisors, (ii) at the demand or request of any bank regulatory
authority, court or other Governmental Authority having or asserting
jurisdiction over such Lender, as may be required pursuant to subpoena or other
legal process, or otherwise in order to comply with any applicable Requirement
of Law, (iii) in connection with any proceeding to enforce its rights hereunder
or under any other Credit Document or any other litigation or proceeding
related hereto or to which it is a party, (iv) to the Agent or any other
Lender, (v) to the extent the same has become publicly available other than as
a result of a breach of this Agreement and (vi) pursuant to and in accordance
with the provisions of SECTION 10.7(F).

         10.14.      Counterparts; Effectiveness.  This Agreement may be
executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto on
separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an
original, but all of which shall together constitute one and the same
instrument.  This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution of a
counterpart hereof by each of the parties hereto and receipt by the Agent and
the Borrower of written or telephonic notification of such execution and
authorization of delivery thereof.

         10.15.      Disclosure of Information.  The Borrower agrees and
consents to the Agent's disclosure of information relating to this transaction
to Gold Sheets and other similar bank trade publications.  Such information
will consist of deal terms and other information customarily found in such
publications.

         10.16.      Entire Agreement.  THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER DOCUMENTS
AND INSTRUMENTS EXECUTED AND DELIVERED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH (A) EMBODY THE
ENTIRE AGREEMENT AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE PARTIES HERETO AND THERETO
RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND THEREOF, (B) SUPERSEDE ANY AND ALL
PRIOR AGREEMENTS AND UNDERSTANDINGS OF SUCH PERSONS, ORAL OR WRITTEN, RELATING
TO THE SUBJECT MATTER HEREOF AND THEREOF, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE
COMMITMENT LETTER FROM FIRST UNION TO THE BORROWER DATED AUGUST 29, 1997, BUT
SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDING THE FEE LETTER, AND (C) MAY NOT BE AMENDED,
SUPPLEMENTED, CONTRADICTED OR OTHERWISE MODIFIED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR,
CONTEMPORANEOUS OR SUBSEQUENT ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES.





                                      -68-
<PAGE>   75
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to
be executed by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above
written.



                                    ORTHALLIANCE, INC., as Borrower


                                    By: /s/ Robert S. Chilton
                                        ------------------------------------

                                    Title: Chief Financial Officer
                                           ---------------------------------

















                                      -69-
<PAGE>   76


                             (signatures continued)















                                      -70-
<PAGE>   77

                                    FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as Agent and as
                                    a Lender


                                    By: /s/ Ann M. Dodd
                                       -----------------------------------
Commitment:
$25,000,000                         Title: Senior Vice President
                                          --------------------------------



                              Instructions for wire transfers to the
                                    Agent:

                                    First Union National Bank
                                    Charlotte, North Carolina
                                    ABA Routing No. 053000219
                                    For further credit to:
                                    General Ledger No. 465906, RC No. 1802
                                    Attention: Sue Patterson
                                    Re: OrthAlliance, Inc.

                                    Address for notices as a Lender:

                                    First Union National Bank
                                    One First Union Center, 5th Floor
                                    301 South College Street
                                    Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0735
                                    Attention: Syndication Agency Services
                                    Telephone: (704) 374-2698
                                    Telecopy: (704) 383-0288

                                    Lending Office:

                                    First Union National Bank
                                    One First Union Center, 5th Floor
                                    301 South College Street
                                    Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0735
                                    Attention: _________________
                                    Telephone: (704) ___________
                                    Telecopy: (704) ____________





                                      -71-
<PAGE>   78
                                                   Exhibit A to Credit Agreement




                            Borrower's Taxpayer Identification No.______________



                                  FORM OF NOTE



$ ____________                                        _______________,1997
                                                      Charlotte, North Carolina



FOR VALUE RECEIVED, OrthAlliance, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"),
hereby promises to pay to the order of

          _______________________ (the "Lender"), at the offices of First Union
National Bank (the "Agent") located at One First Union Center, 301 South College
Street, Charlotte, North Carolina (or at such other place or places as the Agent
may designate), at the times and in the manner provided in the Credit Agreement,
dated as of _________ , 1997 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time to
time, the "Credit Agreement"), among the Borrower, the Lenders from time to time
parties thereto and First Union National Bank, as Agent, the principal sum of

         _________________________ DOLLARS ($______), or such lesser amount as
may constitute the unpaid principal amount of the Loans made by the Lender,
under the terms and conditions of this promissory note (this "Note") and the
Credit Agreement. The defined terms in the Credit Agreement are used herein with
the same meaning. The Borrower also unconditionally promises to pay interest on
the aggregate unpaid principal amount of this Note at the rates applicable
thereto from time to time as provided in the Credit Agreement.

         This Note is one of a series of Notes referred to in the Credit
Agreement and is issued to evidence the Revolving Loans made by the Lender
pursuant to the Credit Agreement. All of the terms, conditions and covenants of
the Credit Agreement are expressly made a part of this Note by reference in the
same manner and with the same effect as if set forth herein at length, and any
holder of this Note is entitled to the benefits of and remedies provided in the
Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents. Reference is made to the Credit
Agreement for provisions relating to the interest rate, maturity, payment,
prepayment and acceleration of this Note.
<PAGE>   79
         In the event of an acceleration of the maturity of this Note, this Note
shall become immediately due and payable, without presentation, demand, protest
or notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

         In the event this Note is not paid when due at any stated or
accelerated maturity, the Borrower agrees to pay, in addition to the principal
and interest, all costs of collection, including reasonable attorneys' fees.

         This Note shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the
internal laws and judicial decisions of the State of North Carolina. The
Borrower hereby submits to the nonexclusive jurisdiction and venue of the
federal and state courts located in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, although
the Lender shall not be limited to bringing an action in such courts.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Borrower has caused this Note to be executed
under seal by its duly authorized corporate officer as of the day and year first
above written.



                               ORTHALLIANCE, INC.

                               By:_____________________________
                               Title:__________________________


                                        2
<PAGE>   80
                                                 Exhibit B-1 to Credit Agreement


                                     FORM OF
                               NOTICE OF BORROWING

                                     [Date]


First Union National Bank, as Agent
One First Union Center, TW-10
301 South College Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0608
Attention: Syndication Agency Services


Ladies and Gentlemen:

         The undersigned, OrthAlliance, Inc. (the "Borrower"), refers to the
Credit Agreement, dated as of ___________, 1997, among the Borrower, certain
banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties thereto (the
"Lenders") and you, as Agent for the Lenders (as amended, modified or
supplemented from time to time, the "Credit Agreement," the terms defined
therein being used herein as therein defined), and, pursuant to SECTION 2.2(B)
of the Credit Agreement, hereby gives you, as Agent, irrevocable notice that the
Borrower requests a Borrowing of Loans under the Credit Agreement, and to that
end sets forth below the information relating to such Borrowing (the "Proposed
Borrowing") as required by SECTION 2.2(B) of the Credit Agreement.


                  (i) The aggregate principal amount of the Proposed Borrowing
         is $_____________.(1)

                  (ii) The Loans comprising the Proposed Borrowing shall be
         initially made as [Base Rate Loans] [LIBOR Loans].(2)

_____________________

(1)  Shall be an amount not less than $250,000 or, if greater, an integral
     multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof (in the case of Base Rate Loans), or
     $1,000,000 or, if greater, an integral multiple of $250,000 in excess
     thereof (in the case of LIBOR Loans) (or, if less, the amount of the
     aggregate Unutilized Commitments).

(2) Select the applicable Type of Loans.

<PAGE>   81
First Union National Bank
[Date]
Page 2


                  [(iii) The initial Interest Period for the LIBOR Loans
         comprising the Proposed Borrowing shall be [one/two/three months].](3)

                  (iv) The Proposed Borrowing is requested to be made on
         ____________ (the "Borrowing Date").(4)


The Borrower hereby certifies that the following statements are true on and as
of the date hereof and will be true on and as of the Borrowing Date:


         (A) Each of the representations and warranties contained in ARTICLE IV
of the Credit Agreement and in the other Credit Documents is and will be true
and correct in all material respects on and as of each such date, with the same
effect as if made on and as of each such date, both immediately before and after
giving effect to the Proposed Borrowing and to the application of the proceeds
therefrom (except to the extent any such representation or warranty is expressly
stated to have been made as of a specific date, in which case such
representation or warranty shall be true and correct as of such date);

         (B) No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or
would result from the Proposed Borrowing or from the application of the proceeds
therefrom; and

         (C) After giving effect to the Proposed Borrowing, the aggregate
principal amount of Loans outstanding will not exceed the aggregate Commitments.



                                      Very truly yours,

                                      ORTHALLIANCE, INC.
                                      By:___________________________________
                                      Title: _______________________________

_________________________

(3)  Include this clause in the case of a Proposed Borrowing comprised of LIBOR
     Loans, and select the applicable Interest Period.

(4)  Shall be a Business Day at least one Business Day after the date hereof (in
     the case of Base Rate Loans) or at least three Business Days after the date
     hereof (in the case of LIBOR Loans).
<PAGE>   82
                                                 Exhibit B-2 to Credit Agreement


                                     FORM OF
                        NOTICE OF CONVERSION/CONTINUATION



                                     [Date]


First Union National Bank, as Agent
One First Union Center, TW-10
301 South College Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0608
Attention: Syndication Agency Services



Ladies and Gentlemen:

         The undersigned, OrthAlliance, Inc. (the "Borrower"), refers to the
Credit Agreement, dated as of____________ , 1997, among the Borrower, certain
banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties thereto (the
"Lenders") and you, as Agent for the Lenders (as amended, modified or
supplemented from time to time, the "Credit Agreement," the terms defined
therein being used herein as therein defined), and, pursuant to SECTION 2.11(b)
of the Credit Agreement, hereby gives you, as Agent, irrevocable notice that the
Borrower requests a [conversion] [continuation](1) of Loans under the Credit
Agreement, and to that end sets forth below the information relating to such
[conversion] [continuation] (the "Proposed [Conversion] [Continuation]") as
required by SECTION 2.11(b) of the Credit Agreement:



         (i) The Proposed [Conversion] [Continuation] is requested to be made on
___________________. (2)


__________________________________
(1)  Insert "conversion" or "continuation" throughout the notice, as
     applicable.

(2)  Shall be a Business Day at least one Business Day after the date hereof
     (in the case of any conversion of LIBOR Loans into Base Rate Loans) or at
     least three Business Days after the date hereof (in the case of any
     conversion of Base Rate Loans into, or continuation of, LIBOR Loans), and
     additionally, in the case of any conversion of LIBOR Loans into Base Rate
     Loans, or continuation of LIBOR Loans, shall be the last day of the
     Interest Period then applicable to such LIBOR Loans.
<PAGE>   83
First Union National Bank
[Date]
Page 2



         (ii) The Proposed [Conversion] [Continuation] involves $____________(3)
in aggregate principal amount of Loans made pursuant to a Borrowing on
______________,(4) which Loans are presently maintained as [Base Rate] [LIBOR]
Loans and are proposed hereby to be [converted into Base Rate Loans] [converted
into LIBOR Loans] [continued as LIBOR Loans].(5)

         [(iii) The Interest Period for the Loans being [converted into]
[continued as] LIBOR Loans pursuant to the Proposed [Conversion] [Continuation]
shall be [one/two/three months].](6)

         The Borrower hereby certifies that the following statement is true both
on and as of the date hereof and on and as of the effective date of the Proposed
[Conversion] [Continuation]: no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing or would result from the Proposed [Conversion] [Continuation].

                                   Very truly yours,

                                   ORTHALLIANCE, INC.
                                   By: _________________________________
                                   Title: ______________________________



______________________

(3)  Shall be an amount not less than $250,000 or, if greater, an integral
     multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof (in the case of any conversion of
     LIBOR Loans into Base Rate Loans) or $1,000,000 or, if greater, an integral
     multiple of $250,000 in excess thereof (in the case of any conversion of
     Base Rate Loans into, or continuation of, LIBOR Loans).

(4)  Insert the applicable Borrowing Date for the Loans being converted or
     continued.

(5)  Complete with the applicable bracketed language.

(6)  Include this clause in the case of a Proposed Conversion or Continuation
     involving a conversion of Base Rate Loans into, or continuation of, LIBOR
     Loans, and select the applicable Interest Period.
<PAGE>   84
                                                   Exhibit C to Credit Agreement


                                     FORM OF
                             COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE


         THIS CERTIFICATE is given pursuant to SECTION 5.2(a) of the Credit
Agreement, dated as of ___________, 1997 (as amended, modified or supplemented
from time to time, the "Credit Agreement," the terms defined therein being used
herein as therein defined), among OrthAlliance, Inc. (the "Borrower"), certain
banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties thereto (the
"Lenders") and First Union National Bank, as Agent for the Lenders.

         The undersigned hereby certifies that:

         1. He is Financial Officer of the Borrower.

         2. Enclosed with this Certificate are copies of the certified,
[audited] [company prepared, unaudited]1 financial statements of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries as of _________, and for the [_______ -month period] [year]
then ended, required to be delivered under SECTION [5.1(b)][5.1(c)] of the
Credit Agreement. Such financial statements have been prepared in accordance
with GAAP [(subject to the absence of notes required by GAAP and subject to
normal year-end adjustments)](1) and fairly present the financial condition of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of the date
indicated and the results of operation of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis for the period covered thereby.

         3. The undersigned has reviewed the terms of the Credit Agreement and
has made, or caused to be made under the supervision of the undersigned, a
review in reasonable detail of the transactions and condition of the Borrower
and its Subsidiaries during the accounting period covered by such financial
statements.

         4. The examination described in paragraph 3 above did not disclose, and
the undersigned has no knowledge of the existence of, any Default or Event of
Default during or at the end of the accounting period covered by such financial
statements or as of the date of this Certificate. [, except as set forth below.


____________________________________
(1)  Insert in the case of quarterly financial statements.
<PAGE>   85
         Describe here or in a separate attachment any exceptions to paragraph 4
above by listing, in reasonable detail, the nature of the Default or Event of
Default, the period during which it existed and the action that the Borrower has
taken or proposes to take with respect thereto.]

         1. Attached to this Certificate as Attachment A is a covenant
compliance worksheet reflecting the computation of the financial covenants set
forth in ARTICLE VI of the Credit Agreement as of the last day of the period
covered by the financial statements enclosed herewith.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed and delivered this
Certificate as of the _______ day of _______________, _______.



                                    ORTHALLIANCE, INC.


                                    By:    [signature]
                                    Name: ________________________
                                    Title: ________________________
<PAGE>   86
                     ATTACHMENT A TO COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
                          COVENANT COMPLIANCE WORKSHEET

             A. Leverage Ratio (Section 6.1 of the Credit Agreement)

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                             <C>
(1)      Consolidated funded debt as of the date of determination               $_____________


(2)      Annualized EBITDA as of the date of
          determination (from Part D, Line 6 below)                             $_____________


(3)      Leverage Ratio as of the date of determination
             Divide Line1 by Line 2                                             _____________


(4)      Maximum Leverage Ratio permitted under
         the Credit Agreement as of the
         date of determination                                                  3.0:1.0


             B. Coverage Ratio (Section 6.2 of the Credit Agreement)

(1)      Annualized EBITDAR as of the date of
         determination (from Part E, Line 6 below)                              $______________


(2)      Consolidated Interest Expense as of
         the date of determination                                              $______________

(3)      Corporate Rent as of the date of determination                         $______________

(4)      Coverage    Ratio   as  of the     date   of  determination
           Divide Line 1 by the sum of Lines 2 and 3                            ______________

(5)      Minimum Coverage Ratio required by the
          Credit Agreement as of the date of determination                         2.5:1.0
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   87
                            C. Consolidated Net Worth
                      (Section 6.3 of the Credit Agreement)

<TABLE>
<S>      <C>                                                                    <C>
(1)      Consolidated Net Worth as of the date of determination                 $______________


(2)      Consolidated Net Worth as of September 30, 1997                        $______________
                                                                                [TO BE FILLED IN PRIOR
                                                                                 TO CLOSING]

(3)      Eighty percent (80%) of the aggregate of positive
         Consolidated Net Income from
         September 30, 1997 to the date of determination                        $______________

(4)      Eighty percent (80%) of the aggregate amount of
         capital increases resulting from the issuance
         of equity securities since September 30, 1997                          $______________

(5)      Minimum required Consolidated Net Worth
             Add Lines 2, 3 and 4                                               $______________


(6)      Line 1 must be greater than or equal to Line 5


                              D. Annualized EBITDA

(1)      Consolidated Net Income for the relevant
         calculation period(2)                                                  $______________

(2)      Additions to Consolidated Net Income (to the
         extent taken into account in the
          calculation of Consolidated Net Income for such period):


         (a)      Consolidated Interest Expense for such period                 $______________
</TABLE>


- -------------------------
(2)  The applicable calculation period is the period of two consecutive fiscal
     quarters ending on the determination date, except for the December 31, 1997
     determination date, for which the calculation period is the fiscal quarter
     ending on such date
<PAGE>   88
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                             <C>
        (b)       Income taxes accrued or paid (without duplication
                  of taxes accrued in prior periods) by the Borrower
                  and the Borrower Affiliates during such period                $_____________


         (c)      Depreciation and amortization for such period                 $______________

         (d)      Extraordinary or nonrecurring noncash losses or
                  other noncash expenses or charges reducing net
                  income for such period                                        $______________


         (e)     Add Lines 2(a) through 2(d)                                    $______________


(3)      Net Income plus Additions:
                  Add Lines (1) and 2(e)                                        $______________


(4)      Reductions to Consolidated Net Income
         (to the extent taken into account in the calculation
         of Consolidated Net Income for such period):

         (a)      Extraordinary or nonrecurring gains
                   and other non-cash credits increasing
                   net income for such period                                   ($______________)


(5) Consolidated EBITDA for the relevant calculation period:
             Subtract Line 4(a) from Line 3                                     $______________


(6)      Annualized EBITDA as of the date of determination:
             Multiply Line 5 by two(3)
</TABLE>


_________________________________
(3)  Except for the period ending on December 31, 1997, multiply by four.
<PAGE>   89
                              E. Annualized EBITDAR


<TABLE>
<S>                                                                             <C>
(1)      Consolidated EBITAR for the relevant
         calculation period (from Part D, line 5)                               $______________


(2)      Lease Expense for the relevant calculation period(4)                   $______________


(3)       Annualized EBITAR as of the date of determination:
                  Multiply the sum of Lines 1 and 2 by
                  the relevant multiple(5)                                      $______________
</TABLE>


__________________________

(4)  Refer to footnote 2 above for the applicable calculation period as of the
     date of determination.

(5)  Refer to footnote 3 above for the applicable multiple as of the date of
     determination.
<PAGE>   90
                                                   Exhibit D to Credit Agreement


                                     FORM OF
                            ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE



         THIS ASSIGNMENT AND ACCEPTANCE (this "Assignment and Acceptance") is
made this _______ day of __________, _______, by and between ________________
(the "Assignor") and ___________________________ (the "Assignee"). Reference is
made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of _______________, 1997 (as amended,
modified or supplemented from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"), among
OrthAlliance, Inc. (the "Borrower"), certain banks and other financial
institutions from time to parties thereto (the "Lenders") and First Union
National Bank, as Agent for the Lenders (the "Agent"). Unless otherwise defined
herein, capitalized terms used herein without definition shall have the meanings
given to them in the Credit Agreement.

         The Assignor and the Assignee hereby agree as follows:

         1. Assignment and Assumption. Subject to the terms and conditions
hereof, the Assignor hereby sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee
hereby purchases and assumes from the Assignor, without recourse to the Assignor
and, except as expressly provided herein, without representation or warranty by
the Assignor, the interest as of the Effective Date (as hereinafter defined) in
and to all of the Assignor's rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement
and the other Credit Documents (in its capacity as a Lender thereunder)
represented by the percentage interest specified in Item 4 of Annex I (such
assigned interest, the "Assigned Share"), including, without limitation, the
Assigned Share of (y) the Assignor's Commitment and (z) all rights and
obligations of the Assignor with respect to its Note and Loans.

         2. The Assignor. The Assignor (i) represents and warrants that it is
the legal and beneficial owner of the interest being assigned by it hereunder,
that such interest is free and clear of any adverse claim, that as of the date
hereof the amount of its Commitment and outstanding Loans is as set forth in
Item 4 of Annex 1, and that after giving effect to the assignment provided for
herein, the Commitment of the Assignee will be as set forth in Item 4 of Annex
I; (ii) except as set forth in clause (i) above, makes no representation or
warranty and assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements,
warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit
Agreement, any other Credit Document or any other instrument or document
furnished pursuant thereto or the execution, legality, validity, enforceability,
genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Credit Agreement, any other Credit
Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto, and
(iii) makes no representation or warranty and assumes no responsibility with
respect to the financial condition of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or
the performance or observance by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries of any
of their respective obligations under the Credit Agreement, any other Credit
Document or any other instrument or document furnished pursuant thereto.
<PAGE>   91
         3. The Assignee. The Assignee (i) represents and warrants that it is
legally authorized to enter into this Assignment and Acceptance; (ii) confirms
that it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the
financial statements most recently required to have been delivered under Section
5.1 of the Credit Agreement and such other documents and information as it has
deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into
this Assignment and Acceptance; (iii) agrees that it will, independently and
without reliance upon the Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender, and based on
such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time,
continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under
the Credit Agreement; (iv) confirms that it is an Eligible Assignee; (v)
appoints and authorizes the Agent to take such actions as agent on its behalf
under the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents, and to exercise such
powers and to perform such duties, as are specifically delegated to the Agent by
the terms thereof, together with such other powers and duties as are reasonably
incidental thereto, and (vi) agrees that it will perform in accordance with
their respective terms all of the obligations that by the terms of the Credit
Agreement are required to be performed by it as a Lender. [To the extent legally
entitled to do so, the Assignee will deliver to the Agent, as and when required
to be delivered under the Credit Agreement, duly completed and executed
originals of the applicable tax withholding forms described in Section 2.17(d)
of the Credit Agreement].(1)

         4. Effective Date. Following the execution of this Assignment and
Acceptance by the Assignor and the Assignee, an executed original hereof,
together with all attachments hereto, shall be delivered to each of the Agent
and the Borrower (and also to the Agent, the processing fee referred to in
Section 10.7(a) of the Credit Agreement). The effective date of this Assignment
and Acceptance (the "Effective Date") shall be the earlier of (i) the date of
acceptance hereof by the Agent and the Borrower or (ii) the date, if any,
designated as the Effective Date in Item 5 of Annex I (which date shall be not
less than five (5) Business Days after the date of execution hereof by the
Assignor and the Assignee). As of the Effective Date, (y) the Assignee shall be
a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent provided in this Assignment
and Acceptance, shall have the rights and obligations of a Lender thereunder and
under the other Credit Documents, and (z) the Assignor shall, to the extent
provided in this Assignment and Acceptance, relinquish its rights (other than
rights under the provisions of the Credit Agreement and the other Credit
Documents relating to indemnification or payment of fees, costs and expenses, to
the extent such rights relate to the time prior to the Effective Date) and be
released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement and the other Credit
Documents.

