Comments on: Hygienist Steals Patients, Leaves Dentist with Huge Legal Bills

By: rebecca

rebecca — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 07:03:12 +0000

legally do receptionists have to tell you where their dentist has moved to?

By: David Phelps

David Phelps — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 02:47:22 +0000

I just settled a case against a former employee/associate dentist who not only breached the non-competition covenant, but also took 4 key staff members and approx 170 patients when he opened a practice two blocks away. We had a solid Employment Contract that covered all of these issues, but this dentist with extremely low character, lack of morals and ethics, found a lawyer (money-grubber) who took his case and we spent lots of time and money pre-trial and finally settled. Caveat: you can have the best contracts, but that will not stop those with low moral character – it’s a risk that we all take. Getting an injunction is very difficult – most attorneys will not tell you about all of the pitfalls – I think most don’t know. Nothing is “ironclad.”

By: Cathy Ahles

Cathy Ahles — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:48:36 +0000

This individual ruined a lifetime of hard work for Dr. M. It is incomprehensible to me that this individual was not punished under the law, and her employer-dentist was not both punished and sanctioned by the dental society. Whether this theft is covered under Michigan law or not, a dentist that would condone such theft by an employee has NO ETHICS — something every medical practioner must have to call themselve a dentist or doctor. And the really sad thing is, every watchdog entity from the local newspaper on down seems afraid of “naming names,” probably for fear of a libel suit. I’m disgusted by the whole thing.

By: P. V. Bochiechio DDS

P. V. Bochiechio DDS — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:12:07 +0000

Not only does one need to worry about “printed” patient lists, but given the widespread use of those little USB thumb drives, it would be so easy for a computer litterate employee to simply copy your data to a drive for use later. Just reinforces the need for common sense security measures. While regulations will vary by state, some sort of contract/documentation with all employees is paramount to protect yourself and your patients.

By: Jim Powell, DMD

Jim Powell, DMD — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:56:01 +0000

This story, trial,AND the Hygienist’s name should be published in EVERY dental magazine in this country, including the ADA News! She is a THIEF!!

By: Julian E. Gray DDS

Julian E. Gray DDS — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 20:04:19 +0000

It almost happened to me and I am a former Hyg turned dentist. My hyg , who had worked for me 20 years was retiring due to arthritis. She had worked for 20 years for the previous owner, so knew 3 generations of patients. She was old school and impossible to teach to RP, meaning I did all the perio or sent to periodontist. She requested the receptionist pull all the names and addresses and print for her. She was not good on the computer, fortuantely for me, and the Receptionist reported the request to me. I immediately locked her out of the computer and spoke to her about it. She had “hurt feelings” about the lack of trust, etc. and could not acknowledge the HIPPA violation of the addresses and data being taken out of the office. It was supposedly to send thank you’s to her patients when she left. She was having a hard time retiring, having no other life but the office. I did not trust her , since she had treathened to take the patients years ago during a disagreement early in the buy out. Yes, it can happen. I was able to stop it and now five years later, she has not even come back to the office for a visit.!!! One of the most stressful times of my whole career in dentistry. Where are the ethics lectures on this? Dr. Gray

By: Lisa Fixmer

Lisa Fixmer — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:42:29 +0000

As an OM for more than 20yrs I thought I had heard it all. I am wondering if Dr. M filed a c/o with the MI dept of professional regs for an ethical violation against the RDH. If not he should. The judgement will forever be a defense. Every Dr. needs to find out what is considered a trade secret in their state and make it clear by contract what is confidencial in his office, also most software has a view only security setting available for select employees. Check your systems audit trail for print activity of your pt list frequently, and insist on one before you buy. Also was the Dr. she went to work for aware that she had stolen the list and used it to bring those pts with her, if he did he deserves what ever she does to him later.

By: mitchell milan

mitchell milan — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 12:13:02 +0000

This story brings up the fact that even our own established practices can be at risk for the same reasons. Although I am confident with the ethics of my long term hygienist (and other employees), she could just easily solicit patients if she were to work in another office. I think that signing a confidentiality agreement with all empoloyees (front and back office) whether a new practice was purchased or not would be more than prudent.