Hey guys, I worked for a general dentist for 4 years & when I couldn't take his verbal abuse anymore (throwing cells phones, cussing, kicking cabinets, throwing things, etc), even though I needed the money, I turned in my resignation letter. I worked out my 2 weeks with no problem, but now I can't get a job! Every time a possible employer calls for a reference he talks serious trash about me, it's even gotten to the point where he's saying that I along with another employee stole over $150,000 from him before we left. In today's economy I need a job, but no one going to hire me with this. Who are they going to believe? Me or another dentist? Is there anything I can do?

Why don't you stop putting him down as a reference then? I'm sure you have other colleagues from that office or other jobs whom you could rely on to give better professional references, right?

You can still put him down as a previous employer and that way when they call to verify employment he is only legally allowed to verify your dates of employment and nothing else (though it doesn't stop him from slanderizing you, but a good reference caller will disregard that). I know that at least in Colorado, calls for employment verification are bound by certain rules as to what information you ask for and what is disclosed. Good luck!

Problem is, prior to working with him I was going through school. He is the only employer I've had in about 8 years. I have put down other people as reference but when it comes to the dental community it's very small.

It is understandable that you are limited with references,but how many did you have when you began with him?

You make it clear that there were personality differences with him,that if he slams you with the new proposed employer you will take further actions.You know the laws concerning how much one can disclose for references,if he defames you,you need to pursue a suit against him(In other words,get the new prospective employer to agree to at least a deposition or to testify, perhaps record the phone conversation with this ex-employer,to prove he is defaming your character)... I am no lawyer,but perhaps seeking legal advice from the legal boards would help you further.

Thank you, I wish it didn't have to be this way, the whole thing is ridiculous. I'm planning on looking into a lawyer, if nothing else I can get a free consult & see if they think there's something I can do.

You can always go back into the office and talk to him directly and maturely.

"I think I left here on good terms, for the most part. When I speak to others about leaving here, all I am saying was I was unable to work efficiently with the current staff and thought it best I seek employment elsewhere. I am not bad-mouthing you nor this office in any way. Can you please give me a better reference than I have been getting? I have to work to feed my family, and all I want to do is work. Can you please do that for me? Perhaps a basic written recommendation about my work-product only so you won't have to answer calls for references, if you'd prefer? Please, I am sorry I had to leave, but I believe doing so was the best for both of us, but I do need a good recommendation from you to acquire a new position as quickly as I can. Thank you for your help and understanding."

Eating crow is a good skill to have, in the end you are the better for it, yes?

And if you can prove he lied about you to a company, and that company is willing to testify in court, you can sue him

How do you know what he is telling other places.

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Originally Posted by KlikThis1

it's even gotten to the point where he's saying that I along with another employee stole over $150,000 from him before we left.

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Hello K:

The Padre is correct.. This isn't even a tough call. If you can PROVE he said that, you'll OWN his practice. See a lawyer TOMORROW - OK on MONDAY!

excon

Fr_Chuck, some of his patients and other doctors are still in touch with me or the other employees who left after me. He's making some really wild accusations. Let me see... he's telling people that myself & the previous office manager have stolen over $150k and he intends to put us behind bars, even though he hasn't filed charged. I know he's full of it, we never stole anything. He's also telling people that I came in one day waving a gun around, threatening him with it & slamming it on the counter. He's telling people that now after every patient he locks the door because afraid I'll come back. ***!
I don't understand why he is doing this. I want to get him on tape but so far I've been out of luck. I had someone call one time and pretend to be a manager from another office calling for a reference and as soon as she mentioned my name, she said he clammed up, stuttered & then said he was busy and hung up. I am so tired of this! It's hard enough trying to find work right now without having to deal with a childish ex-boss. But then again, karma's been getting back at him. His wife is divorcing him & he's being sued for sexual harassment by a previous employee & he's already settled with her.
A lawyer is the only way I can see getting this problem resolved. If I try and go in & talk with him reasonably like JBeaucaire mentioned, I can see that man calling the cops and telling them that I'm harassing him & try and have me arrested.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KlikThis1

If I try and go in & talk with him reasonably like JBeaucaire mentioned, I can see that man calling the cops and telling them that I'm harassing him & try and have me arrested.

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Take someone with you, someone not a personal friend on your side solely, a neutral party.

If he's making all these accusations, then I strongly suggest a lawyer. He can be sued for ruining your reputation and preventing you from pursuing other jobs.

With that said, I strongly suggest you try to find work elsewhere, where he doesn't have any reach. Furthermore, I really hope that you stopped using him as a reference for future job applications.

Unless you can find someone else at that clinic who can give you a proper reference, you're better just leaving this past experience completely out of your CV.