         5. Payments; Settlement. On or prior to the Effective Date, in
consideration of the sale and assignment provided for herein and as a condition
to the effectiveness of this Assignment and Acceptance, the Assignee will pay to
the Assignor an amount (to be confined between the Assignor and the Assignee)
that represents the Assigned Share of the principal

________________________

(1)  Insert if the Assignee is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction
     outside the United States.
<PAGE>   92
amount of the Loans made by the Assignor and outstanding on the Effective Date
(together, if and to the extent the Assignor and the Assignee so elect, with the
Assigned Share of any related accrued but unpaid interest, fees and other
amounts). From and after the Effective Date, the Agent will make all payments
required to be made by it under the Credit Agreement in respect of the interest
assigned hereunder (including, without limitation, all payments of principal,
interest and fees in respect of the Assigned Share of the Assignor's Commitment
and Loans assigned hereunder) directly to the Assignee. The Assignor and the
Assignee shall be responsible for making between themselves all appropriate
adjustments in payments due under the Credit Agreement in respect of the period
prior to the Effective Date. All payments required to be made hereunder or in
connection herewith shall be made in Dollars by wire transfer of immediately
available funds to the appropriate party at its address for payments designated
in Annex I.

         6. Governing Law. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be governed by,
and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of North
Carolina (without regard to the conflicts of laws principles thereof).

         7. Entire Agreement. This Assignment and Acceptance, together with the
Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents, embody the entire agreement and
understanding between the parties hereto and supersede all prior agreements and
understandings of the parties, verbal or written, relating to the subject matter
hereof.

         8. Successors and Assigns. This Assignment and Acceptance shall be
binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto
and their respective successors and assigns.

         9. Counterparts. This Assignment and Acceptance may be executed in any
number of counterparts and by different parties hereto on separate counterparts,
each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of
which shall together constitute one and the same instrument.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Assignment and
Acceptance to be executed by their duly authorized officers as of the date first
above written.


[signatures appear on next page]
<PAGE>   93
ASSIGNOR:
By:_________________________
Title:_______________________


ASSIGNEE:
By:_________________________
Title:_______________________


Accepted this ___  day of
_______________, ____:

FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as Agent

By:_________________________
Title:_______________________

Consented and agreed to:
ORTHALLIANCE, INC.
By:_________________________
Title:_______________________
<PAGE>   94
                                     ANNEX I



1.       Borrower:      OrthAlliance, Inc.

2.       Name and Date of Credit Agreement:

         Credit Agreement, dated as of ______________, 1997, among OrthAlliance,
Inc., certain Lenders from time to time parties thereto and First Union National
Bank, as Agent.

3.       Date of Assignment and Acceptance: ________________________

4.       Amounts:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Aggregate for               Assigned               Amount of
                                          Assignor                   Share(2)            Assigned Share
<S>                                     <C>                         <C>                  <C>
(a) Commitment                          $____________                  ____%              $_________
(b) Loans(3)                            $____________                  ____%              $_________
(c) Letter of Credit Exposure           $____________                  ____%              $_________
</TABLE>

5.      Effective Date: __________________(4)

6.      Addresses for Payments:

         Assignor: _____________________
                   _____________________
         Attention: ___________________
         Telephone: __________________
         Telecopy: ___________________
         Reference: __________________


- ----------------------------

(2) Percentage taken to up to ten decimal places, if necessary.

(3) Insert amounts outstanding as of the date of the Assignment and Acceptance.

(4) Shall be a date not less than five Business Days after the date of the
    Assignment and Acceptance.
<PAGE>   95
Assignee:                  ______________________________
                           ______________________________
                           ______________________________
                           Attention:____________________
                           Telephone:____________________
                           Telecopy:_____________________
                           Reference:____________________

Addresses for Notices:

Assignor:                  ______________________________
                           ______________________________
                           ______________________________
                           Attention:____________________
                           Telephone:____________________
                           Telecopy:_____________________
                           Reference:____________________:

Assignee:                  ______________________________
                           ______________________________
                           ______________________________
                           Attention:____________________
                           Telephone:____________________
                           Telecopy:_____________________
                           Reference:____________________

Lending Office of Assignee:         ______________________________
                                    ______________________________
                                    ______________________________
                                    Attention:____________________
                                    Telephone:____________________
                                    Telecopy:_____________________
                                    Reference:____________________

<PAGE>   96
                                                                    Exhibit E to
                                                                Credit Agreement

                         PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT


         THIS PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated as of the 30th day of
December, 1997 (this "Agreement"), is made by ORTHALLIANCE, INC., a Delaware
corporation (the "Borrower"), together with other related entities from time to
time parties hereto (the "Guarantor Pledgors," and together with the Borrower,
the "Pledgors"), in favor of FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as agent for the banks
and other financial institutions (collectively, the "Lenders") party to the
Credit Agreement referred to below (in such capacity, the "Agent"), for the
benefit of the Secured Parties (as hereinafter defined).  Capitalized terms
used herein without definition shall have the meanings given to them in the
Credit Agreement referred to below.


                                    RECITALS


         A.      The Borrower, the Lenders and First Union National Bank, as
Agent, are parties to a Credit Agreement, dated as of December 30, 1997 (as
amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the "Credit Agreement"),
providing for the availability of a revolving credit facility to the Borrower
upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein.

         B.      The Guarantor Pledgors have executed a Subsidiary Guaranty,
dated as of December 30, 1997 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time
to time, the "Guaranty"), in favor of the Lenders and the Agent, pursuant to
which, as a condition to the extension of credit to the Borrower under the
Credit Agreement, the Guarantor Pledgors have guaranteed the Total Obligations
(as defined in the Guaranty).

         C.      It is a condition to the extension of credit to the Borrower
under the Credit Agreement that the Pledgors shall have agreed, by executing
and delivering this Agreement, to secure the payment in full of the Borrower's
Obligations and the Guaranty Obligations (as defined below) of the Guarantor
Pledgors.  The Secured Parties are relying on this Agreement in their decision
to extend credit to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement, and would not
enter into the Credit Agreement without this Agreement.

         D.      Each of the Guarantor Pledgors is a Subsidiary of the
Borrower, and as such, has and will benefit directly from the transactions
contemplated by the Credit Agreement.


                             STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, to induce the Secured Parties to enter into the Credit Agreement
and to induce the Lenders to extend credit to the Borrower thereunder, the
Pledgors hereby jointly and severally agree as follows:






<PAGE>   97

                                   ARTICLE I.


                                  DEFINITIONS


         1.1     Defined Terms.  For purposes of this Agreement, in addition to
the terms defined elsewhere herein, the following terms shall have the meanings
set forth below:

         "Accounts" shall mean, collectively, all of the Pledgors' accounts, as
defined in the Uniform Commercial Code, whether now owned or existing or
hereafter acquired or arising, including, without limitation, all of the
Pledgors' accounts receivable, all rights to payment for goods sold or leased
or to be sold or to be leased (including all rights to returned or repossessed
goods) or for services rendered at any time or for services to be rendered
(including all rights to payment under the Service Agreements and any rights to
stoppage in transit, repossession and reclamation and other rights of an unpaid
vendor or secured party), all rights under or evidenced by book debts, notes,
bills, drafts or acceptances, all Instruments evidencing or relating to any of
the foregoing, and all rights under security agreements, guarantees,
indemnities and other instruments and contracts securing or otherwise relating
to any of the foregoing, in each case whether now owned or existing or
hereafter acquired or arising.

         "Collateral" shall have the meaning given to such term in SECTION 2.1.

         "Collateral Accounts" shall have the meaning given to such term in
SECTION 6.3.

         "Deposit Accounts" shall mean, collectively, all of the Pledgors'
deposit accounts maintained with the Agent whether now owned or existing or
hereafter acquired or arising and including, without limitation, any Collateral
Account, together with all funds held from time to time therein and all
certificates and instruments from time to time representing, evidencing or
deposited into such accounts.

         "Guaranty Obligations" shall mean the obligations of the Guarantor
Pledgors under the Guaranty to the Guaranteed Parties (all as defined in the
Guaranty).

         "Instruments" shall mean, collectively, all instruments, chattel paper
or documents, each as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code, of the Pledgors,
whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or arising, evidencing,
representing, securing, arising from or otherwise relating to any Accounts,
Intercompany Obligations or other Collateral, including, without limitation,
any promissory notes, drafts, bills of exchange, documents of title and
receipts.

         "Intercompany Obligations" shall mean, collectively, all indebtedness,
obligations and other amounts at any time owing to any Pledgor from any
Subsidiary or Affiliate and all interest, cash, instruments and other property
from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of
or in exchange for any or all of such indebtedness, obligations or other
amounts.

         "Interests" shall mean, collectively, all partnership, joint venture,
limited liability company or other equity interests in any Person not a
corporation (including, without limitation,



<PAGE>   98

any such Person that is or hereafter becomes a Subsidiary of any Pledgor) at
any time owned by any Pledgor, and all rights, powers and privileges relating
thereto or arising therefrom, including, without limitation, such Pledgor's
right to vote and to manage and administer the business of any such Person
pursuant to the applicable Investment Agreement, together with all other
rights, interests, claims and other property of such Pledgor in any manner
arising out of or relating to any such interests, whether now existing or
hereafter arising or acquired, of whatever kind or character (including any
tangible or intangible property or interests therein), and further including,
without limitation (but subject to the provisions of SECTION 5.3), all rights
of such Pledgor to receive amounts due and to become due (including, without
limitation, dividends, distributions, interest, income and returns of capital)
under or in respect of any Investment Agreement, to receive payments or other
amounts upon termination of any Investment Agreement, and to receive any other
payments or distributions, whether in cash, securities, property, or a
combination thereof, in respect of any such interests, all of such Pledgor's
rights of access to the books and records of any such Person, and all rights
granted or available under applicable law in connection therewith, all options,
warrants and other rights exercisable for any of the foregoing, and all
securities convertible into any of the foregoing, in each case whether now or
hereafter existing and any time owned by such Pledgor, together with all
certificates, instruments and entries upon the books of financial
intermediaries at any time evidencing any of the foregoing.

         "Investment Agreement" shall mean any partnership agreement, joint
venture agreement, limited liability company operating agreement or other
agreement creating, governing or evidencing any Interests and to which any
Pledgor is now or hereafter becomes a party, as any such agreement may be
amended, modified, supplemented, restated or replaced from time to time.

         "Investments" shall mean, collectively, the Stock and the Interests.

         "Proceeds" shall have the meaning given to such term in SECTION 2.1.

         "Secured Parties" shall mean, collectively, the Lenders (including any
Lender in its capacity as a counterparty to any Hedge Agreement with the
Borrower) and the Agent.

         "Securities Act" shall have the meaning given to such term in SECTION
6.5.

         "Service Agreement" shall have the meaning given to such term in the
Credit Agreement.

         "Stock" shall mean, collectively, all of the issued and outstanding
shares, interests or other equivalents of capital stock of any corporation
(including, without limitation, any corporation that is or hereafter becomes a
Subsidiary of any Pledgor) at any time owned by any Pledgor, whether voting or
non-voting and whether common or preferred, all options, warrants and other
rights to acquire, and all securities convertible into, any of the foregoing,
all interest, dividends, distributions and other amounts, and all additional
stock, warrants, options, securities and other property, from time to time paid
or payable or distributed or distributable in respect of any of the foregoing,
in each case whether now or hereafter existing and any time owned by such
<PAGE>   99

Pledgor, together with all certificates, instruments and entries upon the books
of financial intermediaries at any time evidencing any of the foregoing.

         1.2     Other Terms.  All terms in this Agreement that are not
capitalized shall have the meanings provided by the applicable Uniform
Commercial Code to the extent the same are used or defined therein.


                                  ARTICLE II.


                         CREATION OF SECURITY INTEREST


         2.1     Pledge and Grant of Security Interest.  The Pledgors hereby
pledge, assign and deliver to the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured
Parties, and grant to the Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Secured
Parties, a Lien upon and security interest in, all of the Pledgors' right,
title and interest in and to the following, in each case whether now owned or
existing or hereafter acquired or arising (collectively, the "Collateral"):


                (i)       all Accounts;


               (ii)       all Service Agreements;


              (iii)       all Stock; and


               (iv)       any and all proceeds, as defined in the Uniform
         Commercial Code, products, rents and profits of or from any and all of
         the foregoing and, to the extent not otherwise included, (x) all
         payments under any insurance (whether or not the Agent is the loss
         payee thereunder), indemnity, warranty or guaranty with respect to any
         of the foregoing Collateral, (y) all payments in connection with any
         requisition, condemnation, seizure or forfeiture with respect to any
         of the foregoing Collateral, and (z) all other amounts from time to
         time paid or payable under or with respect to any of the foregoing
         Collateral (collectively, "Proceeds").  For purposes of this
         Agreement, the term "Proceeds" includes whatever is receivable or
         received when Collateral or Proceeds are sold, exchanged, collected or
         otherwise disposed of, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.

         2.2     Security for Obligations.  This Agreement and the Collateral
secure the full and prompt payment, at any time and from time to time as and
when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise), of all
liabilities and obligations of each Pledgor, whether now existing or hereafter
incurred, created or arising and whether direct or indirect, absolute or
contingent, due or to become due, under, arising out of or in connection with
the Credit Agreement, the Subsidiary Guaranty, any other Guaranty Agreement or
any of the other Credit Documents to which it is or hereafter becomes a party,
including, without limitation, (i) in the case of the Borrower, all
Obligations, including, without limitation, all principal of and interest on
the Loans, all fees, expenses, indemnities and other amounts payable by the
Borrower under the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document (including
interest accruing after the filing of a petition or commencement of a case by
or with respect to the Borrower seeking relief under
<PAGE>   100

any applicable federal and state laws pertaining to bankruptcy, reorganization,
arrangement, moratorium, readjustment of debts, dissolution, liquidation or
other debtor relief, specifically including, without limitation, the Bankruptcy
Code and any fraudulent transfer and fraudulent conveyance laws, whether or not
the claim for such interest is allowed in such proceeding), and all obligations
of the Borrower to any Lender under any Hedge Agreement, and (ii) in the case
of any Guarantor Pledgor, all of its liabilities and obligations as a Guarantor
in respect of the Olbigations; and in each case under (i) and (ii) above, (a)
all such liabilities and obligations that, but for the operation of the
automatic stay under Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, would become due,
and (b) all fees, costs and expenses payable by such Pledgor under SECTION 8.1
(the liabilities and obligations of the Pledgors described in this SECTION 2.2,
collectively, the "Secured Obligations").


                                  ARTICLE III.


                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES


         The Pledgors represent and warrant as follows:

         3.1     Ownership of Collateral.  The Pledgors own, or have valid
rights as a lessee or licensee with respect to, all Collateral purported to be
pledged by them hereunder, free and clear of any Liens except for the Liens
granted to the Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, pursuant to this
Agreement, and except for other Permitted Liens.  No security agreement,
financing statement or other public notice with respect to all or any part of
the Collateral is on file or of record in any government or public office, and
no Pledgor has filed or consented to the filing of any such statement or
notice, except (i) Uniform Commercial Code financing statements naming the
Agent as secured party, (ii) security instruments filed in the U.S. Copyright
Office or the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office naming the Agent as secured
party and (iii) as may be otherwise permitted by the Credit Agreement.

         3.2     Security Interests; Filings.  This Agreement, together with
(i) the filing of duly completed and executed Uniform Commercial Code financing
statements naming the respective Pledgors as debtors, the Agent as secured
party, and describing the Collateral, in the jurisdictions set forth on Annex B
hereto, which have been duly executed and delivered by the Pledgors and
delivered to the Agent for filing, (ii) in the case of uncertificated
Investments, compliance with Section 8-313 (or its successor provision) of the
applicable Uniform Commercial Code, and (iii) the delivery to the Agent of all
chattel paper, promissory notes and other Instruments included in the
Collateral, creates, and at all times shall constitute, a valid and perfected
security interest in and Lien upon the Collateral in favor of the Agent, for
the benefit of the Secured Parties, to the extent a security interest therein
can be perfected by such filings or possession of such chattel paper,
promissory notes or Instruments, as applicable, superior and prior to the
rights of all other Persons therein (except for Permitted Liens), and no other
or additional filings, registrations, recordings or actions are or shall be
necessary or appropriate in order to maintain the perfection and priority of
such Lien and security interest, other than actions required with respect to
Collateral of the types excluded from Article 9 of the applicable Uniform
Commercial 
<PAGE>   101

code or from the filing requirements under such Article 9 by reason of Section
9-104 or 9-302 of the applicable Uniform Commercial Code and other than
continuation statements required under the applicable Uniform Commercial Code
(it being specifically noted that the Agent may at its option, but shall not be
required to, require that any bank or other depository institution at which a
Deposit Account is maintained enter into a written agreement or take such other
action as may be necessary to perfect the security interest of the Agent in such
Deposit Account and the funds therein).

         3.3     Locations.  Annex C lists, as to each Pledgor, (i) the
addresses of its chief executive office and principal place of business and
each other place of business and (ii) the address of each location of all
original invoices, ledgers, chattel paper, Instruments and other records or
information evidencing or relating to the Collateral in each instance except
for any new locations established in accordance with the provisions of SECTION
4.2.  Except as may be otherwise noted therein, all locations identified in
Annex C are leased by a Pledgor.  The Pledgors do not presently conduct
business under any prior or other corporate or company name or under any trade
or fictitious names, except as indicated on Annex C, and the none of Pledgors
has entered into any contract or granted any Lien within the past five years
under any name other than their legal corporate name or a trade or fictitious
name indicated on Annex C.

         3.4     Authorization; Consent.  No authorization, consent or approval
of, or declaration or filing with, any Governmental Authority (including,
without limitation, any notice filing with state tax or revenue authorities
required to be made by account creditors in order to enforce any Accounts in
such state) is required for the valid execution, delivery and performance by
any of the Pledgors of this Agreement, the grant by them of the Lien and
security interest in favor of the Agent provided for herein, or the exercise by
the Agent of its rights and remedies hereunder, except for (i) the filings
described in SECTION 3.2, (ii) in the case of Accounts owing from any federal
governmental agency or authority, the filing by the Agent of a notice of
assignment in accordance with the federal Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as
amended, and (iii) in the case of Investments, except as may be required in
connection with a disposition of any such Collateral by laws affecting the
offering and sale of securities generally.

         3.5     No Restrictions.  There are no statutory or regulatory
restrictions, prohibitions or limitations on the Pledgors' ability to grant to
the Agent a Lien upon and security interest in the Collateral pursuant to this
Agreement or (except for the provisions of the federal Anti-Assignment Act and
Anti-Claims Act, as amended) on the exercise by the Agent of its rights and
remedies hereunder (including any foreclosure upon or collection of the
Collateral), and there are no contractual restrictions on the Pledgors' ability
so to grant such Lien and security interest.

         3.6     Accounts.  Each Account is, or at the time it arises will be,
(i) a bona fide, valid and legally enforceable indebtedness of the account
debtor according to its terms, arising out of or in connection with the sale,
lease or performance of goods or services by the Pledgors, (ii) subject to no
offsets, discounts, counterclaims, contra accounts or any other defense of any
kind and character, other than warranties and discounts customarily given by
the Pledgors in the ordinary course of their businesses and warranties provided
by applicable law, (iii) to the extent listed on any schedule of Accounts at
any time furnished to the Agent, a true and correct
<PAGE>   102

statement of the amount actually and unconditionally owing thereunder, maturing
as stated in such schedule and in the invoice covering the transaction creating
such Account, and (iv) not evidenced by any chattel paper or other Instrument;
or if so, such chattel paper or other Instrument (other than invoices and
related correspondence and supporting documentation) shall promptly be duly
endorsed to the order of the Agent and delivered to the Agent to be held as
Collateral hereunder.  To the knowledge of each of the Pledgors, there are no
facts, events or occurrences that would in any way impair the validity or
enforcement of any Accounts except as set forth above.

         3.7     Investments.  As of the date hereof, the Investments required
to be pledged by the Borrower hereunder consist of the number and type of
shares of capital stock (in the case of issuers that are corporations) or the
percentage and type of equity interests (in the case of issuers other than
corporations) as described in Annex A.  All of the Investments have been duly
and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable (or, in the case of
Interests, not subject to any capital call or other additional capital
requirement) and not subject to any preemptive rights, warrants, options or
similar rights or restrictions in favor of third parties or any contractual or
other restrictions upon transfer.

