I thank Dr. Jacobson for sharing her perspectives. The advice to "cut and run" at the onset is certainly not an "unethical" solution. However, a one-on-one, respectful and private conversation with the senior dentist is the "right" thing to do. Ethically, it should be the first approach to consider. It is in keeping with the spirit of the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, and is more likely to change the senior dentist’s behavior toward patients and employees than is quitting and grousing.
My spouse, kids, new dentists and others have all told me of situations in which they felt a dentist, partner, teacher, older friend, relative or employer was out of order. In every case, I give the same "common sense" advice (sometimes meekly): you must face your demons. No doubt, this is difficult for the employee-dentist. He or she will either be rebuffed, ignored or respected for courage and concern. If rebuffed or ignored, then he or she obviously can elect another course of action, such as quitting.
The junior dentist does have ethical obligations to patients, and to employees, when our patients and their care are involved. Business obligations do not excuse us from our professional duties to our patients. Please see the statement of the ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws, and Judicial Affairs on "Ethical Aspects of Dental Practice Arrangements" at "www.ada.org/prof/prac/law/code/ethical_practice.asp". Pitting the group against the senior dentist is not right by any standard. "Telling the others why" could be perilous if the senior dentist has a loyal staff and the junior dentist plans to stay in town.
Beyond ethics, if there is a written employment contract with a noncompete clause, how will quitting affect it? Does the employed dentist want to stay in the area, instead of starting over elsewhere? Bridges shouldn’t be burned without a lot of thought about consequences. Perhaps the attitude of the senior dentist could be construed as material breach, or perhaps not. It could take some legal work and dollars to get it straightened out. Attempting to come to an understanding as professionals is proactive, instead of reactive.
At the end of the day, I believe our junior dentist will have no ethical regrets for opting first to approach the senior dentist to talk about the problem on a professional level, regardless of the outcome.
