title: A dear teacher.
abstract: We learn much of our professional expectations from colleagues, especially those we admire. This report describes one dentist's disappointment in extending the same professional relationship to an associate that he had experienced when he first associated. In the absence of a written employment agreement, the new associate set up practice a few minutes away, stealing staff and patients. The silver lining has been greater office efficiency and a richer relationship with patients and staff.
authors.affiliation: sgold_90266@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Steven A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Gold
mesh_terms: D032982:Contracts; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D006124:Group Practice, Dental / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D011215:Practice Management, Dental / Q000458:organization & administration*