         3.8     Material Contracts.  As to each Investment Agreement, each
Service Agreement listed on Annex D and each Service Agreement specified in
writing by the Agent to the Pledgors at any time after the date hereof (the
foregoing, collectively, "Material Contracts"), (i) no Pledgor is in default in
any material respect under such Material Contract, and to the knowledge of each
of the Pledgors, none of the other parties to such Material Contract is in
default in any material respect thereunder (except as shall have been disclosed
in writing to the Agent), (ii) such Material Contract is, or at the time of
execution will be, the legal, valid and binding obligation of all parties
thereto, enforceable against such parties in accordance with the respective
terms thereof, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization,
moratorium or similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally, and no
defense, offset, deduction or counterclaim will exist thereunder in favor of
any such party, (iii) the performance by each of the Pledgors of its
obligations under such Material Contract in accordance with its terms will not
contravene any Requirement of Law or any contractual restriction binding on or
affecting such Pledgor or any of its properties, and will not result in or
require the creation of any Lien upon or with respect to any of its properties,
and (iv) each of the Pledgors has (or at the time of execution will have)
furnished the Agent with a correct and complete copy of each Material Contract
to which it is a party as then in effect.

         3.9     Documents of Title.  No bill of lading, warehouse receipt or
other document or instrument of title is outstanding with respect to any
Collateral.


                                  ARTICLE IV.


                                   COVENANTS
<PAGE>   103


         4.1     Use and Disposition of Collateral.  So long as no Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing, the Pledgors may, in any lawful
manner not inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement and the other
Credit Documents, use, control and manage the Collateral in the operation of
their respective businesses, and receive and use the income, revenue and
profits arising therefrom and the Proceeds thereof, in the same manner and with
the same effect as if this Agreement had not been made; provided, however, that
none of the Pledgors will sell or otherwise dispose of, grant any option with
respect to, or mortgage, pledge, grant any Lien with respect to or otherwise
encumber any of the Collateral or any interest therein, except for the security
interest created in favor of the Agent hereunder and except as may be otherwise
expressly permitted in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the
Credit Agreement (including any applicable provisions therein regarding
delivery of proceeds of sale or disposition to the Agent).

         4.2     Change of Name, Locations, etc.  None of the Pledgors will (i)
change its name, identity or corporate structure, (ii) change its chief
executive office or principal place of business from the location thereof
listed on Annex C, or (iii) remove any Collateral (other than goods in
transit), or any books, records or other information relating to Collateral,
from the applicable location thereof listed on Annex C, or keep or maintain any
Collateral at a location not listed on Annex C, unless in each case such
Pledgor has (1) given twenty (20) days' prior written notice to the Agent of
its intention to do so, together with information regarding any such new
location and such other information in connection with such proposed action as
the Agent may reasonably request, and (2) delivered to the Agent ten (10) days
prior to any such change or removal such documents, instruments and financing
statements as may be required by the Agent, all in form and substance
satisfactory to the Agent, paid all necessary filing and recording fees and
taxes, and taken all other actions reasonably requested by the Agent
(including, at the request of the Agent, delivery of opinions of counsel
reasonably satisfactory to the Agent to the effect that all such actions have
been taken), in order to perfect and maintain the Lien upon and security
interest in the Collateral provided for herein in accordance with the
provisions of SECTION 3.2.

         4.3     Records; Inspection.  (a) Each Pledgor will keep and maintain
at its own cost and expense satisfactory and complete records of the Accounts
and all other Collateral, including, without limitation, records of all
payments received, all credits granted thereon, all merchandise returned and
all other documentation relating thereto, and will furnish to the Agent from
time to time such statements, schedules and reports (including, without
limitation, accounts receivable aging schedules) with regard to the Collateral
as the Agent may reasonably request.

         (b)     Each Pledgor shall, from time to time at such times as may be
reasonably requested and upon reasonable notice, (i) make available to the
Agent for inspection and review at such Pledgor's offices copies of all
invoices and other documents and information relating to the Collateral
(including, without limitation, itemized schedules of all collections of
Accounts, showing the name of each account debtor, the amount of each payment
and such other information as the Agent shall reasonably request), and (ii)
permit the Agent or its representatives to visit its offices or the premises
upon which any Collateral may be located, inspect its books and records and
make copies and memoranda thereof, inspect the Collateral, discuss its finances
and affairs with its officers, employees and independent accountants and take

<PAGE>   104

any other actions necessary for the protection of the interests of the Secured
Parties in the Collateral.  At the request of the Agent, each Pledgor will
legend, in form and manner satisfactory to the Agent, the books, records and
materials evidencing or relating to the Collateral with an appropriate
reference to the fact that the Collateral has been assigned to the Agent and
that the Agent has a security interest therein.  The Agent shall have the right
to make test verifications of Accounts in any reasonable manner and through any
reasonable medium, and each Pledgor agrees to furnish all such reasonable
assistance and information as the Agent may require in connection therewith.

         4.4     Accounts.  Unless notified otherwise by the Agent in
accordance with the terms hereof, each Pledgor shall endeavor to collect its
Accounts and all amounts owing to it thereunder in the ordinary course of its
business consistent with past practices and shall apply forthwith upon receipt
thereof all such amounts as are so collected to the outstanding balances
thereof, and in connection therewith shall, at the request of the Agent, take
such action as the Agent may deem necessary or advisable (within applicable
laws) to enforce such collection.  No Pledgor shall, except to the extent done
in the ordinary course of its business consistent with past practices and in
accordance with sound business judgment and provided that no Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing, (i) grant any extension of the time for
payment of any Account, (ii) compromise or settle any Account for less than the
full amount thereof, (iii) release, in whole or in part, any Person or property
liable for the payment of any Account, or (iv) allow any credit or discount on
any Account.  Each Pledgor shall promptly inform the Agent of any disputes with
any account debtor or obligor and of any claimed offset and counterclaim that
may be asserted with respect thereto involving, in each case, $100,000 or more,
where such Pledgor reasonably believes that the likelihood of payment by such
account debtor is materially impaired, indicating in detail the reason for the
dispute, all claims relating thereto and the amount in controversy.

         4.5     Instruments.  Each Pledgor agrees that if any Intercompany
Obligations, Accounts or other Collateral shall at any time be evidenced by a
promissory note, chattel paper or other Instrument, the same shall promptly be
duly endorsed to the order of the Agent and delivered to the Agent to be held
as Collateral hereunder.

         4.6     Service Agreements.  Each Pledgor will, at its expense, at all
times perform and comply with, in all material respects, all terms and
provisions of each Service Agreement to which it is or hereafter becomes a
party required to be performed or complied with by it and enforce the terms and
provisions thereof in accordance with its terms, and will not waive, amend or
modify any provision thereof in any manner other than in the ordinary course of
business of such Pledgor in accordance with past practices and for a valid
economic reason benefiting such Pledgor (provided that in no event may any
waiver, amendment or modification be made that would materially adversely
affect the interests of the Agent and the Secured Parties).  Each Pledgor will
deliver copies of each Service Agreement and each material amendment or
modification thereof to the Agent promptly upon the execution and delivery
thereof.  No Pledgor will enter into any Service Agreement that by its terms
prohibits the assignment of such Pledgor's rights and interest thereunder in
the manner contemplated by this Agreement, other than as may be entered into in
the ordinary course of business of such Pledgor in accordance with
<PAGE>   105

past practices and for a valid economic reason benefiting such Pledgor.  Each
Pledgor further covenants and agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to
obtain any required consent to the collateral assignment of any Service
Agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agent, upon the
request of the Agent, and will deliver copies thereof to the Agent promptly
upon execution and delivery thereof.  Each Pledgor will notify the Agent
promptly in writing upon any termination of any Service Agreement, in whole or
in part, or any material breach, default or event of default by any party
thereunder.

         4.7     Taxes.  Each Pledgor will pay and discharge (i) all taxes,
assessments and governmental charges or levies imposed upon it, upon its income
or profits or upon any of its properties, prior to the date on which penalties
would attach thereto, and (ii) all lawful claims that, if unpaid, might become
a Lien upon any of its properties; provided, however, that no Pledgor shall be
required to pay any such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim that is being
contested in good faith and by proper proceedings and as to which such Pledgor
has maintained adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, unless and until any tax lien notice
has become effective with respect thereto or until any Lien resulting therefrom
attaches to its properties and becomes enforceable against its other creditors.

         4.8     Insurance.  (a) Each Pledgor will, and will cause each of its
Subsidiaries to, maintain and pay for, or cause to be maintained and paid for,
insurance covering commercial general liability, property and casualty,
business interruption and such other risks, and in such amounts and with such
financially sound and reputable insurance companies, as are usually and
customarily carried by companies of similar size engaged in similar businesses,
and will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, deliver certificates of
such insurance to the Agent with standard loss payable endorsements naming the
Agent as loss payee (on property and casualty policies) and additional insured
(on liability policies) as its interests may appear.  Each such policy of
insurance shall contain a clause requiring the insurer to give not less than
thirty (30) days' prior written notice to the Agent before any cancellation of
the policies for any reason whatsoever and shall provide that any loss shall be
payable in accordance with the terms thereof notwithstanding any act of any
Pledgor or any Subsidiary that might result in the forfeiture of such
insurance.

         (b)     Each Pledgor will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to,
direct all insurers under policies of property and casualty insurance on the
Collateral to pay all proceeds payable thereunder directly to the Agent.  The
Agent shall hold all such proceeds for the account of the Borrower.  So long as
no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Agent shall, at the
Borrower's request, disburse such proceeds as payment for the purpose of
replacing or repairing destroyed or damaged assets, as and when required to be
paid and upon presentation of evidence satisfactory to the Agent of such
required payments and such other documents as the Agent may reasonably request.
Upon and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Agent shall apply
such proceeds as a prepayment of the Loans in the order and manner provided in
the Credit Agreement.  The Pledgor hereby irrevocably makes, constitutes and
appoints the Agent at all times during the continuance of an Event of Default,
its true and lawful attorney (and agent-in-fact) for the purpose of making,
settling and adjusting claims under such policies of insurance,
<PAGE>   106

endorsing its name on any check, draft, instrument or other item or payment for
the proceeds of such policies of insurance and for making all determinations
and decisions with respect to such policies of insurance.

         (c)     If any Pledgor fails to, or to cause any of its Subsidiaries
to, obtain and maintain any of the policies of insurance required to be
maintained hereunder or to pay any premium in whole or in part, the Agent may,
without waiving or releasing any obligation or Default, at such Pledgor's
expense, but without any obligation to do so, procure such policies or pay such
premiums.  All sums so disbursed by the Agent, including reasonable attorneys'
fees, court costs, expenses and other charges related thereto, shall be payable
by the Pledgor to the Agent on demand and shall be additional Secured
Obligations hereunder, secured by the Collateral.

         (d)     Each Pledgor will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to,
deliver to the Agent, promptly as rendered, true copies of all material claims
and reports made in any reporting forms to insurance companies.  Not less than
30 days prior to the expiration date of the insurance policies required to be
maintained by each Pledgor and its Subsidiaries hereunder, each Pledgor will,
and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, deliver to the Agent one or more
certificates of insurance evidencing renewal of the insurance coverage required
hereunder plus such other evidence of payment of premiums therefor as the Agent
may request.  Upon the reasonable request of the Agent from time to time, each
Pledgor will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, deliver to the Agent
evidence that the insurance required to be maintained pursuant to this Section
is in effect.

         4.9     Delivery of Collateral.  All certificates or instruments
representing or evidencing any Accounts, Intercompany Obligations, Investments
or other Collateral shall be delivered to and held by or on behalf of the Agent
pursuant hereto, shall be in form suitable for transfer by delivery and shall
be delivered together with undated stock powers duly executed in blank,
appropriate endorsements or other necessary instruments of registration,
transfer or assignment, duly executed and in form and substance satisfactory to
the Agent, and in each case such other instruments or documents as the Agent
may reasonably request.

         4.10    Protection of Security Interest.  Each Pledgor agrees that it
will, at its own cost and expense, take any and all actions necessary to
warrant and defend the right, title and interest of the Secured Parties in and
to the Collateral against the claims and demands of all other Persons.


                                   ARTICLE V.


                   CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS


         5.1     Ownership; After-Acquired Investments.  (a) Except to the
extent otherwise expressly permitted by or pursuant to the Credit Agreement,
each Pledgor will cause the Investments pledged hereunder to constitute at all
times 100% of the capital stock or other equity interests in each issuer
thereof, such that the issuer thereof shall be a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of
such Pledgor, and unless the Agent shall have given its prior written consent,
no Pledgor will
<PAGE>   107



cause or permit any such issuer to issue or sell any new capital stock or other
equity interests, any warrants, options or rights to acquire the same, or other
equity securities of any nature to any Person other than a Pledgor, or cause,
permit or consent to the admission of any other Person as a stockholder,
partner or member of any such issuer.

         (b)     If any Pledgor shall, at any time and from time to time after
the date hereof, acquire any additional capital stock or other equity interests
in any Person of the types described in the definition of the terms "Stock" or
"Interests," the same shall be automatically deemed to be Stock or Interests,
as the case may be, and to be pledged to the Agent pursuant to SECTION 2.1, and
such Pledgor will forthwith pledge and deposit the same with the Agent and
deliver to the Agent any certificates or instruments therefor, together with
the endorsement of such Pledgor (in the case of any promissory notes or other
instruments), undated stock powers (in the case of Stock evidenced by
certificates) or other necessary instruments of transfer or assignment, duly
executed in blank and in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, together
with such other certificates and instruments as the Agent may reasonably
request (including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements or appropriate
amendments thereto), and will promptly thereafter deliver to the Agent a fully
completed and duly executed amendment to this Agreement in the form of Exhibit
A (each, a "Pledge Amendment") in respect thereof.  Each Pledgor hereby
authorizes the Agent to attach each Pledge Amendment to this Agreement, and
agrees that all such Collateral listed on any Pledge Amendment shall for all
purposes be deemed Collateral hereunder and shall be subject to the provisions
hereof; provided that the failure of any Pledgor to execute and deliver any
Pledge Amendment with respect to any such additional Collateral as required
hereinabove shall not impair the security interest of the Agent in such
Collateral or otherwise adversely affect the rights and remedies of the Agent
hereunder with respect thereto.

         (c)     If any Investments (whether now owned or hereafter acquired)
included in the Collateral are "uncertificated securities" within the meaning
of the applicable Uniform Commercial Code or are otherwise not evidenced by any
certificate or instrument, the Pledgors will promptly notify the Agent thereof
and will promptly take and cause to be taken all actions required under
applicable law, including, as applicable, under Article 8 or 9 of the
applicable Uniform Commercial Code, to perfect the security interest of the
Agent therein.

         5.2     Voting Rights.  So long as no Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, each Pledgor shall be entitled to exercise all
voting and other consensual rights pertaining to its Investments (subject to
its obligations under SECTION 5.1), and for that purpose the Agent will execute
and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered to such Pledgor all such
proxies and other instruments as the Pledgor may reasonably request in writing
to enable the Borrower to exercise such voting and other consensual rights;
provided, however, that no Pledgor will cast any vote, give any consent, waiver
or ratification, or take or fail to take any action, in any manner that would,
or could reasonably be expected to, violate or be inconsistent with any of the
terms of this Agreement, the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document, or
have the effect of impairing in any material respect the position or interests
of the Agent or any other Secured Party.
<PAGE>   108

         5.3     Dividends and Other Distributions.  So long as no Event of
Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or would occur as a result
thereof), and except as provided otherwise herein, all interest, income,
dividends, distributions and other amounts payable in cash in respect of the
Investments may be paid to and retained by the Pledgors; provided, however,
that all such interest, dividends, distributions and other amounts shall, at
all times after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of
Default, be paid to the Agent and retained by it as part of the Collateral
(except to the extent applied upon receipt to the repayment of the Secured
Obligations).  The Agent shall also be entitled at all times (whether or not
during the continuance of an Event of Default) to receive directly, and to
retain as part of the Collateral, (i) all interest, income, dividends,
distributions or other amounts paid or payable in cash or other property in
respect of any Investments included in the Collateral in connection with the
dissolution, liquidation, recapitalization or reclassification of the capital
of the applicable issuer to the extent representing (in the reasonable judgment
of the Agent) an extraordinary, liquidating or other distribution in return of
capital, (ii) all additional membership interests, warrants, options or other
securities or property (other than cash) paid or payable or distributed or
distributable in respect of any Investments included in the Collateral in
connection with any noncash dividend, distribution, return of capital,
spin-off, stock split, split-up, reclassification, combination of shares or
interests or similar rearrangement, and (iii) without affecting any
restrictions against such actions contained in the Credit Agreement, all
additional membership interests, warrants, options or other securities or
property (including cash) paid or payable or distributed or distributable in
respect of any Investments included in the Collateral in connection with any
consolidation, merger, exchange of securities, liquidation or other
reorganization.  All interest, income, dividends, distributions or other
amounts that are received by any Pledgor in violation of the provisions of this
Section shall be received in trust for the benefit of the Agent, shall be
segregated from other property or funds of such Pledgor and shall be forthwith
delivered to the Agent as Collateral in the same form as so received (with any
necessary endorsements).


                                  ARTICLE VI.


                                    REMEDIES


         6.1     Remedies.  If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be
continuing, the Agent shall be entitled to exercise in respect of the
Collateral all of its rights, powers and remedies provided for herein or
otherwise available to it under any other Credit Document, by law, in equity or
otherwise, including all rights and remedies of a secured party under the
Uniform Commercial Code as in effect in each relevant jurisdiction, and shall
be entitled in particular, but without limitation of the foregoing, to exercise
the following rights, which the Pledgors agree to be commercially reasonable:

         (a)     To notify any or all account debtors or obligors under any
Accounts, Service Agreements or other Collateral of the security interest in
favor of the Agent created hereby and to direct all such Persons to make
payments of all amounts due thereon or thereunder directly to the Agent or to
an account designated by the Agent; and in such instance and from and after
such notice, all amounts and Proceeds (including wire transfers, checks and
other instruments)
<PAGE>   109



received by any Pledgor in respect of any Accounts or other Collateral shall be
received in trust for the benefit of the Agent hereunder, shall be segregated
from the other funds of such Pledgor and shall be forthwith deposited into such
account or paid over or delivered to the Agent in the same form as so received
(with any necessary endorsements or assignments), to be held as Collateral and
applied to the Obligations as provided herein; and by this provision, each
Pledgor irrevocably authorizes and directs each Person who is or shall be a
party to or liable for the performance of any Service Agreement, upon receipt
of notice from the Agent to the effect that an Event of Default has occurred
and is continuing, to attorn to or otherwise recognize the Agent as owner under
such Service Agreement and to pay, observe and otherwise perform the
obligations under such Service Agreement to or for the Agent or the Agent's
designee as though the Agent or such designee were such Pledgor named therein,
and to do so until otherwise notified by the Agent;

         (b)     To take possession of, receive, endorse, assign and deliver,
in its own name or in the name of any Pledgor, all checks, notes, drafts and
other instruments relating to any Collateral, including receiving, opening and
properly disposing of all mail addressed to any Pledgor concerning Accounts and
other Collateral; to verify with account debtors or other contract parties the
validity, amount or any other matter relating to any Accounts or other
Collateral, in its own name or in the name of any Pledgor; to accelerate any
indebtedness or other obligation constituting Collateral that may be
accelerated in accordance with its terms; to take or bring all actions and
suits deemed necessary or appropriate to effect collections and to enforce
payment of any Accounts or other Collateral; to settle, compromise or release
in whole or in part any amounts owing on Accounts or other Collateral; and to
extend the time of payment of any and all Accounts or other amounts owing under
any Collateral and to make allowances and adjustments with respect thereto, all
in the same manner and to the same extent as any Pledgor might have done;

         (c)     To remit and transfer all monies, securities and other
property on deposit in any Deposit Accounts or deposited or received for
deposit thereafter to the Agent, for deposit in a Collateral Account or such
other accounts as may be designated by the Agent, for application to the
Secured Obligations as provided herein;

         (d)     To transfer to or register in its name or the name of any of
its agents or nominees all or any part of the Collateral, without notice to the
Pledgors and with or without disclosing that such Collateral is subject to the
security interest created hereunder;

         (e)     To require the Pledgors to, and each Pledgor hereby agrees
that it will at its expense and upon request of the Agent forthwith, assemble
all or any part of the Collateral as directed by the Agent and make it
available to the Agent at a place designated by the Agent;

         (f)     To enter and remain upon the premises of any Pledgor and take
possession of all or any part of the Collateral, with or without judicial
process; to use the materials, services, books and records of any Pledgor for
the purpose of liquidating or collecting the Collateral, whether by
foreclosure, auction or otherwise; and to remove the same to the premises of
the
<PAGE>   110

Agent or any designated agent for such time as the Agent may desire, in order
to effectively collect or liquidate the Collateral;

