Sir, I feel obliged to warn all practitioners regarding the knock-on effects of their patient care, and how a third-party, when driven, can 'persuade' patients to take the litigation pathway. When I and my practising partner sold our practice after 23 years, I stayed on as an associate. After some 2-3 years, it became clear that I was being scrutinised and that my abilities were in question. I felt I had no option but to resign, a decision which clearly annoyed the practice owner and his (wife) manager. I was threatened with: 'I am going to destroy you and if you do not give me all the money I want to support (in my view) patient retrospective treatments, I shall report you to the GDC' by the practice owner. His wife was quick to add that they 'would not give up' in chasing me for money.

I had already agreed (under duress) to leave £10,000 to cover retrospective care. This became £17,000 when the owner refused to pay me at all for my last three months' work. The parting words were: 'you can speak English reasonably well so you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a job'. (I let the reader interpret this comment as they see fit.) Some five years later following several (settled) legal claims, patients are still being guided along the litigation route whilst I am facing financial hardship leading to me having to sell my practice, retire from dentistry early (I am 58) and look for alternative sources of income. The sheer cost of indemnity cover rose to a staggering £64,000 making it impossible for me to continue.

I am troubled by a profession which seems to applaud the threatening of one member by another and the fact that the GDC can be used as 'a weapon'.

Patient care is important but there must (hopefully) come a point where practitioners can be seen to be bullying rather than 'representing their patient's best interests'... It is a relief to me that none of my children have chosen dentistry as a profession and that my wife will be able to leave behind the stress and strain of managing our practice. The profession itself has (for me, at least) become a disappointment. Practitioners, please be aware that you are vulnerable and that your colleague may not always be what they appear to be.