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

[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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Dtail]

In general in society, there is a lot less folks willing to say I am sorry.
Just the way it is now.

 

[MarieIG]

Sometimes I wonder if people are trained not to admit fault, for fear that you would use it against them.

Hmm, if the malpractice carrier had some of its dentists attend a seminar or if this dentist had ever been sued before, he might have been cautioned by his attorney because: (an admission against interest is an exception to the rule against heresay - or so I may have heard . . . )

 

[badatmath]

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

Hardly seems right when we are paying for a service. And in my case I wasn't even sick but some people really need that appointment!

HawkOwl thanks. My (retired, wonderful) dentist was all about preventive stuff and seemed so different than what I am seeing at more "modern" place. This is my 2nd try since wonderful one retired and it is kind of a bust.

 

[msanniee]

Let’s face it, they were gaslighting you.

I have no desire to be around anyone who engages in that behavior.

For me, when a medical professional gaslights it says BEWARE and that is time to move on and find a different doctor.

 

[fruitful]

Go to a different provider

I went to an oral surgeon for a molar extraction. He wanted to do a dental implant at the same time and I declined because I could not afford to do all the work at once. He proceeded to jam a needle into my gum without any surface numbing. He continued to extract the tooth before the area was numb. It was the worst experience I have ever had for a dental procedure.


Karma caught up a few years later when he and an assistant were in a car accident and they drowned in a (usually dry) creek bed.

 

[JoeWras]

Woah, the thread spins dark.

 

[badatmath]

I am really impatient to get this one over with but the crown has not come in yet. I realized I won't have dental when I retire so I want to get to new dentist sooner rather than later.

 

[Vacation4us]

Years ago my dentist said I needed root planing done at 2 separate appts. At the second appointment I said to the hygienist didn’t you do this side last time? She convinced me I was wrong and carried on. My insurance denied the claim because they billed for the same side twice.

I had my answer and never went back to that office. The best part was when they sent me the bill and tried to collect from me. Ahhhh NO.

I have had 2 dentists since neither said I needed root planing even though one side was never done. I like my current dentist but in general I don’t trust them. Some are snake oil salesmen, drumming up $$.

The pediatric dentist my kids went to was great. Converted my hysterical uncooperative 3 yo daughter into a happy compliant little girl who loved to go see “Dr. Jon”. DD is 23 still sees the pediatric dentist and reports her picture holding all her comfort toys still hangs in his office. He had her come to his office 3 times just to visit and sit in the chair before he drilled 3 of her baby teeth. He is a winner in my book!

Sometimes it’s hard to find a good dentist.

 

[dmpi]

I've had the same dentist for 40+ years. Reading this thread makes me appreciate the the fact that we both have our guard down and we can work together at a personal level.

 

[skipro33]

The reason for not saying sorry is that it is admitting doing something wrong. Something they could be sued over later and found to be at fault by admission.
Whereas stipulation no harm is a medical determination of level of care. Hippocratic oath: first, do no harm.