         (g)     To exercise (i) all voting, consensual and other rights and
powers pertaining to the Investments (whether or not transferred into the name
of the Agent), at any meeting of shareholders, partners, members or otherwise,
and (ii) any and all rights of conversion, exchange, subscription and any other
rights, privileges or options pertaining to the Investments as if it were the
absolute owner thereof (including, without limitation, the right to exchange at
its discretion any and all of the Investments upon the merger, consolidation,
reorganization, reclassification, combination of shares or interests, similar
rearrangement or other similar fundamental change in the structure of the
applicable issuer, or upon the exercise by any Pledgor or the Agent of any
right, privilege or option pertaining to such Investments, and in connection
therewith, the right to deposit and deliver any and all of the Investments with
any committee, depositary, transfer agent, registrar or other designated agency
upon such terms and conditions as the Agent may determine, and give all
consents, waivers and ratifications in respect of the Investments, all without
liability except to account for any property actually received by it, but the
Agent shall have no duty to exercise any such right, privilege or option or
give any such consent, waiver or ratification and shall not be responsible for
any failure to do so or delay in so doing; and for the foregoing purposes the
Pledgors will promptly execute and deliver or cause to be executed and
delivered to the Agent, upon request, all such proxies and other instruments as
the Agent may reasonably request to enable the Agent to exercise such rights
and powers; AND IN FURTHERANCE OF THE FOREGOING AND WITHOUT LIMITATION THEREOF,
EACH PLEDGOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY CONSTITUTES AND APPOINTS THE AGENT AS THE TRUE
AND LAWFUL PROXY AND ATTORNEY-IN-FACT OF THE PLEDGOR, WITH FULL POWER OF
SUBSTITUTION IN THE PREMISES, TO EXERCISE ALL SUCH VOTING, CONSENSUAL AND OTHER
RIGHTS AND POWERS TO WHICH ANY HOLDER OF ANY INVESTMENTS WOULD BE ENTITLED BY
VIRTUE OF HOLDING THE SAME, WHICH PROXY AND POWER OF ATTORNEY, BEING COUPLED
WITH AN INTEREST, IS IRREVOCABLE AND SHALL BE EFFECTIVE FOR SO LONG AS THIS
AGREEMENT SHALL BE IN EFFECT; and

         (h)     To sell, resell, assign and deliver, in its sole discretion,
all or any of the Collateral, in one or more parcels, on any securities
exchange on which any Investments may be listed, at public or private sale, at
any of the Agent's offices or elsewhere, for cash, upon credit or for future
delivery, at such time or times and at such price or prices and upon such other
terms as the Agent may deem satisfactory.  If any of the Collateral is sold by
the Agent upon credit or for future delivery, the Agent shall not be liable for
the failure of the purchaser to purchase or pay for the same and, in the event
of any such failure, the Agent may resell such Collateral.  In no event shall
any Pledgor be credited with any part of the Proceeds of sale of any Collateral
until and to the extent cash payment in respect thereof has actually been
received by the Agent.  Each purchaser at any such sale shall hold the property
sold absolutely, free from any claim or right of whatsoever kind, including any
equity or right of redemption of any Pledgor, and each Pledgor hereby expressly
waives all rights of redemption, stay or appraisal, and all rights to require
the Agent to marshal any assets in favor of such Pledgor or any other party or
against or in payment of any or all of the Secured Obligations, that it has or
may have under any rule of law or statute
<PAGE>   111

now existing or hereafter adopted.  No demand, presentment, protest,
advertisement or notice of any kind (except any notice required by law, as
referred to below), all of which are hereby expressly waived by each Pledgor,
shall be required in connection with any sale or other disposition of any part
of the Collateral.  If any notice of a proposed sale or other disposition of
any part of the Collateral shall be required under applicable law, the Agent
shall give the applicable Pledgor at least ten (10) days' prior notice of the
time and place of any public sale and of the time after which any private sale
or other disposition is to be made, which notice each Pledgor agrees is
commercially reasonable.  The Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of
Collateral if it shall determine not to do so, regardless of the fact that
notice of sale may have been given.  The Agent may, without notice or
publication, adjourn any public or private sale or cause the same to be
adjourned from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed for
sale, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place
to which the same was so adjourned.  Upon each public sale and, to the extent
permitted by applicable law, upon each private sale, the Agent may purchase all
or any of the Collateral being sold, free from any equity, right of redemption
or other claim or demand, and may make payment therefor by endorsement and
application (without recourse) of the Secured Obligations in lieu of cash as a
credit on account of the purchase price for such Collateral.

         6.2     Application of Proceeds.  (a) All Proceeds collected by the
Agent upon any sale, other disposition of or realization upon any of the
Collateral, together with all other moneys received by the Agent hereunder,
shall be applied as follows:

                  (i)     first, to the payment of all costs and expenses of
         such sale, disposition or other realization, including the reasonable
         costs and expenses of the Agent and the reasonable fees and expenses
         of its agents and counsel, all amounts advanced by the Agent for the
         account of any Pledgor, and all other amounts payable to the Agent
         under SECTION 8.1;

                 (ii)     second, after payment in full of the amounts
         specified in clause (i) above, to the ratable payment of all other
         Secured Obligations (without duplication) owing to the Secured
         Parties; and

                (iii)     third, after payment in full of the amounts specified
         in clauses (i) and (ii) above, and following the termination of this
         Agreement, to the Pledgor or any other Person lawfully entitled to
         receive such surplus.

         (b)     For purposes of applying amounts in accordance with this
Section, the Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any Secured Party that has
entered into a Hedge Agreement with the Borrower for a determination (which
such Secured Party agrees to provide or cause to be provided upon request of
the Agent) of the outstanding Secured Obligations owed to such Secured Party
under any such Hedge Agreement.  Unless it has actual knowledge (including by
way of written notice from any such Secured Party) to the contrary, the Agent,
in acting hereunder, shall be entitled to assume that no Hedge Agreements or
Secured Obligations in respect thereof are in existence between any Secured
Party and the Borrower.
<PAGE>   112

         (c)     Each Pledgor shall remain liable to the extent of any
deficiency between the amount of all Proceeds realized upon sale or other
disposition of the Collateral pursuant to this Agreement and the aggregate
amount of the sums referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) of subsection (a) above.
Upon any sale of any Collateral hereunder by the Agent (whether by virtue of
the power of sale herein granted, pursuant to judicial proceeding, or
otherwise), the receipt of the Agent or the officer making the sale shall be a
sufficient discharge to the purchaser or purchasers of the Collateral so sold,
and such purchaser or purchasers shall not be obligated to see to the
application of any part of the purchase money paid over to the Agent or such
officer or be answerable in any way for the misapplication thereof.

         6.3     Collateral Accounts.  Upon the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default, the Agent shall have the right to cause to
be established and maintained, at its principal office or such other location
or locations as it may establish from time to time in its discretion, one or
more cash collateral bank accounts (collectively, "Collateral Accounts") for
the collection of Proceeds of the Collateral.  Such Proceeds, when deposited,
shall continue to constitute Collateral for the Secured Obligations and shall
not constitute payment thereof until applied as herein provided.  The Agent
shall have sole dominion and control over all funds deposited in any Collateral
Account, and such funds may be withdrawn therefrom only by the Agent.  Upon the
occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Agent shall
have the right to (and, if directed by the Required Lenders pursuant to the
Credit Agreement, shall) apply amounts held in the Collateral Accounts in
payment of the Obligations in the manner provided for in SECTION 6.2.

         6.4     Registration; Private Sales.  (a) If, at any time after the
occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, any Pledgor shall
have received from the Agent a written request or requests that such Pledgor
cause any registration, qualification or compliance under any federal or state
securities law or laws to be effected with respect to all or any part of the
Investments, the Pledgor will, as soon as practicable and at its expense, use
its best efforts to cause such registration to be effected and be kept
effective and will use its best efforts to cause such qualification and
compliance to be effected and be kept effective as may be so requested and as
would permit or facilitate the sale and distribution of such Investments,
including, without limitation, registration under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act"), appropriate qualifications under applicable
blue sky or other state securities laws and appropriate compliance with any
other applicable requirements of Governmental Authorities; provided, that the
Agent shall furnish to the Pledgor such information regarding the Agent as the
Pledgor may reasonably request in writing and as shall be required in
connection with any such registration, qualification or compliance.  The
Pledgor will cause the Agent to be kept reasonably advised in writing as to the
progress of each such registration, qualification or compliance and as to the
completion thereof, will furnish to the Agent such number of prospectuses,
offering circulars or other documents incident thereto as the Agent from time
to time may reasonably request, and will indemnify the Agent and all others
participating in the distribution of such Pledged Securities against all
claims, losses, damages and liabilities caused by any untrue statement (or
alleged untrue statement) of a material fact contained therein (or in any
related registration statement, notification or the like) or by any omission
(or alleged omission) to state therein (or in any related registration
statement, notification or the like) a material fact required to be stated
<PAGE>   113

therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, except
insofar as the same may have been caused by an untrue statement or omission
based upon information furnished in writing to the Pledgor by the Agent or any
other Secured Party expressly for use therein.

         (b)     Each Pledgor recognizes that, by reason of certain
prohibitions contained in the Securities Act and applicable state securities
laws as in effect from time to time, the Agent may be compelled, with respect
to any sale of all or any part of the Investments conducted without
registration or qualification under the Securities Act and such state
securities laws, to limit purchasers to any one or more Persons who will
represent and agree, among other things, to acquire such Investments for their
own account, for investment and not with a view to the distribution or resale
thereof.  Each Pledgor acknowledges that any such private sales may be made in
such manner and under such circumstances as the Agent may deem necessary or
advisable in its sole and absolute discretion, including at prices and on terms
less favorable than those obtainable through a public sale without such
restrictions (including, without limitation, a public offering made pursuant to
a registration statement under the Securities Act), and, notwithstanding such
circumstances, agrees that any such private sale shall be deemed to have been
made in a commercially reasonable manner and agrees that the Agent shall have
no obligation to conduct any public sales and no obligation to delay the sale
of any Investments for the period of time necessary to permit its registration
for public sale under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws,
and shall not have any responsibility or liability as a result of its election
so not to conduct any such public sales or delay the sale of any Investments,
notwithstanding the possibility that a substantially higher price might be
realized if the sale were deferred until after such registration.  Each Pledgor
hereby waives any claims against the Agent or any Secured Party arising by
reason of the fact that the price at which any Investments may have been sold
at any private sale was less than the price that might have been obtained at a
public sale or was less than the aggregate amount of the Secured Obligations,
even if the Agent accepts the first offer received and does not offer such
Investments to more than one offeree.

         (c)     Each Pledgor agrees that a breach of any of the covenants
contained in this Section will cause irreparable injury to the Agent and the
other Secured Parties, that the Agent and the other Secured Parties have no
adequate remedy at law in respect of such breach and, as a consequence, that
each and every covenant contained in this Section shall be specifically
enforceable against the Pledgors.

         6.5     The Pledgors Remain Liable.  Notwithstanding anything herein
to the contrary, (i) each Pledgor shall remain liable under all Service
Agreements included within the Collateral (including, without limitation, all
Investment Agreements) to perform all of its obligations thereunder to the same
extent as if this Agreement had not been executed, (ii) the exercise by the
Agent of any of its rights or remedies hereunder shall not release any Pledgor
from any of its obligations under any of such Service Agreements, and (iii)
except as specifically provided for hereinbelow, the Agent shall not have any
obligation or liability by reason of this Agreement under any of such Service
Agreements, nor shall the Agent be obligated to perform any of the obligations
or duties of any Pledgor thereunder or to take any action to collect or enforce
any claim for payment assigned hereunder.  This Agreement shall not in any way
be deemed to obligate the Agent, any other Secured Party or any purchaser at a
foreclosure sale under this
<PAGE>   114

Agreement to assume any of a Pledgor's obligations, duties or liabilities under
any Investment Agreement, including, without limitation, any Pledgor's
obligations, if any, to manage the business and affairs of the applicable
partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other issuer
(collectively, the "Partner Obligations"), unless the Agent or such other
Secured Party or purchaser otherwise agrees in writing to assume any or all of
such Partner Obligations.  In the event of foreclosure by the Agent hereunder,
then except as provided in the preceding sentence, any Pledgor shall remain
bound and obligated to perform its Partner Obligations and neither the Agent
nor any other Secured Party shall be deemed to have assumed any Partner
Obligations.  In the event the Agent, any other Secured Party or any purchaser
at a foreclosure sale elects to become a substitute member in place of a
Pledgor, the party making such election shall adopt in writing such Investment
Agreement and agree to be bound by the terms and provisions thereof; and
subject to the execution of such written agreement, such Pledgor hereby
irrevocably consents in advance to the admission of the Agent, any other
Secured Party or any such purchaser as a substitute member to the extent of the
Investments acquired pursuant to such sale, and agrees to execute any documents
or instruments and take any other action as may be necessary or as may be
reasonably requested in connection therewith.  The powers, rights and remedies
conferred on the Agent hereunder are solely to protect its interest and
privilege in such Contracts, as Collateral, and shall not impose any duty upon
it to exercise any such powers, rights or remedies.


                                  ARTICLE VII.


                                   THE AGENT


         7.1     The Agent; Standard of Care.  The Agent will hold all items of
the Collateral at any time received under this Agreement in accordance with the
provisions hereof.  The obligations of the Agent as holder of the Collateral
and interests therein and with respect to the disposition thereof, and
otherwise under this Agreement and the other Credit Documents, are only those
expressly set forth in this Agreement and the other Credit Documents.  The
Agent shall act hereunder at the direction, or with the consent, of the
Required Lenders on the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement.
The powers conferred on the Agent hereunder are solely to protect its interest,
on behalf of the Secured Parties, in the Collateral, and shall not impose any
duty upon it to exercise any such powers.  Except for treatment of the
Collateral in its possession in a manner substantially equivalent to that which
the Agent, in its individual capacity, accords its own property of a similar
nature, and the accounting for moneys actually received by it hereunder, the
Agent shall have no duty as to any Collateral or as to the taking of any
necessary steps to preserve rights against prior parties or any other rights
pertaining to the Collateral.  Neither the Agent nor any other Secured Party
shall be liable to any Pledgor (i) for any loss or damage sustained by such
Pledgor, or (ii) for any loss, damage, depreciation or other diminution in the
value of any of the Collateral that may occur as a result of or in connection
with or that is in any way related to any exercise by the Agent or any other
Secured Party of any right or remedy under this Agreement, any failure to
demand, collect or realize upon any of the Collateral or any delay in doing so,
or any other act or failure to act on the part of the Agent or
<PAGE>   115

any other Secured Party, except to the extent that the same is caused by its
own gross negligence or willful misconduct.

         7.2     Further Assurances; Attorney-in-Fact.  (a) Each Pledgor agrees
that it will join with the Agent to execute and, at its own expense, file and
refile under any applicable Uniform Commercial Code such financing statements,
continuation statements and other documents and instruments in such offices as
the Agent may reasonably deem necessary or appropriate, and wherever required
or permitted by law, in order to perfect and preserve the Agent's security
interest in the Collateral, and hereby authorizes the Agent to file financing
statements and amendments thereto relating to all or any part of the Collateral
without the signature of any Pledgor where permitted by law, and agrees to do
such further acts and things (including, without limitation, making any notice
filings with state tax or revenue authorities required to be made by account
creditors in order to enforce any Accounts in such state) and to execute and
deliver to the Agent such additional conveyances, assignments, agreements and
instruments as the Agent may reasonably require or deem advisable to perfect,
establish, confirm and maintain the security interest and Lien provided for
herein, to carry out the purposes of this Agreement or to further assure and
confirm unto the Agent its rights, powers and remedies hereunder.

         (b)     Each Pledgor hereby irrevocably appoints the Agent its lawful
attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead of such Pledgor
and in the name of such Pledgor, the Agent or otherwise, and with full power of
substitution in the premises (which power of attorney, being coupled with an
interest, is irrevocable for so long as this Agreement shall be in effect),
from time to time in the Agent's discretion after the occurrence and during the
continuance of an Event of Default to take any action and to execute any
instruments that the Agent may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the
purpose of this Agreement, including, without limitation:

                  (i)     to sign the name of such Pledgor on any financing
         statement, continuation statement, notice or other similar document
         that, in the Agent's opinion, should be made or filed in order to
         perfect or continue perfected the security interest granted under this
         Agreement (including, without limitation, any title or ownership
         applications for filing with applicable state agencies to enable any
         motor vehicles now or hereafter owned by the Company to be retitled
         and the Agent listed as lienholder thereon);

                 (ii)     to ask, demand, collect, sue for, recover, compound,
         receive and give acquittance and receipts for moneys due and to become
         due under or in respect of any of the Collateral;

                (iii)     to receive, endorse and collect any checks, drafts,
         instruments, chattel paper and other orders for the payment of money
         made payable to such Pledgor representing any interest, income,
         dividend, distribution or other amount payable in respect of any of
         the Collateral and to give full discharge for the same;

                 (iv)     to obtain, maintain and adjust any property or
         casualty insurance required to be maintained by such Pledgor under
         SECTION 4.9 and direct the payment of proceeds thereof to the Agent;
<PAGE>   116

                  (v)     to pay or discharge taxes, Liens or other
         encumbrances levied or placed on or threatened against the Collateral,
         the legality or validity thereof and the amounts necessary to
         discharge the same to be determined by the Agent in its sole
         discretion, any such payments made by the Agent to become Secured
         Obligations of the Pledgors to the Agent, due and payable immediately
         and without demand;

                 (vi)     to file any claims or take any action or institute
         any proceedings that the Agent may deem necessary or advisable for the
         collection of any of the Collateral or otherwise to enforce the rights
         of the Agent with respect to any of the Collateral; and

                (vii)     to use, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, make any
         agreement with respect to or otherwise deal with any and all of the
         Collateral as fully and completely as though the Agent were the
         absolute owner of the Collateral for all purposes, and to do from time
         to time, at the Agent's option and the Pledgors' expense, all other
         acts and things deemed necessary by the Agent to protect, preserve or
         realize upon the Collateral and to more completely carry out the
         purposes of this Agreement.

         (c)     If any Pledgor fails to perform any covenant or agreement
contained in this Agreement after written request to do so by the Agent
(provided that no such request shall be necessary at any time after the
occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default), the Agent may
itself perform, or cause the performance of, such covenant or agreement and may
take any other action that it deems necessary and appropriate for the
maintenance and preservation of the Collateral or its security interest
therein, and the reasonable expenses so incurred in connection therewith shall
be payable by the Pledgors under SECTION 8.1.


                                 ARTICLE VIII.


                                 MISCELLANEOUS


         8.1     Indemnity and Expenses.  The Pledgors agree jointly and
severally:

         (a)     To indemnify and hold harmless the Agent, each other Secured
Party and each of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and
affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, demands, losses,
obligations, judgments and liabilities (including, without limitation,
reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses) in any way arising out of or in
connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, except
to the extent the same shall arise as a result of the gross negligence or
willful misconduct of the party seeking to be indemnified; and

         (b)     To pay and reimburse the Agent upon demand for all reasonable
costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees
and expenses) that the Agent
<PAGE>   117

may incur in connection with (i) the custody, use or preservation of, or the
sale of, collection from or other realization upon, any of the Collateral,
including the reasonable expenses of re-taking, holding, preparing for sale or
lease, selling or otherwise disposing of or realizing on the Collateral, (ii)
the exercise or enforcement of any rights or remedies granted hereunder
(including, without limitation, under ARTICLE VI), under any of the other
Credit Documents or otherwise available to it (whether at law, in equity or
otherwise), or (iii) the failure by such Pledgor to perform or observe any of
the provisions hereof.  The provisions of this SECTION 8.1 shall survive the
execution and delivery of this Agreement, the repayment of any of the Secured
Obligations, the termination of the Commitments under the Credit Agreement and
the termination of this Agreement or any other Credit Document.

         8.2     No Waiver.  The rights and remedies of the Secured Parties
expressly set forth in this Agreement and the other Credit Documents are
cumulative and in addition to, and not exclusive of, all other rights and
remedies available at law, in equity or otherwise.  No failure or delay on the
part of any Secured Party in exercising any right, power or privilege shall
operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any
such right, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof
or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege or be construed to be a
waiver of any Default or Event of Default.  No course of dealing between any
Pledgor and the Secured Parties or their agents or employees shall be effective
to amend, modify or discharge any provision of this Agreement or any other
Credit Document or to constitute a waiver of any Default or Event of Default.
No notice to or demand upon any Pledgor in any case shall entitle such Pledgor
to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances or
constitute a waiver of the right of any Secured Party to exercise any right or
remedy or take any other or further action in any circumstances without notice
or demand.

         8.3     Enforcement.  By its acceptance of the benefits of this
Agreement, each Lender agrees that this Agreement may be enforced only by the
Agent, acting upon the instructions or with the consent of the Required Lenders
as provided for in the Credit Agreement, and that no Lender shall have any
right individually to enforce or seek to enforce this Agreement or to realize
upon any Collateral or other security given to secure the payment and
performance of the Secured Obligations.

         8.4     Amendments, Waivers, etc.  No amendment, modification, waiver,
discharge or termination of, or consent to any departure by any Pledgor from,
any provision of this Agreement, shall be effective unless in a writing
executed and delivered in accordance with SECTION 10.6 of the Credit Agreement,
and then the same shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the
specific purpose for which given.

         8.5     Continuing Security Interest; Term; Successors and Assigns;
Assignment; Termination and Release; Survival.  This Agreement shall create a
continuing security interest in the Collateral and shall secure the payment and
performance of all of the Secured Obligations as the same may arise and be
outstanding at any time and from time to time from and after the date hereof,
and shall (i) remain in full force and effect until the occurrence of (y) the
payment in full of the Secured Obligations, and (z) the termination of the
Commitments under the Credit
<PAGE>   118

Agreement (the events in clauses (y) and (z) above, collectively, the
"Termination Requirements"), (ii) be binding upon and enforceable against each
Pledgor and its successors and assigns (provided, however, that no Pledgor may
sell, assign or transfer any of its rights, interests, duties or obligations
hereunder without the prior written consent of the Lenders) and (iii) inure to
the benefit of and be enforceable by each Secured Party and its successors and
assigns.  Upon any sale or other disposition by any Pledgor of any Collateral
in a transaction expressly permitted hereunder or under or pursuant to the
Credit Agreement or any other applicable Credit Document, the Lien and security
interest created by this Agreement in and upon such Collateral shall be
automatically released, and upon the satisfaction of all of the Termination
Requirements, this Agreement and the Lien and security interest created hereby
shall terminate; and in connection with any such release or termination, the
Agent, at the request and expense of the applicable Pledgor, will execute and
deliver to such Pledgor such documents and instruments evidencing such release
or termination as such Pledgor may reasonably request and will assign, transfer
and deliver to such Pledgor, without recourse and without representation or
warranty, such of the Collateral as may then be in the possession of the Agent
(or, in the case of any partial release of Collateral, such of the Collateral
so being released as may be in its possession).  All representations,
warranties, covenants and agreements herein shall survive the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and any Pledge Amendment.

