"You weren't harmed" instead of "I'm sorry"

[frayne]

Unprofessional at minimum and possibly incompetent as well. Yes, I'd change dentists.

[Vincenzo Corleone]

Quote:

Originally Posted by badatmath Would you change dentists over this?

Yes.

[Aerides]

Did your dentist have the xrays or medical records as given from the endo? I don't think I'd have even let them take the impression if I knew it was wrong as that's a waste of my time.

I would have handled this by being a bit more firm to begin with. "Nope, I'm sorry, before we do anything, let's double check.."

The whole exchange as written suggests a lot of miscommunication. But if I complained at a mistake to any business, which cost at least my time and aggravation, and their response was "you weren't harmed" I think I would have to show them my back.

As with all things medical, I'm a customer before I'm a patient, and I vote with my dollars.

[Teacher Terry]

That dentist is incompetent and I would definitely find a new one.

[MarieIG]

After you finish with this dentist - take your X-rays, they belong to you. Tell the next dentist to work with these until you get coverage for your next set.

[Gumby]

Aside from any legal peril, some people just have a hard time admitting mistakes and/or apologizing. It threatens their sense of self. In any event, I'd probably shop around for a new dentist.

[Jerry1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarieIG After you finish with this dentist - take your X-rays, they belong to you. Tell the next dentist to work with these until you get coverage for your next set.

This is what I was thinking. There must be a way to transfer the x-rays and complete dental records. It’s not good to have x-rays taken anymore than necessary.

[Car-Guy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gumby Aside from any legal peril, some people just have a hard time admitting mistakes and/or apologizing. It threatens their sense of self. In any event, I'd probably shop around for a new dentist.

I agree with ~99% of what you wrote... I'd change the word some to most.

[badatmath]

Thanks all, esp interesting hankowl as a dentist thinks this is not cool. Yes, they had the records from endo but had not bothered to pull them up until I told them they were wrong. I was shocked when they tried to do the impression on the wrong tooth and when I tried to remove it staff was just like you are going to make a big mess just wait and then we will talk.

[MarieIG]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry1 This is what I was thinking. There must be a way to transfer the x-rays and complete dental records. It’s not good to have x-rays taken anymore than necessary.

I don't know if there is a difference from state to state, but yes, patients are entitled to their own records - and nowadays films can be put on CD or even online, which are very cheap to reproduce and/or access. A patient's history is germane to their ongoing treatment, and failure to promptly provide records could potentially result in harm to the patient.

[Aerides]

Out of curiosity:

Who made the initial mistake of insisting to proceed incorrectly? - was the actual dentist involved in that debacle or just their techs?

Who said "you weren't harmed" Again - the techs or the actual dentist?

If this was all a mess up by the techs, the dentist and "folks in charge" should be made very aware. I'd go up the chain so they can address the double whammy, but, still, I'd be walking out the door by this point.

[badatmath]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aerides Out of curiosity: Who made the initial mistake of insisting to proceed incorrectly? - was the actual dentist involved in that debacle or just their techs? Who said "you weren't harmed" Again - the techs or the actual dentist? If this was all a mess up by the techs, the dentist and "folks in charge" should be made very aware. I'd go up the chain so they can address the double whammy, but, still, I'd be walking out the door by this point.

Initial - Staff.
Harm - Dentist.
I almost walked out yesterday but I thought well as long as we work on the right tooth just go with it. I think that is part of why I am a little uneasy now though as only time will tell if this needs redone. They prepared the tooth for crown and I will get in 2 weeks.

[Dash man]

I’ve walked out on dentists for much less. Get a new one

[HawkOwl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by badatmath Thanks all, esp interesting hankowl as a dentist thinks this is not cool. Yes, they had the records from endo but had not bothered to pull them up until I told them they were wrong. I was shocked when they tried to do the impression on the wrong tooth and when I tried to remove it staff was just like you are going to make a big mess just wait and then we will talk.

FWIW this part was correct. Pulling an impression out before it solidifies makes a big mess.

[HawkOwl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teacher Terry That dentist is incompetent and I would definitely find a new one.

Incompetence requires more than one data point to determine.

[pacergal]

Yes, I would find a new dentist, after said work was done and also after a talk with dentist as to why I was leaving. He/she needs to hear feedback on their work/management style and OK to ask for an apology! Doesn't mean you will get one, but I believe you can explain why you want and deserve one.

[skyking1]

When we fired our dentists, I walked in and took possession of our records and hand walked them to the new dentist. We did not want to mess around with them sending the records over.

[badatmath]

I assume the records are digital now. I will ask about this.
HawkOwl - in your opinion is it better to do the same day crowns or have them sent to the lab? Old dentist (who retired) preferred the latter but IDK. This one seemed annoyed about it even though I stated it when the appointment was made. If you don't want to give advice, no worries. I'd probably not like random people asking me to help with my profession too often.

[HawkOwl]

Quote:

Originally Posted by badatmath I assume the records are digital now. I will ask about this. HawkOwl - in your opinion is it better to do the same day crowns or have them sent to the lab? Old dentist (who retired) preferred the latter but IDK. This one seemed annoyed about it even though I stated it when the appointment was made. If you don't want to give advice, no worries. I'd probably not like random people asking me to help with my profession too often.

.

Most dental records (including radiographs) are electronic now, and in most cases can be forwarded over the internet. No physical copy is (usually) needed, and the only reason that you would need to show up in person is to sign a consent for release of records.

I have no strong feelings one way or the other on which crown technique is better. I am one of those “old dentists” (happily retired now) and used the two appointment method. The equipment needed to make same day crowns is expensive, and the cost would have to be passed along somehow. It is certainly possible that an economy of scale could be achieved to bring the costs down. Does investment in CAD/CAM lead to overtreatment? I suppose it depends on the practitioner’s ethics. I think either method will produce excellent results in the hands of a conscientious clinician. “All roads lead to Dublin” and all that.

[foxfirev5]

Just happened today. Not a Dentist but DW had an appointment to have a cast removed from her foot. After check-in we sat in an examination room for over an hour. Finally a "nurse" showed up an explained that the Dr is out of the country and can not be found. No apologies or further explanation. Being a former nurse DW immediately called another office and booked a foot specialist for tomorrow AM.( No referral needed since we're on Medigap).

It's everyone for themselves in the current environment. An no you're not being a curmudgeon.