My dental assistant lost a handpiece, is it fair to take it out of her pay?

I do cases in the O.R and my O.R. assistant seem to have lost a high-speed handpiece which will cost me over $800.00 to replace. Is it fair to take it out of her pay? I don't think I will do it though, I just want to get some opinions. I am also planning to fire her for other reasons, can anyone give me an advice on how to fire her safely? (I already gave her two warnings)

My dental assistant lost a handpiece, is it fair to take it out of her pay?
did she sign a contract with you? if not it is considered at will employment meaning she can quit or u can let her go for any reason whatsoever without disclosing the reason why. if she did sign a contract read it and see if she is in violation of any part that will allow u to fire her if not let her ride out the contract and dont renew it. now for the handpiece i doubt it would be fair to take it out of pay but since i dont know the whole story i wont comment on it other than to say if u do take it out of her pay u should do so before u fire her otherwise if u keep her last check as recompense u could face an enquiry by the bbb and medical board. u would probably be right in doing it but why take the chance.
Reply:do you give your asst. extra money when she saves you money?
Reply:You really wouldn't take it out of her pay. You may have insurance coverage for it.





Do contact your attorney for advice about how to dismiss her.
Reply:Wow. Fire her this time, saying the 'final straw' was for losing the pricey handpiece. How to fire her safely? I think you have plenty of reasons already! Good luck, and get that incompetent woman out of there!
Reply:Frankly, I think it is very easy for handpieces to be lost in the OR and it may have nothing to do with your medical assistant.





You legally cannot take the $800 out of her pay, unless you have a written contract stimulating that issue. Since you are going to fire her she will have the ability of having a State Agency coming after you for back pay. Your income as a dentist will not feel the $800 at all. It is a business expensive and you can write it off on your taxes.





I would assume the warnings were in writing. If the warnings are not in writing and the dental assistant is a minority you could have a lot more troubles.
Reply:Written policy is the greatest safety net for termination.





If you have a written policy that clearly defines infractions that will lead to immediate termination, as well as a discipline regimen (i.e. two written warnings and you will be terminated) then you should be safe, but as always when concerned about a legal issue, contact and attorney.
Reply:If you have the warnings documented then you have every right to fire her. Get her out of there so your business doesn't suffer her consequences!





I'm not really sure what the equipment is you are talking about, but I don't know if you can really charge her for it.
Reply:Of course you do not take it our of her pay. She didn't do it on purpose. And I'm sure you rake in far more than what she makes. That's what you have insurance for. Perform a couple more procedures at the outrageous costs charged by you and other healthcare professionals and you'll have a new one soon paid for by the working class.





How to fire her safely? Is she mentally unstable and may cause you physical harm or are you trying to cover your behind if she tries to make a case about it? If she's not mentally unstable, then this post sounds to me like you aren't sure under what grounds you could fire her.





If she's incompetent, then you fire her for that, if she steals, then that, etc.





You healthcare professionals are a real bunch!
Reply:three warnings for the same offence is technically grounds for firing (well according to my states board of labor). as for the handpeice i am afraid it its gone, there is a possibility she could take you to court if you take it out of her pay
Reply:Are her warnings documented?
Reply:Wouldn't it be wonderful if dentists were required to take management courses in dental school? Perhaps there would be no need for questions like these.

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