         8.6     Notices.  All notices and other communications provided for
hereunder shall be given to the parties in the manner and subject to the other
notice provisions set forth in the Credit Agreement.

         8.7     Governing Law.  This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of North
Carolina (without regard to the conflicts of law provisions thereof).

         8.8     Severability.  To the extent any provision of this Agreement
is prohibited by or invalid under the applicable law of any jurisdiction, such
provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or
invalidity and only in such jurisdiction, without prohibiting or invalidating
such provision in any other jurisdiction or the remaining provisions of this
Agreement in any jurisdiction.

         8.9     Construction.  The headings of the various sections and
subsections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience only and shall
not in any way affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions
hereof.  Unless the context otherwise requires, words in the singular include
the plural and words in the plural include the singular.

         8.10    Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of
which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which
shall together constitute one and the same instrument.
<PAGE>   119

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed under
seal by their duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.





                               ORTHALLIANCE, INC., as Borrower



                               By:    _______________________________



                               Title: _______________________________





Accepted and agreed to:



FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as

  Agent



By:    _______________________________



Title: _______________________________





                               GUARANTOR PLEDGOR





                               ORTHALLIANCE FINANCE, INC.



                               By:    _______________________________



                               Title: _______________________________


<PAGE>   120
                                      Annex A to Pledge and Security Agreement
                                      First Union National Bank, as Agent
                                      OrthAlliance, Inc.
                                      December 30, 1997
                                      ----------------------------------------




Pledged Investments
- -------------------


Pledgor:  OrthAlliance, Inc.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Certificate                        Percentage of
                                                                   -----------      No. of shares        Outstanding
Name of Issuer                               Type of Interests        Number       (if applicable)   Interests in Issuer
- --------------                               -----------------        ------       ---------------   -------------------
<S>                                                 <C>              <C>                <C>              <C> 
OA Equipment, Inc.                                    stock              3               1,000            100%
Crawford Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                       stock              2                500             100%
Rodeffer & Garner Asset Subsidiary, Inc.              stock              3                500             100%
Halliburton Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                    stock              2                100             100%
Horvath Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                        stock              II               500             100%
Lorentz Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                        stock              2                100             100%
Mitchell Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                       stock              2                500             100%
Pence Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                          stock              2                100             100%
Pickron Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                        stock              10             100,000           100%
Only Orthodontics of South Miami, Inc.                stock              2                100             100%
Silver Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                         stock              3                100             100%
Smernoff Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                       stock              2                200             100%
Yaffey Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                         stock              2                100             100%
Yurfest Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                        stock              7                150             100%
OrthAlliance Finance, Inc.                            stock              1                 10             100%
</TABLE>








<PAGE>   121
                                      Annex B to Pledge and Security Agreement
                                      First Union National Bank, as Agent
                                      OrthAlliance, Inc.
                                      December 30, 1997         
                                      ----------------------------------------



                                FILING LOCATIONS




I.       ORTHALLIANCE, INC.

Secretary of State of California

Clerk of Superior Court of Forsyth County, Georgia


II.      SUBSIDIARIES (GUARANTOR PLEDGORS)

         A.      ORTHALLIANCE FINANCE, INC.

                 Secretary of State of California

                 Clerk of Superior Court of Forsyth County, Georgia












<PAGE>   122
                                       Annex C to Pledge and Security Agreement
                                       First Union National Bank, as Agent
                                       OrthAlliance, Inc.
                                       December 30, 1997         
                                       ----------------------------------------



           LOCATIONS OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICES, PLACES OF BUSINESS,
                 RECORDS RELATING TO COLLATERAL, AND COLLATERAL

I.       ORTHALLIANCE

         23848 Hawthorne Boulevard
         Suite 200
         Torrance, California  90505

         413 Tribble Gap Road
         Suite E
         Cumming, Georgia  30040


II.      GUARANTOR PLEDGORS

         A.      ORTHALLIANCE FINANCE, INC.

                 23848 Hawthorne Boulevard
                 Suite 200
                 Torrance, California  90505

                 413 Tribble Gap Road
                 Suite E
                 Cumming, Georgia  30040



<PAGE>   123
                                      Annex D to Pledge and Security Agreement
                                      First Union National Bank, as Agent
                                      OrthAlliance, Inc.  December
                                      30, 1997
                                      ----------------------------------------



                               SERVICE AGREEMENTS



Service Agreement dated as of October 22, 1996, by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Gregory P. Scott, D.D.S., P.A.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of May 8, 1997 by and
between Premier Orthodontic Group, Inc. and Randall K. Bennett, D.D.S., M.S.,
P.C.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of June 23, 1997 by and
between Premier Orthodontic Group, Inc. and Kenneth Brehnan, D.D., M.S.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of April 25, 1997 by and
between Premier Orthodontic Group, Inc. and Bryant Dental Corporation, a
professional corporation.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of July 15, 1997 by and
between OrthAlliance, Inc. and Thomas Edward Butler, an Arizona Professional
Corporation, D.D.S., P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of September 5, 1996 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Sammy A. Caves, D.M.D., P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of August 26, 1997 by and between OrthAlliance, Inc.
and Shannon Dental Care, a Georgia professional corporation.

Service Agreement dated as of May 1, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic Care,
Inc. and Crawford Orthodontic Care, P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of March 15, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Michael J. Devito, D.D.S., P.A.

Service Agreement dated as of September 6, 1996  by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Douglas D. Durbin, D.M.S., M.S.D., P.S.C

Service Agreement dated as of November ___, 1997 by and between OrthAlliance,
Inc. and Eberhardt Orthodontics, P.C.

<PAGE>   124

Service Agreement dated as of March 6, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic Care,
Inc. and Daniel J. Enger, Jr., D.D.S., P.A.

Service Agreement dated as of May 12, 1997 by and between Premier Orthodontic
Group, Inc. and Raymond Fortson D.D.S. Professional Corporation

Service Agreement dated as of  ___________, 1997 by and between OrthAlliance,
Inc. and Fryar Orthodontics, P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of March 7, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic Care,
Inc. and Suellen Rodeffer & David Tod Garner, D.D.S., P.A.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of December 4, 1996 by and
between US Orthodontic Care, Inc. and Fredrick A. Ghiz, D.D.S., M.S., P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of October 24, , 1996 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Paul J. Giorgetti, D.D.S., P.A.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of September 26, 1996 by
and between US Orthodontic Care, Inc. and John R. Goode, D.D.S., Inc.

Service Agreement dated as of September 12, 1996 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Michael D. Goodwin, D.D.S, M.S.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of April 25, 1997 by and
between Premier Orthodontic Group, Inc. and Gray Dental Corporation.

Service Agreement dated as of September 26, 1996 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Jack L. Green, Jr., D.D.S., P.A.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of November 11, 1997 by and
between OrthAlliance, Inc. and Greenbaum Orthodontics, P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of May 1, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic Care,
Inc. and Griffin Orthodontics, P.C.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of January 28, 1997 by and
between US Orthodontic Care, Inc. and Halliburton Orthodontics, P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of  October ____, 1997 by and between OrthAlliance,
Inc. and C. Wayne Hester - Dana E. Fender, D.M.D., P.C.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of May 1, 1997 by and
between Premier Orthodontic Group, Inc. and Gregg F. Hipple, D.D.S., M.S., Ltd.





                                       2
<PAGE>   125
Service Agreement dated as of May 12, 1997 by and between Premier Orthodontic
Group, Inc. and Hirschfield & Associates, P.A.

Service Agreement dated as of February 15, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Arrowhead Orthodontic Associates, P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of April 22, 1997 by and between Premier Orthodontic
Group, Inc. and Joseph C. Jackson, Jr., D.D.S., P.A.

Service Agreement dated as of May 13, 1997 by and between Premier Orthodontic
Group, Inc. and Orthodontic Associates of the Delaware Valley, P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of September 6, 1996 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Stuart Kimmel, D.D.S., P.A.

Service Agreement dated as of March 1, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic Care,
Inc. and Don E. Lahrman, D.D.S., M.S.D., Inc.

Service Agreement dated as of December 19, 1996 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Causey C. Lee, D.D.S., P.A.

Service Agreement dated as of May 13, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic Care,
Inc. and Robert P. Lorentz, D.D.S., M.S., P.C.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of  October 31, 1997 by and
between OrthAlliance, Inc. and Manasse Orthodontics, Ltd.

Service Agreement dated as of April 29, 1997 by and between Premier Orthodontic
Group, Inc. and Joel Martinez, D.D.S., Inc.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of August 22, 1997 by and
between OrthAlliance, Inc. and Dr. McClury Smile Center.

Service Agreement dated as of April 1, 1997 by and between Premier Orthodontic
Group, Inc. and Anderson Orthodontic Associates, P.A.

Service Agreement dated as of April 21, 1997 by and between Premier Orthodontic
Group, Inc. and R. A. McLendon, D.D.S., P.L.L.C.

Service Agreement dated as of April 29, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic Care,
Inc. and Mitchell Dentistry, P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of April 1, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic Care,
Inc. and Winston C. Morris, D.M.D., P.A.





                                       3
<PAGE>   126
Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of June 24, 1997 by and
between Premier Orthodontic Group, Inc. and The Nettleman Dental Corporation.

Service Agreement dated as of  July 23, 1997 by and between OrthAlliance, Inc.
and Paul L. Ouellette, D.D.S., M.S., and Associates, Inc.

Service Agreement dated as of  February 12, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and R. O. Parsons, D.M.D., M.S.D., P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of January 15, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Columbus Orthodontic Associates, P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of  March 31, 1997 by and between Premier
Orthodontic Group, Inc. and Penny Orthodontics, P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of May 1, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic Care,
Inc. and Birmingham OrthoCare, P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of August 20, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Pickron Orthodontic Care, P.C.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of  July 23, 1997 by and
between OrthAlliance, Inc. and Ricciardi Dental Corporation.

Service Agreement dated as of February 13, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Richard L. Rothstein, D.M.D., P.A.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of February 3, 1997 by and
between US Orthodontic Care, Inc. and Victor S. Sands, D.D.S., Inc.

Service Agreement dated as of November 1, 1996 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Orthodontic Affiliates, P.C.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of April 17 , 1997 by and
between Premier Orthodontic Group, Inc. and A. Paul Serrano, D.D.S., P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of May 13, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic Care,
Inc. and Arthur B. Silver, D.D.S., P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of  January 13, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Gerald N. Smernoff  of Virginia, D.D.S., P.C.

Service Agreement dated as of September 16, 1996 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and Douglas E. Smith, D.D.S., P.C.




                                        4
<PAGE>   127

Service Agreement dated as of  September 23, 1997 by and between US Orthodontic
Care, Inc. and D. B. SNEAD, D.M.D., P.A.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of May 1, 1997 by and
between US Orthodontic Care, Inc. and Gilbert H. Snow, D.D.S., Inc.

Consulting and Business Services Agreement dated as of May 12, 1997 by and
between Premier Orthodontic Group, Inc. and Les O. Starnes, D.D.S., M.S.

















                                        5
<PAGE>   128

                                    Exhibit A to Pledge and Security Agreement
                                    First Union National Bank, as Agent
                                    OrthAlliance, Inc.
                                    December 30, 1997         
                                    ------------------------------------------


                                PLEDGE AMENDMENT


         THIS PLEDGE AMENDMENT, dated as of _______________, _____, is
delivered by ________________________, INC. (the "Pledgor") pursuant to SECTION
5.1 of the Pledge Agreement referred to hereinbelow.  The Pledgor hereby agrees
that this Pledge Amendment may be attached to the Pledge and Security
Agreement, dated as of __________, 1997, made by the Pledgor in favor of First
Union National Bank, as Agent (as amended, modified, supplemented or restated
from time to time, the "Pledge Agreement," capitalized terms defined therein
being used herein as therein defined), and that the Investments listed on Annex
A to this Pledge Amendment shall be deemed to be part of the Investments within
the meaning of the Pledge Agreement and shall become part of the Collateral and
shall secure all of the Obligations as provided in the Pledge Agreement.  This
Pledge Amendment and its attachments are hereby incorporated into the Pledge
Agreement and made a part thereof.


                                      _______________________________, INC.


                                      By:    ______________________________

                                      Title: ______________________________






<PAGE>   129
                                      Annex A to Exhibit A (Pledge Amendment)
                                      First Union National Bank, as agent
                                      OrthAlliance, Inc.
                                      December 30, 1997





Pledged Investments
- -------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           Percentage of
                                               Certificate          No. of shares           Outstanding
Name of Issuer       Type of Interests           Number            (if applicable)      Interests in Issuer
- --------------       -----------------           ------            ---------------      -------------------
<S>                 <C>                         <C>               <C>                  <C>   
</TABLE>






<PAGE>   130

                                    Exhibit B to Pledge and Security Agreement
                                    First Union National Bank, as Agent
                                    OrthAlliance, Inc.
                                    December 30, 1997         
                                    ------------------------------------------


                    INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF PLEDGE
                                       OF
                           UNCERTIFICATED SECURITIES


Date:    _________________________


To:      [name of corporation, partnership, Joint venture or other Person]

         You are hereby instructed to register the pledge of the following
uncertificated securities to First Union National Bank of North Carolina, as
Agent:

                 1.       A [insert written percentage of interest] (_______%)
         [insert description of interest, e.g. General Partnership Interest];

                 2.       [insert similar description of any other interests].

         This being all of the interest of [INSERT NAME OF PLEDGOR] in [name of
corporation, partnership, joint venture or other Person].


                                     Very truly yours,

                                     ORTHALLIANCE, INC.


                                     By:    ___________________________________

                                     Title: ___________________________________






<PAGE>   131
                                   Exhibit C to Pledge and Security Agreement
                                   First Union National Bank, as Agent
                                   OrthAlliance, Inc.
                                   December 30, 1997         
                                   ------------------------------------------



                          INITIAL TRANSACTION STATEMENT

Date:    ___________________________

To:      OrthAlliance, Inc.
         First Union National Bank of North Carolina, as Agent

         This is to advise you that a pledge to First Union National Bank of
North Carolina, as Agent, of the following uncertificated securities owned by
OrthAlliance, Inc., a Delaware corporation has been registered on the books of
[name of corporation, partnership, joint venture or other Person]:

                 1.       A [insert written percentage of interest] (________%)
         [insert description of interest, e.g. General Partnership Interest];

                 2.       [insert similar description of any other interests].

         This being all of the interest of OrthAlliance, Inc. in, as shown on
         books and records of, [name of corporation, partnership, joint venture
         or other Person].

         There are no liens or restrictions of the undersigned, nor any adverse
claims, in each case registered on the books of the undersigned, to which the
interests described hereinabove are subject.

         The pledge referred to above was registered on __________________,
19___.
         THIS STATEMENT IS MERELY A RECORD OF THE REGISTRATION OF THE PLEDGE OF
THE ADDRESSEES AS OF THE TIME OF THE ISSUANCE HEREOF.  DELIVERY OF THIS
STATEMENT, IN ITSELF, CONFERS NO RIGHTS ON THE RECIPIENT.  THIS STATEMENT IS
NEITHER A NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENT NOR A SECURITY.

                                   Very truly yours,

                                   [NAME OF CORPORATION, PARTNERSHIP,
                                   JOINT VENTURE OR OTHER PERSON]

                                   [By:    ___________________________________]


                                   By:     ____________________________________

                                   Title:  ____________________________________






<PAGE>   132
                                   Exhibit D to Pledge and Security Agreement
                                   First Union National Bank, as Agent
                                   OrthAlliance, Inc.
                                   December 30, 1997         
                                   ------------------------------------------



                                    FORM OF
                         SECURITY AND PLEDGE ACCESSION


         THIS SECURITY AND PLEDGE ACCESSION, dated as of _____________, ____,
is delivered by ________________________, a ______________ corporation (a
"Guarantor Pledgor"), to First Union National Bank of North Carolina, as Agent
(the "Agent"), under the Credit Agreement referred to below, pursuant to
SECTION 8.6 of the Security and Pledge Agreement referred to below.

         Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of ________________,
1997, between OrthAlliance, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), the
Agent and the Lenders identified therein and from time to time parties hereto
(as amended, modified, supplemented or restated from time to time, the "Credit
Agreement").  Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have
the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

         Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Borrower and the Subsidiaries of
the Borrower named thereon as of the Closing Date executed and delivered, as
Pledgors, the Security and Pledge Agreement, and any and all future
Subsidiaries of the Borrower are also required to become a party to such
agreement.

         The undersigned Pledgor is a Subsidiary of the Borrower, and as
required by the Credit Agreement, has acceded as of the date hereof to the
Guaranty Agreement, thereby guaranteeing the Credit Obligations.  To secure its
obligations under the Guaranty Agreement and the other Guaranty Documents, the
undersigned Guarantor Pledgor adopts and hereby grants a security interest in
its Collateral as set forth in ARTICLE II of the Security and Pledge Agreement
as if such grant was set forth herein at length.  The locations for the filing
of financing statements to perfect the security interest granted hereby and the
location of the Guarantor's Collateral and records are listed on the revised
ANNEX B and ANNEX C to the Security and Pledge Agreement attached hereto.  The
Service Agreements of the Guarantor as of the date hereof are listed in the
revised ANNEX D to the Security and Pledge Agreement attached hereto.






<PAGE>   133
         The undersigned hereby acknowledges that, upon the execution and
delivery of this Accession, it will become a party, as a Guarantor Pledgor, to
the Security and Pledge Agreement.  The undersigned hereby adopts the terms,
provisions, representations and warranties of the Security and Pledge Agreement
and agrees to be bound thereby.  This Accession and its attachments are hereby
incorporated into the Security and Pledge Agreement and made a part thereof.



                                      [NAME OF NEW GUARANTOR PLEDGOR]





[CORPORATE SEAL](1)                   By:_____________________________________



ATTEST:                               Title:__________________________________





__________________________________
Secretary or Clerk(2)



                       [attach revised Annexes, B, C and D
                        to Security and Pledge Agreement]











__________________________________

(1)  Affix if the Guarantor Pledgor is a corporation.

(2)  Or other appropriate officer, in the case of a Guarantor Pledgor not a
     corporation.



                                       2
<PAGE>   134
                                                                    Exhibit F to
                                                                Credit Agreement
                               SUBSIDIARY GUARANTY



         THIS SUBSIDIARY GUARANTY, dated as of the 30th day of December, 1997
(this "Guaranty"), is made by each of the undersigned Subsidiaries of
OrthAlliance, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), and each other
Subsidiary of the Borrower that, after the date hereof, executes an instrument
of accession hereto substantially in the form of Exhibit A (a "Guarantor
Accession"; the undersigned and such other Subsidiaries of the Borrower,
collectively, the "Guarantors"), in favor of the Guaranteed Parties (as
hereinafter defined).  Capitalized terms used herein without definition shall
have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement referred to below.


                                    RECITALS

         A.      The Borrower, certain banks and other financial institutions
(collectively, the "Lenders") and First Union National Bank, as agent for the
Lenders (in such capacity, the "Agent"), are parties to a Credit Agreement,
dated as of December 30, 1997 (as amended, modified or supplemented from time
to time, the "Credit Agreement"), providing for the availability of a certain
credit facility to the Borrower upon the terms and conditions set forth
therein.

         B.      It is a condition to the extension of credit to the Borrower
under the Credit Agreement that each Guarantor shall have agreed, by executing
and delivering this Guaranty, to guarantee to the Guaranteed Parties the
payment in full of the Guaranteed Obligations (as hereinafter defined).  The
Guaranteed Parties are relying on this Guaranty in their decision to extend
credit to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement and would not enter into the
Credit Agreement without this Guaranty.



                             STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT


         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and other good and
valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, to induce the Guaranteed Parties to enter into the Credit
Agreement and to induce the Lenders to extend credit to the Borrower
thereunder, each Guarantor hereby agrees as follows:

         1.      Guaranty.  (a) Each Guarantor hereby irrevocably, absolutely
and unconditionally, and jointly and severally:

                  (i)     guarantees to the Lenders (including any Lender in
         its capacity as a counterparty to any Hedge Agreement, if any, with
         the Borrower) and the Agent (collectively, the "Guaranteed Parties")
         the full and prompt payment, at any time and from time to time as and
         when due (whether at the stated maturity, by acceleration or
         otherwise), of all Obligations of the Borrower under the Credit
         Agreement and the other





<PAGE>   135

         Credit Documents, including, without limitation, all principal of and
         interest on the Loans, all fees, expenses, indemnities and other
         amounts payable by the Borrower under the Credit Agreement or any
         other Credit Document (including interest accruing after the filing of
         a petition or commencement of a case by or with respect to the
         Borrower seeking relief under any Insolvency Laws (as hereinafter
         defined), whether or not the claim for such interest is allowed in
         such proceeding), all obligations of the Borrower under any Hedge
         Agreement with any Lender (but only if such Hedge Agreement is
         permitted pursuant to the Credit Agreement), and all Obligations that,
         but for the operation of the automatic stay under Section 362(a) of
         the Bankruptcy Code, would become due, in each case whether now
         existing or hereafter created or arising and whether direct or
         indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due (all
         liabilities and obligations described in this clause (i),
         collectively, the "Guaranteed Obligations"); and

                 (ii)     agrees to pay or reimburse upon demand all reasonable
         costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable
         attorneys' fees and expenses) incurred or paid by (y) any Guaranteed
         Party in connection with any suit, action or proceeding to enforce or
         protect any rights of the Guaranteed Parties hereunder and (z) the
         Agent in connection with any amendment, modification or waiver hereof
         or consent pursuant hereto (all liabilities and obligations described
         in this clause (ii), collectively, the "Other Obligations"; and the
         Other Obligations, together with the Guaranteed Obligations, the
         "Total Obligations").

