practice | MANAGEMENT
Disputes and awkward professional relationships By Graham Middleton
“It’s important when buying a dental practice to consider long term impacts of structure. I’ve seen many examples of poor business structure because an accountant advised it...”
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ver 33 years, I came across a multitude of disputes involving partnerships, associateships and part practice sales to corporates involving dentists, veterinarians and other professionals. There were a variety of outcomes and a variety of causes among which jealousy, greed and unfair carrying of the burden of building and administering practices were prominent. Names and some details have been altered to preserve the identity of those involved.
The incompatible veterinary partners, circa 1990 eorge was a competent veterinary surgeon but had a hair trigger temper while Ike was naturally diplomatic. Their practice was very profitable with several employed vets and about six support staff. George regularly snapped at staff if the slightest matter upset him. Ike quietly patched matters up and provided a safety valve for staff. The
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practice remained profitable but one day, Ike was diagnosed with a terminal illness and was forced to retire. Rather than have a new partner, George purchased Ike’s partnership share of the practice and premises. It proved to be a disaster, with regular turnover of staff. Such was George’s reputation in his profession, no staff member had to explain to a prospective veterinary employer why they had left his practice. Eventually George decided to retire after his practice had been badly run down. It took several years but the new owners rebuilt it into a vibrant practice and several former staff members became employees.
The controlling dental associate ames and Joe were associates in an established dental practice. James was controlling and many of his actions offended Joe who was naturally cooperative. James burnt off some good staff, while Joe was protective of those who supported him. James produced the higher fees but had a lifestyle which required more income. Joe’s lifestyle was modest and although he earned less, his financial position was much stronger.
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March/April 2022