         (b)     Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) above and
notwithstanding any other provisions contained herein or in any other Credit
Document:

                  (i)     no provision of this Guaranty shall require or permit
         the collection from any Guarantor of interest in excess of the maximum
         rate or amount that such Guarantor may be required or permitted to pay
         pursuant to applicable law; and

                 (ii)     the liability of each Guarantor under this Guaranty
         as of any date shall be limited to a maximum aggregate amount (the
         "Maximum Guaranteed Amount") equal to the greatest amount that would
         not render such Guarantor's obligations under this Guaranty subject to
         avoidance, discharge or reduction as of such date as a fraudulent
         transfer or conveyance under applicable federal and state laws
         pertaining to bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, moratorium,
         readjustment of debts, dissolution, liquidation or other debtor
         relief, specifically including, without limitation, the Bankruptcy
         Code and any fraudulent transfer and fraudulent conveyance laws
         (collectively, "Insolvency Laws"), in each instance after taking into
         account all other liabilities of such Guarantor, contingent or
         otherwise, that are relevant under applicable Insolvency Laws
         (specifically excluding, however, any liabilities of such Guarantor in
         respect of intercompany indebtedness to the Borrower or any of its
         Affiliates to the extent that such indebtedness would be discharged in
         an amount equal to the amount paid by such Guarantor hereunder, and
         after giving effect as assets to the value (as determined under
         applicable Insolvency Laws) of any rights to subrogation,
         contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or similar rights of such
         Guarantor pursuant to (y) applicable law or (z) any agreement
         (including




<PAGE>   136


         this Guaranty) providing for an equitable allocation among such
         Guarantor and other Affiliates of the Borrower of obligations arising
         under guaranties by such parties).

         (c)     The Guarantors desire to allocate among themselves, in a fair
and equitable manner, their obligations arising under this Guaranty.
Accordingly, in the event any payment or distribution is made hereunder on any
date by a Guarantor (a "Funding Guarantor") that exceeds its Fair Share (as
hereinafter defined) as of such date, that Funding Guarantor shall be entitled
to a contribution from each of the other Guarantors in the amount of such other
Guarantor's Fair Share Shortfall (as hereinafter defined) as of such date, with
the result that all such contributions will cause each Guarantor's Aggregate
Payments (as hereinafter defined) to equal its Fair Share as of such date.
"Fair Share" means, with respect to a Guarantor as of any date of
determination, an amount equal to (i) the ratio of (x) the Adjusted Maximum
Guaranteed Amount (as hereinafter defined) with respect to such Guarantor to
(y) the aggregate of the Adjusted Maximum Guaranteed Amounts with respect to
all Guarantors, multiplied by (ii) the aggregate amount paid or distributed on
or before such date by all Funding Guarantors hereunder in respect of the
obligations guarantied.  "Fair Share Shortfall" means, with respect to a
Guarantor as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of the Fair
Share of such Guarantor over the Aggregate Payments of such Guarantor.
"Adjusted Maximum Guaranteed Amount" means, with respect to a Guarantor as of
any date of determination, the Maximum Guaranteed Amount of such Guarantor,
determined in accordance with the provisions of subsection (b) above; provided
that, solely for purposes of calculating the "Adjusted Maximum Guaranteed
Amount" with respect to any Guarantor for purposes of this subsection (c), any
assets or liabilities arising by virtue of any rights to subrogation,
reimbursement or indemnity or any rights to or obligations of contribution
hereunder shall not be considered as assets or liabilities of such Guarantor.
"Aggregate Payments" means, with respect to a Guarantor as of any date of
determination, the aggregate amount of all payments and distributions made on
or before such date by such Guarantor in respect of this Guaranty (including,
without limitation, in respect of this subsection (c)).  The amounts payable as
contributions hereunder shall be determined as of the date on which the related
payment or distribution is made by the applicable Funding Guarantor.  Each
Funding Guarantor's right of contribution under this subsection (c) shall be
subject to the provisions of SECTION 4.  The allocation among Guarantors of
their obligations as set forth in this subsection (c) shall not be construed in
any way to limit the liability of any Guarantor hereunder to the Guaranteed
Parties.

         (d)     The guaranty of each Guarantor set forth in this Section is a
guaranty of payment as a primary obligor, and not a guaranty of collection.
Each Guarantor hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Guaranteed Obligations,
at any time and from time to time, may exceed the Maximum Guaranteed Amount of
such Guarantor and may exceed the aggregate of the Maximum Guaranteed Amounts
of all Guarantors, in each case without discharging, limiting or otherwise
affecting (subject to the effect of applicable law) the obligations of any
Guarantor hereunder or the rights, powers and remedies of any Guaranteed Party
hereunder or under any other Credit Document.

         2.      Guaranty Absolute.  Each Guarantor agrees that its obligations
hereunder are irrevocable, absolute and unconditional, are independent of the
Guaranteed Obligations and any



<PAGE>   137

Collateral or other security therefor or other guaranty or liability in respect
thereof, whether given by such Guarantor or any other Person, and shall not be
discharged, limited or otherwise affected by reason of any of the following,
whether or not such Guarantor has notice or knowledge thereof:

                  (i)     any change in the time, manner or place of payment
         of, or in any other term of, any Guaranteed Obligations or any
         guaranty or other liability in respect thereof, or any amendment,
         modification or supplement to, restatement of, or consent to any
         rescission or waiver of or departure from,  any provisions of the
         Credit Agreement, any other Credit Document or any agreement or
         instrument delivered pursuant to any of the foregoing;

                 (ii)     the invalidity or unenforceability of any Guaranteed
         Obligations, any guaranty or other liability in respect thereof or any
         provisions of the Credit Agreement, any other Credit Document or any
         agreement or instrument delivered pursuant to any of the foregoing;

                (iii)     the addition or release of Guarantors hereunder or
         the taking, acceptance or release of other guarantees of any
         Guaranteed Obligations or additional Collateral or other security for
         any Guaranteed Obligations or for any guaranty or other liability in
         respect thereof;

                 (iv)     any discharge, modification, settlement, compromise
         or other action in respect of any Guaranteed Obligations or any
         guaranty or other liability in respect thereof, including any
         acceptance or refusal of any offer or performance with respect to the
         same or the subordination of the same to the payment of any other
         obligations;

                  (v)     any agreement not to pursue or enforce or any failure
         to pursue or enforce (whether voluntarily or involuntarily as a result
         of operation of law, court order or otherwise) any right or remedy in
         respect of any Guaranteed Obligations, any guaranty or other liability
         in respect thereof or any Collateral or other security for any of the
         foregoing; any sale, exchange, release, substitution, compromise or
         other action in respect of any such Collateral or other security; or
         any failure to create, protect, perfect, secure, insure, continue or
         maintain any Liens in any such Collateral or other security;

                 (vi)     the exercise of any right or remedy available under
         the Credit Documents, at law, in equity or otherwise in respect of any
         Collateral or other security for any Guaranteed Obligations or for any
         guaranty or other liability in respect thereof, in any order and by
         any manner thereby permitted, including, without limitation,
         foreclosure on any such Collateral or other security by any manner of
         sale thereby permitted;

                (vii)     any bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement,
         liquidation, insolvency, dissolution, termination, reorganization or
         like change in the corporate structure or existence of the Borrower or
         any other Person directly or indirectly liable for any Guaranteed
         Obligations;



<PAGE>   138

               (viii)     any manner of application of any payments by or
         amounts received or collected from any Person, by whomsoever paid and
         howsoever realized, whether in reduction of any Guaranteed Obligations
         or any other obligations of the Borrower or any other Person directly
         or indirectly liable for any Guaranteed Obligations, regardless of
         what Guaranteed Obligations may remain unpaid after any such
         application; or

                 (ix)     any other circumstance that might otherwise
         constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or a defense, set-off or
         counterclaim available to, the Borrower, any Guarantor or a surety or
         guarantor generally, other than the occurrence of all of the
         following: (y) the payment in full of the Total Obligations and (z)
         the termination of the Commitments under the Credit Agreement (the
         events in clauses (y) and (z) above, collectively, the "Termination
         Requirements").

         3.      Certain Waivers.  Each Guarantor hereby knowingly, voluntarily
and expressly waives:

                  (i)     presentment, demand for payment (other than payment
         hereunder), demand for performance, protest and notice of any other
         kind, including, without limitation, notice of nonpayment or other
         nonperformance (including notice of default under any Credit Document
         with respect to any Guaranteed Obligations), protest, dishonor,
         acceptance hereof, extension of additional credit to the Borrower and
         of any of the matters referred to in Section 2 and of any rights to
         consent thereto;

                 (ii)     any right to require the Guaranteed Parties or any of
         them, as a condition of payment or performance by such Guarantor
         hereunder, to proceed against, or to exhaust or have resort to any
         Collateral or other security from or any deposit balance or other
         credit in favor of, the Borrower, any other Guarantor or any other
         Person directly or indirectly liable for any Guaranteed Obligations,
         or to pursue any other remedy or enforce any other right; and any
         other defense based on an election of remedies with respect to any
         Collateral or other security for any Guaranteed Obligations of for any
         guaranty or other liability in respect thereof, notwithstanding that
         any such election (including any failure to pursue or enforce any
         rights or remedies) may impair or extinguish any right of
         indemnification, contribution, reimbursement or subrogation or other
         right or remedy of any Guarantor against the Borrower, any other
         Guarantor or any other Person directly or indirectly liable for any
         Guaranteed Obligations or any such Collateral or other security; and,
         without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Guarantor
         hereby specifically waives the benefits of Sections 26-7 through 26-9,
         inclusive, of the General Statutes of North Carolina, as amended from
         time to time, and any similar statute or law of any other
         jurisdiction, as the same may be amended from time to time;

                (iii)     any right or defense based on or arising by reason of
         any right or defense of the Borrower or any other Person, including,
         without limitation, any defense based on or arising from a lack of
         authority or other disability of the Borrower or any other Person, the
         invalidity or unenforceability of any Guaranteed Obligations, any
         Collateral or other security therefor or any Credit Document or other
         agreement or instrument delivered


<PAGE>   139

         pursuant thereto, or the cessation of the liability of the Borrower
         for any reason other than the satisfaction of the Termination
         Requirements;

                 (iv)     any defense based on any Guaranteed Party's acts or
         omissions in the administration of the Guaranteed Obligations (except
         to the extent such acts or omissions constitute gross negligence or
         willful misconduct on the part of such Guaranteed Party), any guaranty
         or other liability in respect thereof or any Collateral or other
         security for any of the foregoing, and promptness, diligence or any
         requirement that any Guaranteed Party create, protect, perfect,
         secure, insure, continue or maintain any Liens in any such Collateral
         or other security;

                  (v)     any right to assert against any Guaranteed Party, as
         a defense, counterclaim, crossclaim or set-off, any defense,
         counterclaim, claim, right of recoupment or set-off that it may at any
         time have against any Guaranteed Party (including, without limitation,
         failure of consideration, statute of limitations, payment, accord and
         satisfaction and usury), other than compulsory counterclaims; and

                 (vi)     any defense based on or afforded by any applicable
         law that limits the liability of or exonerates guarantors or sureties
         or that may in any other way conflict with the terms of this Guaranty.

         4.      Waiver of Subrogation; Subordination.  Each Guarantor hereby
knowingly, voluntarily and expressly waives all claims and rights that it may
have against the Borrower at any time following the occurrence and during the
continuation of an Event of Default as a result of any payment made under or in
connection with this Guaranty or the performance or enforcement hereof,
including all rights of subrogation to the rights of any of the Guaranteed
Parties against the Borrower, all rights of indemnity, contribution or
reimbursement against the Borrower (including rights of contribution as set
forth in SECTION 1(c)), all rights to enforce any remedies of any Guaranteed
Party against the Borrower, and any benefit of, and any right to participate
in, any Collateral or other security held by any Guaranteed Party to secure
payment of the Guaranteed Obligations, in each case whether such claims or
rights arise by contract, statute (including without limitation the Bankruptcy
Code), common law or otherwise.  Each Guarantor agrees that all indebtedness
and other obligations, whether now or hereafter existing, of the Borrower or
any other Subsidiary of the Borrower to any Guarantor, including, without
limitation, any such indebtedness in any proceeding under the Bankruptcy Code
and any intercompany receivables, together with any interest thereon, shall be,
and hereby are, subordinated and made junior in right of payment to the Total
Obligations.  Each Guarantor further agrees that if any amount shall be paid to
or any distribution received by any Guarantor (i) on account of any such
indebtedness at any time after the occurrence and during the continuance of an
Event of Default, or (ii) on account of any such rights of subrogation,
indemnity, contribution or reimbursement at any time prior to the satisfaction
of the Termination Requirements, such amount or distribution shall be deemed to
have been received and to be held in trust for the benefit of the Guaranteed
Parties, and shall forthwith be delivered to the Agent in the form received
(with any necessary endorsements in the case of written instruments), to be
applied against the Guaranteed Obligations, whether or not matured, in
accordance with the
<PAGE>   140

terms of the applicable Credit Documents and without in any way discharging,
limiting or otherwise affecting the liability of such Guarantor under any other
provision of this Guaranty.  Additionally, in the event the Borrower or any
Subsidiary of the Borrower becomes a "debtor" within the meaning of the
Bankruptcy Code, the Agent shall be entitled, at its option, on behalf of the
Guaranteed Parties and as attorney-in- fact for each Guarantor, and is hereby
authorized and appointed by each Guarantor, to file proofs of claim on behalf
of each relevant Guarantor and vote the rights of each such Guarantor in any
plan of reorganization, and to demand, sue for, collect and receive every
payment and distribution on any indebtedness of the Borrower or such Subsidiary
to any Guarantor in any such proceeding, each Guarantor hereby assigning to the
Agent all of its rights in respect of any such claim, including the right to
receive payments and distributions in respect thereof.

         5.      Representations and Warranties and Covenants.  Each Guarantor
hereby represents, warrants and covenants as follows:

         (a)     All representations and warranties contained in the Credit
Agreement that relate to such Guarantor are true and correct.

         (b)     Such Guarantor agrees to comply with each of the covenants
contained in the Credit Agreement that imposes or purports to impose, through
agreements with the Borrower, restrictions or obligations on such Guarantor.

         (c)     Such Guarantor acknowledges that any default in the due
observance or performance by such Guarantor of any covenant, condition or
agreement contained herein shall constitute an Event of Default as provided in
Article VIII of the Credit Agreement.

         (d)     There are no conditions precedent to the effectiveness of this
Guaranty that have not been satisfied or waived.

         (e)     Such Guarantor has, independently and without reliance upon
the Agent or any other Guaranteed Party and based on such documents and
information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own credit analysis and
decision to enter into this Guaranty.  Such Guarantor has investigated fully
the benefits and advantages which will be derived by it from execution of this
Guaranty, and the board of directors of such Guarantor has decided that a
direct or indirect benefit will accrue to such Guarantor by reason of the
execution of this Guaranty.

         (f)     (i) This Guaranty is not given with actual intent to hinder,
delay or defraud any Person to which such Guarantor is or will become, on or
after the date hereof, indebted; (ii) such Guarantor has received at least a
reasonably equivalent value in exchange for the giving of this Guaranty; (iii)
such Guarantor is not insolvent on the date hereof and will not become
insolvent as a result of the giving of this Guaranty; (iv) such Guarantor is
not engaged in a business or transaction, nor is about to engage in a business
or transaction, for which any property remaining with such Guarantor
constitutes an unreasonably small amount of capital; and (v) such Guarantor
does not intend to incur debts that will be beyond such Guarantor's ability to
pay as such debts mature.


<PAGE>   141

         6.      Financial Condition of Borrower.  Each Guarantor represents
that it has knowledge of the Borrower's financial condition and affairs and
that it has adequate means to obtain from the Borrower on an ongoing basis
information relating thereto and to the Borrower's ability to pay and perform
the Guaranteed Obligations, and agrees to assume the responsibility for
keeping, and to keep, so informed for so long as this Guaranty is in effect
with respect to such Guarantor.  Each Guarantor agrees that the Guaranteed
Parties shall have no obligation to investigate the financial condition or
affairs of the Borrower for the benefit of any Guarantor nor to advise any
Guarantor of any fact respecting, or any change in, the financial condition or
affairs of the Borrower that might become known to any Guaranteed Party at any
time, whether or not such Guaranteed Party knows or believes or has reason to
know or believe that any such fact or change is unknown to any Guarantor, or
might (or does) materially increase the risk of any Guarantor as guarantor, or
might (or would) affect the willingness of any Guarantor to continue as a
guarantor of the Guaranteed Obligations.

         7.      Payments; Application; Set-Off.  (a) Each Guarantor agrees
that, upon the failure of the Borrower to pay any Guaranteed Obligations when
and as the same shall become due (whether at the stated maturity, by
acceleration or otherwise), and without limitation of any other right or remedy
that any Guaranteed Party may have at law, in equity or otherwise against such
Guarantor, such Guarantor will, subject to the provisions of SECTION 1(b),
forthwith pay or cause to be paid to the Agent, for the benefit of the
Guaranteed Parties, an amount equal to the amount of the Guaranteed Obligations
then due and owing as aforesaid.

         (b)     All payments made by each Guarantor hereunder will be made in
Dollars to the Agent, without set-off, counterclaim or other defense and, in
accordance with Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement, free and clear of and
without deduction for any Taxes, each Guarantor hereby agreeing to comply with
and be bound by the provisions of Section 2.17 of the Credit Agreement in
respect of all payments made by it hereunder and the provisions of which
Section are hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Guaranty by this
reference as if set forth herein at length.

         (c)     All payments made hereunder shall be applied upon receipt as
follows:



                  (i)     first, to the payment of all Other Obligations owing
         to the Agent;

                 (ii)     second, after payment in full of the amounts
         specified in clause (i) above, to the ratable payment of all other
         Total Obligations owing to the Guaranteed Parties; and

                (iii)     third, after payment in full of the amounts specified
         in clauses (i) and (ii) above, and following the termination of this
         Guaranty, to the Guarantors or any other Person lawfully entitled to
         receive such surplus.

         (d)     For purposes of applying amounts in accordance with this
Section, the Agent shall be entitled to rely upon any Guaranteed Party that has
entered into a Hedge Agreement with the Borrower for a determination (which
such Guaranteed Party agrees to provide or cause to be provided upon request of
the Agent) of the outstanding Guaranteed Obligations owed to such
<PAGE>   142

Guaranteed Party under any such Hedge Agreement.  Unless it has actual
knowledge (including by way of written notice from any such Guaranteed Party)
to the contrary, the Agent, in acting hereunder, shall be entitled to assume
that no Hedge Agreements or Obligations in respect thereof are in existence
between any Guaranteed Party and the Borrower.

         (e)     The Guarantors shall remain jointly and severally liable to
the extent of any deficiency between the amount of all payments made hereunder
and the aggregate amount of the sums referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) of
subsection (c) above.

         (f)     In addition to all other rights and remedies available under
the Credit Documents or applicable law or otherwise, upon and at any time after
the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each
Guaranteed Party may, and is hereby authorized by each Guarantor, at any such
time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law,
without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which
are hereby knowingly and expressly waived by each Guarantor, to set off and to
apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or
final) and any other property at any time held (including at any branches or
agencies, wherever located), and any other indebtedness at any time owing, by
such Guaranteed Party to or for the credit or the account of such Guarantor
against any or all of the obligations of such Guarantor to such Guaranteed
Party hereunder now or hereafter existing, whether or not such obligations may
be contingent or unmatured, each Guarantor hereby granting to each Guaranteed
Party a continuing security interest in and Lien upon all such deposits and
other property as security for such obligations.  Each Guaranteed Party agrees
to notify any affected Guarantor promptly after any such set-off and
application; provided, however, that the failure to give such notice shall not
affect the validity of such set-off and application.

         8.      No Waiver.  The rights and remedies of the Guaranteed Parties
expressly set forth in this Guaranty and the other Credit Documents are
cumulative and in addition to, and not exclusive of, all other rights and
remedies available at law, in equity or otherwise.  No failure or delay on the
part of any Guaranteed Party in exercising any right, power or privilege shall
operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any
such right, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise thereof
or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege or be construed to be a
waiver of any Default or Event of Default.  No course of dealing between any of
the Guarantors and the Guaranteed Parties or their agents or employees shall be
effective to amend, modify or discharge any provision of this Guaranty or any
other Credit Document or to constitute a waiver of any Default or Event of
Default.  No notice to or demand upon any Guarantor in any case shall entitle
such Guarantor or any other Guarantor to any other or further notice or demand
in similar or other circumstances or constitute a waiver of the right of any
Guaranteed Party to exercise any right or remedy or take any other or further
action in any circumstances without notice or demand.

         9.      Enforcement.  The Guaranteed Parties agree that, except as
provided in SECTION 7(f), this Guaranty may be enforced only by the Agent,
acting upon the instructions or with the consent of the Required Lenders as
provided for in the Credit Agreement, and that no Guaranteed Party shall have
any right individually to enforce or seek to enforce this Guaranty or
<PAGE>   143

to realize upon any Collateral or other security given to secure the payment
and performance of the Guarantors' obligations hereunder.  The obligations of
each Guarantor hereunder are independent of the Guaranteed Obligations, and a
separate action or actions may be brought against each Guarantor whether or not
action is brought against the Borrower or any other Guarantor and whether or
not the Borrower or any other Guarantor is joined in any such action.  Each
Guarantor agrees that to the extent all or part of any payment of the
Guaranteed Obligations made by any Person is subsequently invalidated, declared
to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required to be repaid by or on
behalf of any Guaranteed Party to a trustee, receiver or any other party under
any Insolvency Laws (the amount of any such payment, a "Reclaimed Amount"),
then, to the extent of such Reclaimed Amount, this Guaranty shall continue in
full force and effect or be revived and reinstated, as the case may be, as to
the Guaranteed Obligations intended to be satisfied as if such payment had not
been received; and each Guarantor acknowledges that the term "Guaranteed
Obligations" includes, without duplication, all Reclaimed Amounts that may
arise from time to time.

         10.     Amendments, Waivers, etc.  No amendment, modification, waiver,
discharge or termination of, or consent to any departure by any Guarantor from,
any provision of this Guaranty, shall be effective unless in a writing signed
by the Agent and such of the Lenders as may be required under the provisions of
the Credit Agreement to concur in the action then being taken, and then the
same shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific
purpose for which given.

         11.     Addition, Release of Guarantors.  Each Guarantor recognizes
that the provisions of the Credit Agreement require Persons that become
Subsidiaries of the Borrower and that are not already parties hereto to become
Guarantors hereunder by executing a Guarantor Accession, and agrees that
subject to SECTION 3(iv) hereof, its obligations hereunder shall not be
discharged, limited or otherwise affected by reason of the same, or by reason
of the Agent's actions in effecting the same or in releasing any Guarantor
hereunder, in each case without the necessity of giving notice to or obtaining
the consent of any other Guarantor.

         12.     Continuing Guaranty; Term; Successors and Assigns; Assignment;
Survival.  This Guaranty is a continuing guaranty and covers all of the
Guaranteed Obligations as the same may arise and be outstanding at any time and
from time to time from and after the date hereof, and shall (i) remain in full
force and effect until satisfaction of all of the Termination Requirements,
(ii) be binding upon and enforceable against each Guarantor and its successors
and assigns (provided, however, that no Guarantor may sell, assign or transfer
any of its rights, interests, duties or obligations hereunder without the prior
written consent of the Lenders) and (iii) inure to the benefit of and be
enforceable by each Guaranteed Party and its successors and assigns.  Without
limiting the generality of clause (iii) above, any Guaranteed Party may, in
accordance with the provisions of the Credit Agreement, assign all or a portion
of the Guaranteed Obligations held by it (including by the sale of
participations), whereupon each Person that becomes the holder of any such
Guaranteed Obligations shall (except as may be otherwise agreed between such
Guaranteed Party and such Person) have and may exercise all of the rights and
benefits in respect thereof granted to such Guaranteed Party under this
Guaranty or otherwise.  Each Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives notice of and
consents in advance to the assignment
<PAGE>   144



as provided above from time to time by any Guaranteed Party of all or any
portion of the Guaranteed Obligations held by it and of the corresponding
rights and interests of such Guaranteed Party hereunder in connection
therewith.  All representations, warranties, covenants and agreements herein
shall survive the execution and delivery of this Guaranty and any Guarantor
Accession.

         13.     Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Appointment of
Borrower as Representative, Process Agent, Attorney-in-Fact.

         (a)     THIS GUARANTY SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN EXECUTED, DELIVERED
AND ACCEPTED AT, AND SHALL BE DEEMED TO HAVE BEEN MADE IN, NORTH CAROLINA AND
SHALL BE INTERPRETED, AND THE RIGHTS AND LIABILITIES OF THE GUARANTEED PARTIES
AND THE GUARANTORS DETERMINED, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INTERNAL LAWS (AS OPPOSED
TO CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS) OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA.  AS PART OF THE
CONSIDERATION FOR NEW VALUE THIS DAY RECEIVED, EACH OF THE GUARANTORS AND THE
AGENT HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE JURISDICTION OF ANY STATE COURT WITHIN MECKLENBURG
COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA OR ANY FEDERAL COURT LOCATED WITHIN THE WESTERN DISTRICT
OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA FOR ANY PROCEEDING INSTITUTED HEREUNDER OR UNDER
ANY OF THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS, OR ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS
GUARANTY OR ANY OF THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS, OR ANY PROCEEDING TO WHICH ANY
GUARANTEED PARTY OR SUCH GUARANTOR IS A PARTY, INCLUDING ANY ACTIONS BASED
UPON, ARISING OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF
DEALING, STATEMENT (WHETHER ORAL OR WRITTEN) OR ACTIONS OF ANY GUARANTEED PARTY
OR SUCH GUARANTOR.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO IRREVOCABLY AGREES TO BE BOUND
(SUBJECT TO ANY AVAILABLE RIGHT OF APPEAL) BY ANY JUDGMENT RENDERED OR RELIEF
GRANTED THEREBY AND FURTHER WAIVES ANY OBJECTION THAT IT MAY HAVE BASED ON LACK
OF JURISDICTION OR IMPROPER VENUE OR FORUM NON CONVENIENS TO THE CONDUCT OF ANY
SUCH PROCEEDING.

         (b)     EACH GUARANTOR HEREBY IRREVOCABLY DESIGNATES AND APPOINTS THE
BORROWER AS ITS DESIGNEE, APPOINTEE AND AGENT TO RECEIVE ON ITS BEHALF ALL
SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AND ANY OTHER NOTICE OR
COMMUNICATION HEREUNDER, CONSENTS THAT ALL SERVICE OF PROCESS UPON IT MAY BE
MADE BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL DIRECTED TO THE BORROWER AT ITS ADDRESS
SET FORTH HEREINABOVE (AND SERVICE SO MADE SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE COMPLETED UPON
THE EARLIER OF ACTUAL RECEIPT THEREOF OR THREE (3) BUSINESS DAYS AFTER DEPOSIT
IN THE UNITED STATES MAILS, PROPER POSTAGE PREPAID AND PROPERLY ADDRESSED), AND
AGREES THAT SERVICE SO MADE SHALL BE EFFECTIVE AND BINDING
<PAGE>   145

UPON SUCH GUARANTOR IN EVERY RESPECT AND THAT ANY OTHER NOTICE OR COMMUNICATION
GIVEN TO THE BORROWER AT THE ADDRESS AND IN THE MANNER SPECIFIED HEREIN SHALL
BE EFFECTIVE NOTICE TO SUCH GUARANTOR.  FURTHER, EACH GUARANTOR DOES HEREBY
IRREVOCABLY MAKE, CONSTITUTE AND APPOINT THE BORROWER AS ITS TRUE AND LAWFUL
ATTORNEY-IN-FACT, WITH FULL AUTHORITY IN ITS PLACE AND STEAD AND IN ITS NAME,
THE BORROWER'S NAME OR OTHERWISE, AND WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION IN THE
PREMISES, FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE BORROWER'S DISCRETION TO AGREE ON BEHALF OF,
AND SIGN THE NAME OF, SUCH GUARANTOR TO ANY AMENDMENT, MODIFICATION OR
SUPPLEMENT TO, RESTATEMENT OF, OR WAIVER OR CONSENT IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS
GUARANTY, ANY OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENT OR ANY DOCUMENT OR INSTRUMENT PURSUANT
HERETO OR THERETO, AND TO TAKE ANY OTHER ACTION AND DO ALL OTHER THINGS ON
BEHALF OF SUCH GUARANTOR THAT THE BORROWER MAY DEEM NECESSARY OR ADVISABLE TO
CARRY OUT AND ACCOMPLISH THE PURPOSES OF THIS GUARANTY AND THE OTHER CREDIT
DOCUMENTS.  THE BORROWER WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY ACT OR OMISSION NOR FOR ANY
ERROR OF JUDGMENT OR MISTAKE OF FACT UNLESS THE SAME SHALL OCCUR AS A RESULT OF
THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF THE BORROWER.  THIS POWER, BEING
COUPLED WITH AN INTEREST, IS IRREVOCABLE BY ANY GUARANTOR FOR SO LONG AS THIS
GUARANTY SHALL BE IN EFFECT WITH RESPECT TO SUCH GUARANTOR.  BY ITS SIGNATURE
HERETO, THE BORROWER CONSENTS TO ITS APPOINTMENT AS PROVIDED FOR HEREIN AND
AGREES PROMPTLY TO DISTRIBUTE ALL PROCESS, NOTICES AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO
EACH GUARANTOR.

         (c)     NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL AFFECT THE RIGHT TO SERVE LEGAL
PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY
GUARANTEED PARTY TO BRING ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING AGAINST ANY GUARANTOR IN THE
COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

         14.     Arbitration; Preservation and Limitation of Remedies.  (a)
Upon demand of any party hereto, whether made before or after institution of
any judicial proceeding, any dispute, claim or controversy arising out of,
connected with or relating to this Guaranty or any other Credit Document
("Disputes") between or among the Guarantors and the Guaranteed Parties, or any
of them, shall be resolved by binding arbitration as provided herein.
Institution of a judicial proceeding by a party does not waive the right of
that party to demand arbitration hereunder.  Disputes may include, without
limitation, tort claims, counterclaims, claims brought as class actions, claims
arising from documents executed in the future, or claims arising out of or
connected with the transactions contemplated by this Guaranty, the Credit
Agreement and the other Credit Documents.  Arbitration shall be conducted under
and governed by the Commercial Financial Disputes Arbitration Rules (the
"Arbitration Rules") of the American Arbitration Association (the "AAA"), as in
effect from time to time, and Title 9 of the U.S.  Code, as


<PAGE>   146

amended. All arbitration hearings shall be conducted in the city in which the
principal office of the Agent is located. The expedited procedures set forth in
Rule 51 et seq. of the Arbitration Rules shall be applicable to claims of less
than $1,000,000. All applicable statutes of limitation shall apply to any
Dispute. A judgment upon the award may be entered in any court having
jurisdiction. The panel from which all arbitrators are selected shall be
comprised of licensed attorneys. The single arbitrator selected for expedited
procedure shall be a retired judge from the highest court of general
jurisdiction, state or federal, of the state where the hearing will be
conducted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this arbitration provision does not
apply to Disputes under or related to Hedge Agreements.

         (b)     Notwithstanding the preceding binding arbitration provisions,
the parties hereto agree to preserve, without diminution, certain remedies that
any party hereto may employ or exercise freely, either alone, in conjunction
with or during a Dispute.  Any party hereto shall have the right to proceed in
any court of proper jurisdiction or by self-help to exercise or prosecute the
following remedies, as applicable: (i) all rights to foreclose against any
Collateral by exercising a power of sale granted pursuant to any of the Credit
Documents or under applicable law or by judicial foreclosure and sale,
including a proceeding to confirm the sale; (ii) all rights of self-help,
including peaceful occupation of real property and collection of rents,
set-off, and peaceful possession of personal property; (iii) obtaining
provisional or ancillary remedies, including injunctive relief, sequestration,
garnishment, attachment, appointment of a receiver and filing an involuntary
bankruptcy proceeding; and (iv) when applicable, a judgment by confession of
judgment.  Preservation of these remedies does not limit the power of an
arbitrator to grant similar remedies that may be requested by a party in a
Dispute.  The parties hereto agree that no party shall have a remedy of
punitive or exemplary damages against any other party in any Dispute, and each
party hereby waives any right or claim to punitive or exemplary damages that it
has now or that may arise in the future in connection with any Dispute, whether
such Dispute is resolved by arbitration or judicially.

         15.     Notices.  All notices and other communications provided for
hereunder shall be in writing (including telegraphic, telex, facsimile
transmission or cable communication) and mailed, telegraphed, telexed,
telecopied, cabled or delivered (a) if to any Guarantor, in care of the
Borrower and at the Borrower's address for notices set forth in the Credit
Agreement and (b) if to any Guaranteed Party, at its address for notices set
forth in the Credit Agreement; or to such other address as any of the Persons
listed above may designate for itself by like notice to the other Persons
listed above; and in each case, with copies to such other Persons as may be
specified under the provisions of the Credit Agreement.  All such notices and
communications shall be deemed to have been given (i) if mailed as provided
above by any method other than overnight delivery service, on the third
Business Day after deposit in the mails, (ii) if mailed by overnight delivery
service, telegraphed, telexed, telecopied or cabled, when delivered for
overnight delivery, delivered to the telegraph company, confirmed by telex
answerback, transmitted by telecopier or delivered to the cable company,
respectively, or (iii) if delivered by hand, upon delivery; provided that
notices and communications to the Agent shall not be effective until received
by the Agent.
<PAGE>   147

         16.     Severability.  To the extent any provision of this Guaranty is
prohibited by or invalid under the applicable law of any jurisdiction, such
provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or
invalidity and only in such jurisdiction, without prohibiting or invalidating
such provision in any other jurisdiction or the remaining provisions of this
Guaranty in any jurisdiction.

         17.     Construction.  The headings of the various sections and
subsections of this Guaranty have been inserted for convenience only and shall
not in any way affect the meaning or construction of any of the provisions
hereof.  Unless the context otherwise requires, words in the singular include
the plural and words in the plural include the singular.

         18.     Counterparts; Effectiveness.  This Guaranty may be executed in
any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto on separate
counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an
original, but all of which shall together constitute one and the same
instrument.  This Guaranty shall become effective, as to any Guarantor, upon
the execution and delivery by such Guarantor of a counterpart hereof or a
Guarantor Accession.




<PAGE>   148
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each Guarantor has caused this Guaranty to be
executed by its duly authorized officers as of the date first above written.


            THE SIGNATURES OF THE GUARANTORS EXECUTING THIS GUARANTY
             AS OF THE DATE FIRST ABOVE WRITTEN ARE ON THE FOLLOWING
                     SEQUENTIALLY NUMBERED SIGNATURE PAGES.

         The Borrower hereby joins in this Guaranty for purposes of evidencing
its consent to, and agreement to perform, the provisions of SECTION 13(b).


                                  ORTHALLIANCE, INC.


                                  By:    _____________________________________

                                  Title: _____________________________________





Accepted and agreed to:

FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as Agent


By:    _____________________________________

Title: _____________________________________









                               Subsidiary Guaranty
                               OrthAlliance, Inc.
                       First Union National Bank, as Agent

                             (Signatures continued)






                                       15
<PAGE>   149
                                  ORTHALLIANCE FINANCE, INC.


                                  By:    _____________________________________

                                  Title: _____________________________________



















                               Subsidiary Guaranty
                               OrthAlliance, Inc.
                       First Union National Bank, as Agent

                             (Signatures continued)





                                       16
<PAGE>   150

                                           Exhibit A to Subsidiary Guaranty
                                           First Union National Bank, as Agent
                                           OrthAlliance, Inc.
                                           December 30, 1997 / $25,000,000
                                           ------------------------------------


                              GUARANTOR ACCESSION


         THIS GUARANTOR ACCESSION, dated as of _______________, ____, is
delivered by [NAME OF NEW GUARANTOR] (the "Guarantor") pursuant to SECTION 11
of the Guaranty referred to hereinbelow.

         Reference is hereby made to the Subsidiary Guaranty, dated as of
_____________, 1997, made by the Guarantors (as defined therein) named therein
(as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time, the "Guaranty,"
capitalized terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined).

         The undersigned is a Subsidiary of OrthAlliance, Inc. (the "Borrower")
and is required to guarantee the Guaranteed Obligations.  The undersigned
hereby adopts and makes for itself all of the representations and warranties
set forth in SECTION 5 of the Guaranty as if such representations and
warranties were set forth herein at length.

         The undersigned hereby acknowledges that, upon the execution and
delivery of this Guarantor Accession, it will become a party to the Guaranty as
a Guarantor thereunder.  The undersigned hereby adopts the terms and provisions
of the Guaranty and agrees to be bound by all of the duties, liabilities and
obligations of the Guarantors set forth in the Guaranty.  This Guarantor
Accession and its attachments are hereby incorporated into the Guaranty and
made a part thereof.





                                  [NAME OF NEW GUARANTOR]




                                  By:    _____________________________________

                                  Title: _____________________________________








                                       17
<PAGE>   151
                                                   Exhibit G to Credit Agreement


                                     FORM OF
                         OPINION OF COUNSEL TO BORROWER

                                     [Date]

First Union National Bank, as Agent
One First Union Center, 5th Floor
301 South College Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28288-0735


The other Lenders party to the
Credit Agreement referred to below

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have acted as counsel to OrthAlliance, Inc., a Delaware corporation
(the "BORROWER"), and [EACH COUNSEL SHOULD DESCRIBE THOSE GUARANTORS LOCATED IN
OR INCORPORATED UNDER THE STATE WHERE SUCH COUNSEL IS LICENSED, AND SHOULD
INCLUDE A DESCRIPTION OF ALL GUARANTORS] (collectively, the "GUARANTORS"), in
connection with (a) the execution and delivery of (i) the Credit Agreement,
dated as of ________ , 1997, among the Borrower, First Union National Bank as
Agent, and the financial institutions party thereto, as Lenders (the "CREDIT
AGREEMENT"), and (ii) the other Loan Documents (as defined in the Credit
Agreement) and (b) the negotiation, preparation and consummation of the
transactions contemplated thereby. This opinion is furnished to you pursuant to
Section 3. 1 (a)(iv) of the Credit Agreement and at the instruction of the
Borrower. All capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein
have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.

         We have examined executed copies of the following documents:

         (1) the Credit Agreement,

         (2) the Notes executed as of the Closing Date (the "NOTES"),

         (3) the Guaranty,

         (4) the Fee Letter (the "FEE LETTER"),
<PAGE>   152
First Union National Bank, as Agent
Page 2

         (5) the Pledge and Security Agreement (the "PLEDGE AND SECURITY
AGREEMENT"; together with the Credit Agreement, the Notes, the Guaranty and the
Fee Letter, the "LOAN DOCUMENTS"), together with copies of the financing
statements on Form UCC-1 (the "FINANCING STATEMENTS") in the form attached
hereto as Exhibit 1, in favor of the Agent, as secured party, reports from
____________ as to copies of UCC financing statements naming the Borrower or any
Guarantor as debtor and of federal tax liens filed against the Borrower or any
Guarantor that are on file as set forth therein (the "SEARCH REPORTS") in the
[DESCRIBE APPROPRIATE FILING OFFICES] (the "FILING JURISDICTIONS"), and
originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of
such other documents, corporate records, certificates of public officials and
other instruments as we have deemed necessary or advisable for purposes of this
opinion.

         Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

         1 . The Borrower and the Guarantors (collectively, the "OBLIGORS") are
corporations duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of their state of incorporation and are duly qualified to do business in
each other jurisdiction where the absence of such qualification would have a
Material Adverse Effect.(1)

         2. Each of the Obligors has the corporate power and authority: (i) to
carry on its business as now being conducted, (ii) to execute, deliver and
perform each Loan Document to which it is a party; and (iii) to take all action
as may be necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated under the Loan
Documents to which it is a party.(2)

         3. The execution, delivery and performance by each Obligor of the Loan
Documents to which it is a party and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated thereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action
and do not (a) contravene (i) any Obligor's charter or bylaws, (ii) any law,
statute, rule or regulation applicable to such Obligor, or (iii) to the best of
our knowledge after due inquiry, any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree
or determination of any Governmental Authority applicable to it, (b) to the best
of our knowledge after due inquiry, conflict with, result in a breach of or
constitute (with notice, lapse of time or both) a default under any material
indenture, agreement or other instrument to which any Obligor is a party, by
which such Obligor or any of its properties is bound or to which such Loan Party
is subject, or, (c) to the best of our knowledge after due inquiry, result in or
require the creation of any lien, security interest or other encumbrance (other
than the liens and security interests of the Agent and the Lenders pursuant to
the Loan Documents) upon or with respect to any Obligor's properties.(3)


- -------------------------------------

1     To be given by local counsel as to entities incorporated in those states.

2     Ditto footnote 1

3     Local counsel to give (a)(i)-(ii) only.
<PAGE>   153
First Union National Bank, as Agent
Page 3

         4. Each of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents has been
duly executed and delivered by each Obligor that is a party thereto.(4)

         5. A [STATE] court or a federal court sitting in [STATE] in a diversity
action will give effect to the provisions of the Credit Agreement and the other
Loan Documents providing that the Credit Agreement and each of the other Loan
Documents is to be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal
laws of the State of North Carolina insofar as such provisions relate to the
substantive laws of the State of North Carolina and to the validity, nature,
interpretation and effect of the Credit Agreement and each other Loan Document
except (i) to the extent, if any, that federal law applies, (ii) to the extent
that North Carolina law provides that the validity or perfection of any security
interest created thereunder or remedies thereunder or the assignment thereof are
governed by the laws of a jurisdiction other than the State of North Carolina
(whether pursuant to Section 9-103 or 8-106 of the Uniform Commercial Code as
enacted in North Carolina or otherwise) or (iii) to the extent that procedural
(as opposed to substantive) laws are involved.(5)

         6. If a California court were to apply California law in construing the
validity of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document notwithstanding the
choice of North Carolina law provided for therein, the Credit Agreement and the
other Loan Documents (other than the choice of law provisions and other than the
Mortgages and Lease Assignments (as to which you are obtaining opinions from
other counsel)) would constitute the legal, valid and binding obligations of the
Borrower and the other Obligors, enforceable against the Borrower and the other
Obligors in accordance with their terms, except as the enforcement thereof may
be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws
relating to or limiting creditors' rights generally and subject to the
availability of equitable remedies.(6)

         7. To the best of our knowledge after due inquiry, there are no
actions, suits or proceedings pending or threatened against or affecting the
Borrower or any other Obligor or their properties at law or in equity before any
court or administrative officer or agency (i) that might result in a Material
Adverse Effect, (ii) that question the validity of the Credit Agreement or any
other Loan Document, or (iii) that might impair the ability of any Obligor to
perform its obligations thereunder.(7)

         8. If a [NAME STATE] court were to apply [NAME STATE] in construing the
validity of the Pledge and Security Agreement, the Pledge and Security Agreement
would be in sufficient form under [NAME STATE] law to create security interests
in favor of the Agent as security for the Secured

 ---------------------------

4     To be given by [BORROWER'S MAIN COUNSEL].

5     To be given by all counsel.

6     To be given by [MAIN COUNSEL] only.

7     To be given by [MAIN COUNSEL] only.
<PAGE>   154
First Union National Bank, as Agent
Page 4

Obligations (as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement) in such of the
collateral purported to be covered thereby in which a security interest may be
created under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code as enacted in the State
of [STATE] (the "[STATE] UCC"), except that the Pledge and Security Agreement
will create such security interests in property in which the Borrower or such
other Pledgor (as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement) has no present
rights only when the Borrower or such other Pledgor acquires rights therein.(8)

         9. a. The authorized capital stock of [name of subsidiary] consists of
________ shares of __________ stock, $___ par value per share, of which _______
shares are issued and outstanding and are held legally and beneficially by the
Borrower, subject only to the pledge of such shares to the Agent pursuant to the
Loan Documents. All such issued and outstanding shares of capital stock have
been duly and validly authorized and issued, and are fully paid and
non-assessable, subject to no preemptive rights, options to purchase or similar
rights or restrictions. There are no outstanding options, warrants or other
agreements or obligations to issue additional shares of capital stock of such
Subsidiary to any Person.

            b. [repeat for all subsidiaries](9)

         10. After giving effect to the delivery to the Agent of the Stock
listed in Part I of Schedule D to the Pledge and Security Agreement and assuming
continuous possession at all times thereafter by the Secured Party of the Stock,
the security interests created in favor of the Agent under the Pledge and
Security Agreement with respect to the Stock constitute valid and perfected
security interests in the Stock in favor of the Agent under the Pledge and
Security Agreement, subject to no consensual security interest of any other
Person, and no filings or recordings are required in order to perfect the
security interests in the Stock in favor of the Agent under the Pledge and
Security Agreement. Assuming the Agent acquires its interest in the Stock in
good faith and without notice of any adverse claims, the Agent will acquire its
security interests in the Stock free of adverse claims. (10)

         11. a. The Search Reports cover every jurisdiction (i) prescribed under
the Uniform Commercial Code as jurisdictions in which filings should be made to
perfect security interests in the Collateral which are perfected by filing under
Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code and (ii) having files which must be
searched in order to determine fully the existence of notice of the filing of
federal tax liens (filed pursuant to Schedule 6323 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended) on the Collateral. (11)

- ----------------------------

 (8) To be given by all counsel.

 (9) To be given by [MAIN COUNSEL] only.

(10) To be given by local counsel as to entities incorporated in those states.

(11) To be given by all counsel.
<PAGE>   155
First Union National Bank, as Agent
Page 5


         12. The law of [STATE] requires that continuation statements complying
with the Uniform Commercial Code must be filed with the office of the Secretary
of State and the [filing office] not more than six months prior to the
expiration of the five-year period dating from the date of filing of the
financing statement and not more than six months prior to the expiration of each
subsequent five-year period after the original filing in order to protect the
priority of the security interest in any personal property. Additional filings
with respect to any personal property described in a financing statement also
may be necessary for any Obligor that changes its name or the jurisdiction in
which its place of business (or, if it has more than one place of business, its
chief executive office) or such personal property is located.(12)


         13. No authorization, approval, consent or other action by, and no
notice, registration or filing with, (i) any Governmental Authority, (ii) any
creditor or holder of any capital stock of any Obligor or (iii) any other
Person, required on the part of the Borrower or any other Obligor pursuant to
any presently existing law or regulation of the United States of America or the
State of [state] is required for the due execution, delivery and performance by
any Obligor of the Loan Documents. (13)

         14. The execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents in
accordance with the terms thereof, including, without limitation, the execution,
delivery and recording of the Financing Statements and the Mortgage(s), do not
give rise to any state taxes, assessments or other charges, except UCC filing
fees and mortgage recording fees. No state taxes, assessments or other charges,
except UCC filing fees and mortgage recording fees, will be imposed upon, or be
payable by any of the Lenders or the Agent solely as a precondition to the
enforcement of its rights and remedies under the Credit Agreement or any of the
other Loan Documents. (14)

         15. Notwithstanding the North Carolina choice of law provisions in the
Loan Documents, if [State] usury laws were applicable to the Loan Documents, the
fees, interest, and other charges payable under the Loan Documents do not
violate any usury or similar laws under [STATE] law.

         16. Neither any Lender nor the Agent needs to qualify for the purpose
of doing business in the State of [STATE] in connection with the valid
execution, delivery and performance of the Credit Agreement, the Loan Documents
or any promissory notes delivered pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement.
(15)


- -------------------

12    To be given by all counsel. Modify continuation statements requirements,
      as applicable.

13    All counsel to give opinion re: clause (i), and [MAIN COUNSEL] to give
      opinion on all matters described.

14    To be given by all counsel.

15    To be given by all counsel.
<PAGE>   156
First Union National Bank, as Agent
Page 6


         17. The Borrower is not engaged in the business of extending credit for
the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock and consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Credit Agreement and the Loan Documents will
not violate Regulation G, T, U or X as promulgated by the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System.

         18. The Borrower is not an "investment company" within the meaning of
the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

         In rendering the opinion expressed in paragraph 9(a) above, we express
no opinion with respect to any Collateral of a type described in Section
9-401(l)(a) or (b) of the [____________] UCC or represented by a certificate of
title. In addition, we note that our opinion in paragraphs 7 and 9(a) above may
be limited by Sections 9-307, 9-314 and 9-315 of the [______________] UCC.

         The opinions herein expressed are limited in all respects solely to the
matters governed by the internal laws of the State of [_____________], [the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware] and the federal laws of the
United States of America.


         This opinion is rendered solely to you and is solely for your benefit
in connection with the transactions covered hereby. This opinion may not be
relied upon by you for any other purpose, or relied upon by any other Person,
firm or corporation for any purpose, without our prior written consent. We
hereby consent to the distribution of and reliance hereon by any party which,
pursuant to SECTION 10.7 of the Credit Agreement, becomes a participant in or
assignee of your interest in the Credit Agreement. We do not undertake to advise
you of any matters that might hereafter arise that would affect the opinions
expressed herein. Our opinion is limited to the matters stated herein, and no
opinion is implied or may be inferred beyond the matters expressly stated
herein.


                                Very truly yours,
<PAGE>   157

                                                   Exhibit H to Credit Agreement


                                     FORM OF
                         FINANCIAL CONDITION CERTIFICATE

         THIS FINANCIAL CONDITION CERTIFICATE is delivered pursuant to Section
3.1(j) of the Credit Agreement, dated as of _______________(the "Credit
Agreement"), among ORTHALLIANCE, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"),
certain banks and other financial institutions from time to time parties thereto
(the "Lenders") and FIRST UNION NATIONAL BANK, as Agent. Capitalized terms used
herein without definition shall have the meanings given to such terms in the
Credit Agreement.

The undersigned hereby certifies for and on behalf of the Borrower as follows:

         1. Capacity. The undersigned is, and at all pertinent times mentioned
herein has been, the duly qualified and acting Chief Financial Officer of the
Borrower, and in such capacity has responsibility for the management of the
Borrower's financial affairs and for the preparation of the Borrower's financial
statements.

         2. Procedures. The undersigned has carefully reviewed the contents of
this certificate and has conferred with counsel for the Borrower for the purpose
of discussing the meaning, of the term "unreasonably small capital" (as used in
Section 548(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C ss. 548(a)) for purposes of the
certification contained in SECTION 3.6 hereof. The statements made herein by the
undersigned are based upon the personal knowledge of the undersigned, or upon
reports and other information given to the undersigned by supervisory personnel
of the Borrower having responsibility for the reports and information given. The
statements are made in good faith and, to the best of the knowledge of the
undersigned, are reasonable in all material respects.

         3. Certifications. Based on the foregoing, the undersigned hereby
certifies as follows:

         3.1. Attached hereto as ANNEX A is a true, correct and complete copy of
the Projections. Such Projections cover the fiscal year[s] ending December 31,
___ and give effect to the extensions of credit contemplated by the Credit
Agreement, the payment of transaction fees and expenses incident to the
foregoing and the consummation of the other transactions contemplated thereby.
The Projections have been prepared in good faith by the executive and financial
personnel of the Borrower and, to the best knowledge of the undersigned,
represent, as of the date hereof, a reasonable estimate of the future
performance and financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, it
being acknowledged by the Agent and the Lenders that these projections as to
future events are subject to the uncertainties and estimations inherent in any
projections, and that the actual results during the periods covered thereby may
be different than the projected results (and that such differences may be
material and adverse). The undersigned knows of no material facts that have
occurred since the date of the preparation of the Projections that would lead
him to believe that the Projections, taken as a whole, are no longer
appropriate.

         3.2 The assumptions used in the preparation of the Projections are, to
the knowledge of the undersigned, reasonable.


<PAGE>   158


         3.3 The Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are not
now, nor will the incurrence of the Obligations pursuant to the Credit Agreement
render them, "insolvent" (as hereinafter defined). The undersigned understands
that, in this context, "insolvent" means that the present fair saleable value of
assets is less than the amount that will be required to pay the probable
liability on existing debts as such debts mature. The undersigned understands
that the term "debts" includes any known reasonable contingencies and
contingencies that should be included in notes to the financial statements of
the Borrower and its Subsidiaries pursuant to GAAP. The foregoing, is supported
by an analysis of the Projections.

         3.4 The undersigned believes that, by incurring, the Obligations
pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a
consolidated basis, will not incur debts beyond their ability to pay as such
obligations as they mature (taking into account the timing and amounts of cash
to be payable on or in respect of the Indebtedness of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries). The foregoing conclusion is based in part on the Projections,
which reflect that the cash flow of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a
consolidated basis, after taking, into account all anticipated uses of the cash
of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, will at all times be sufficient to pay all
amounts on or in respect of Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
when such amounts are required to be paid (including, without limitation,
scheduled payments pursuant to the Credit Agreement).

         3.5 After giving effect to the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by the Credit Agreement, the assets of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, do not constitute "unreasonably small
capital" (as used in Section 548(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. Section
548(a)), for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries to carry on its business as now
conducted and as proposed to be conducted (taking, into account the particular
capital requirements of the business conducted and to be conducted by the
Borrower and its Subsidiaries and the availability of capital in respect thereof
(with reference to, without limitation, the Projections)).

         3.6 Neither the Borrower nor any of its Subsidiaries has executed the
Credit Agreement or any documents mentioned herein, or made any transfer or
incurred any obligations thereunder, with intent to hinder, delay or defraud
either present or future creditors of the Borrower or any Subsidiary.

         3.7 The undersigned understands that the Lenders have performed their
own review and analysis of the financial condition of the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries, but that the Lenders are relying on the foregoing statements in
connection with the extension of credit to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries
pursuant to the Credit Agreement. By its acceptance of this Financial Condition
Certificate, the Agent and each Lender are acknowledging that the undersigned is
delivering this Financial Condition Certificate on behalf of the Borrower in his
capacity as Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower, and the Agent and each
Lender agrees that the undersigned will have no personal liability arising out
of or in connection with the undersigned's delivery of this Financial Condition
Certificate.

         Executed as of the ___day of _______ , 1997.


                                    ORTHALLIANCE, INC.

                                    By:________________________
                                    Chief Financial Officer


<PAGE>   159


                         FINANCIAL CONDITION CERTIFICATE
                                     ANNEX A


                               ORTHALLLIANCE, INC.
                                   Projections



                                 [see attached]



<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 10.17


                                                                            Date

Name
Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Doctor:

I am pleased to confirm the terms of the OrthAlliance Practice Improvement
Program Guarantee. Your new professional corporation ("New PC") will not have to
pay any Service Fee to OrthAlliance under the Service Agreement [or Consulting
and Business Services Agreement] ("Service Agreement") between OrthAlliance and
the New PC for as long as all of the conditions set forth below are met.
Capitalized terms are defined on Exhibit 1. By way of example and not
limitation, a sample calculation is attached as an Example.

CONDITIONS. Commencing two years after the close of the Merger, the Service
Fee [or Consulting Fee] will be eliminated for each month in which all of the
conditions set forth below are met.

1.    Your Adjusted Merger Consideration is less than the New PC's Cumulative
      Practice Net Income Reduction.

2.    The New PC reports the necessary information to OrthAlliance promptly each
      month to facilitate the calculation of condition 1.

3.    The New PC participates in OrthAlliance Practice Improvement Programs in
      effect from time to time, which include monthly benchmark information
      reporting.

4.    Throughout the term of the Service Agreement, orthodontists will work the
      same number of hours for the New PC that orthodontists worked for your
      existing practice ("Previous Practice") during the Base Period.

If circumstances change and the foregoing conditions are no longer met, then the
New PC will pay the Service Fee [or Consulting Fee] in accordance with the terms
of the Service Agreement. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the
New PC will always be responsible for paying for all Center Expenses, as defined
in the Service Agreement.

TRANSFERABILITY. This Supplement to the Service Agreement may not be assigned
and is not transferable without the express written consent of OrthAlliance and
terminates when and if the stockholders of the New PC at the Merger date cease
to own a majority of the stock of the New PC.

If you are in agreement with the foregoing, please sign and return a copy of
this letter to me and it will serve as a supplement to the Service Agreement

Sincerely,                                Agreed:



Sam Westover                              _______________________________
President and CEO


                                       1
<PAGE>   2
                                     EXAMPLE

This example assumes a practice with no practice improvements, Monthly Base
Period Net Income before taxes of $_______ ($_______ in 199_) and Merger
Consideration of $_________ (consisting of cash of $________ and OrthAlliance
Class A Common Stock of $________). It is also assumed that in 200_ the Current
Stock Price of OrthAlliance Class A Common Stock is $_____ and that the practice
has had Monthly Practice Net Income before taxes of $______ ($_______
annualized) from 199__ through 200_.

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                      <C>
         Original stock price                                            $__________
         Current Stock Price in 200_                                     $__________

         Merger Consideration
                  Cash                                                   $__________
                  Stock (______ shares at ____ )                         $__________
                  Total                                                  $__________

         Adjusted Merger Consideration in 200_
                  Cash (plus interest at _%, after taxes)                $__________
                  Stock (______ shares at $____)                         $__________
                  Total                                                  $__________
                  After-tax (20% capital gains,
                  Except interest at ordinary income rates)              $__________

         Cumulative Practice Net Income Reduction *                     ($__________)

         Negative value - No Service Fee [or Consulting Fee] due        ($__________)
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           MONTHLY PRACTICE NET INCOME
Year     Current           Base Yr.         Difference                 Taxed @ 40%
<S>      <C>               <C>              <C>                        <C>
199_     _______           _______          (_______)                  (_______)
199_     _______           _______          (_______)                  (_______)
199_     _______           _______          (_______)                  (_______)
200_     _______           _______          (_______)                  (_______)
200_     _______           _______          (_______)                  (_______)


Cumulative Practice Net Income Reduction    *                          (_______)
</TABLE>


                                       2
<PAGE>   3
                                    EXHIBIT 1

DEFINITIONS. For convenience, the following definitions are used. All references
to taxes are to state and federal income taxes and rates at the Merger Date. All
accounting terms are according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principals.

- -     Adjusted Merger Consideration: The sum of (i) the after-tax value of the
      cash paid as Merger Consideration (using the capital gains rate) plus
      interest at _% per annum(after-taxes at ordinary income rates and (ii) the
      after-tax value (using the capital gains rate) of the shares of
      OrthAlliance Class A Common Stock paid as Merger Consideration, adjusted
      for any stock splits, dividends or other adjustments multiplied by the
      Current Stock Price. The capital gains rate is used to determine the
      Adjusted Merger Consideration. You should consult your own tax advisor,
      since OrthAlliance is not providing any tax advice and is not making any
      representation or warranty with respect to your taxes.

- -     Base Period: The last complete tax year, which was the tax year ended
      December 31, 199_.

- -     Calculation Date: The last date of each month during the term of the
      Service Agreement.

- -     Cumulative Practice Net Income Reduction: The sum of the differences
      between the Monthly Practice Net Income and the Monthly Base Period Net
      Income for the period from the Merger through the Calculation Date. The
      Cumulative Practice Net Income Reduction is a positive number for this
      calculation when the Monthly Practice Net Income is less than the Monthly
      Base Period Net Income and negative when it is not.

- -     Current Stock Price: The higher of (i) the average closing price of
      OrthAlliance Class A Common Stock for the 20 trading days preceding the
      Calculation Date or (ii) if you or another owner of New PC have sold all
      or part of the Common Stock paid as part of the Merger Consideration, the
      sales price that was received when the Common Stock was sold.

- -     Merger: The Merger described in the Merger Agreement.

- -     Merger Agreement: The Agreement and Plan of Reorganization by and among
      OrthAlliance, the Previous Practice and you.

- -     Merger Consideration: The Merger Consideration described in the Merger
      Agreement.

- -     Monthly Base Period Net Income: The average after-tax monthly income
      (using the maximum ordinary income rate) earned by the Previous Practice
      from patient revenues less practice expenses, excluding the Service Fee
      and orthodontist compensation, during the Base Period.

- -     Monthly Practice Net Income: The after-tax income (using the maximum
      ordinary income rate) earned by the New PC including the Service Fee [or
      Consulting Fee] and excluding any non-business, non-practice and personal
      expenses. Expenses must be reasonable and appropriate for the operation of
      an orthodontic practice. All patient revenues earned by the New PC are
      included and all orthodontist compensation is excluded in determining
      Monthly Practice Net Income. Any interest earned through OrthAlliance bank
      accounts or investment management will be included.

- -     Service Agreement: The Service Agreement [or Consulting and Business
      Services Agreement] between the New PC and OrthAlliance.


                                       3

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 21.1
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Subsidiaries
                                       of
                               OrthAlliance, Inc.


                                                           State of
Name                                                       Incorporation
- ----                                                       -------------
<S>                                                       <C>
Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                                         WA
Crawford Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                                GA
Crum Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                                    AZ
Halliburton Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                             TN
Horvath Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                                 GA
Jayne Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                                   AL
Lorentz Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                                 MS
Mitchell Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                                GA
OA Equipment, Inc.                                             IN
Only Orthodontics of South Miami, Inc.                         FL
Pence Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                                   IN
Pickron Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                                 GA
Rodeffer & Garner Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                       FL
Silver Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                                  GA
Smernoff Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                                VA
Yaffey Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                                  FL
Yurfest Asset Subsidiary, Inc.                                 GA
OrthAlliance Finance, Inc.                                     DE
PedoAlliance, Inc.                                             DE
</TABLE>








<PAGE>   1


                                                                  EXHIBIT 23.1



                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation of
our reports included in this Form 10-K, into the Company's previously filed
Registration Statement No. 333-29435, No. 333-48831 and No. 333-48833.



                                                 /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

                                                 ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Los Angeles, California
March 24, 1998

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                      12,647,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                7,647,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                   535,000
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            23,299,000
<PP&E>                                       7,100,000
<DEPRECIATION>                               3,886,000
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              44,363,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       10,214,000
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        12,000
<OTHER-SE>                                  34,016,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                44,363,000
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            18,351,000
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               14,854,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                             3,392,000
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                105,000
<INCOME-TAX>                                   841,000
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                          (736,000)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                 (736,000)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (0.18)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.18)
        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<RESTATED> 
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1997
<CASH>                                      17,472,165
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                6,825,458
<ALLOWANCES>                                   498,050
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            24,358,770
<PP&E>                                       6,478,993
<DEPRECIATION>                               3,782,163
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              36,892,888
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        9,382,042
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        11,397
<OTHER-SE>                                  24,951,024
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                36,892,888
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             4,054,457
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                             7,771,978
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                            (3,717,521)
<INCOME-TAX>                               (1,487,124)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                        (2,230,397)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                               (2,230,397)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (1.50)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (1.50)
        

</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1


                                                                 EXHIBIT 99.1



                        SAFE HARBOR COMPLIANCE STATEMENT


        The Company believes that the following factors could cause actual
results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements set forth
in this Form 10-K.


1.   The Company's ability to grow through affiliations with additional
     orthodontic practices.

2.   The Company's ability to identify suitable affiliation candidates and to
     profitably manage or successfully integrate new Allied Practices with the
     Company and its existing Allied Practices.

3.   The level of competition in the orthodontic practice management industries.

4.   Regulatory development and changes in the United States healthcare
     system and dental and orthodontic professions that may affect the
     profitability of the Company or the enforceability of the Company's
     operative agreements with its Allied Practices and Allied Orthodontists.

5.   The Company's dependence on revenues generated by the Allied Orthodontists
     of the Allied Practices.

6.   The Company's ability to secure capital, and the related cost of such
     capital, needed to fund the future growth of the Company through 
     affiliations with orthodontic practices as well as internal growth.

7.   The Company's ability to staff the Allied Practices with appropriate
     qualified personnel.

8.   The continued availability to the Company of adequate insurance.

9.   The Allied Practices' reputation for delivering high-quality patient care
     and their ability to attract and retain patients.

        The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive or as an
admission regarding the adequacy of disclosures previously made by the Company.
All capitalized terms used in this Exhibit 99.1 not otherwise defined herein
have the same meanings as prescribed to such terms in the Form 10-K.


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission