A question for all those grumpy patients out there.?

Question

Do patients who say "I hate the dentist & getting my teeth worked on, really think we will do the same cleaning and service as those who don't?" I know we're supposed to, but do you really think we do?

Your'e answer are perfect. It was a long day. Just felt like getting some ideas out there. I like hearing about all the trust, and the confidence you have, and liking the dentist and hygenist. Wouldn't that be a better way to say hello?

Answer 1

Whenever someone says this to the doc I work for, my response is, "And people wonder why dentists have a high suicide rate." Don't worry, tomorrow will be better. Just keep thinking about all the folks you are helping! Always remember the patients who say that they can finally smile again with confidence thanks to you & your staff.

Answer 2

You can't take this so personally. As a professional you should
be empathetic towards how you would feel if you had to have
something done to you that made you feel uncomfortable and uneasy like say a colonoscopy....ouch...what if the doctor probing
around you was thinking like you are suggesting that you think
while working on someone's teeth...that's not a good thought is
it?Actually, not only should you as a professional give these
individuals who state that they are uncomfortable getting work
done on their teeth, (in layman's terms "I hate the dentist"), the
same attention you would others...you should actually be going
out of your way to make them feel at ease. It's a part of your
profession...or it should be important to you if you take pride
in your work and truly care for your patients. ("First do no harm")
So please tell me that you just had a really bad day and that
you actually do not treat uneasy patients with blatant disregard
just because of your ego.

Answer 3

I would hope that your ethics are more in order than not to provide someone with quality treatment just because of them being uncomfortable in the chair!!! Really, how many people do you think are really ecstatic about being poked with a needle, then numb for three to four hours, and having to hold their mouth open in excess of an hour in many instances. On top of that the taste of the materials, the assistant trying to keep the saliva and water suctioned but occasionally inadvertently catching your cheek and scaring you half to death! I feel this way and I work in a dental office! Thanks for the reply, sometimes I feel like i should fore go dental school and try to open a practice management firm, it's a thought.

Answer 4

A true professional would do a good job regardless of who the patient is. A true human might understand why some people fear the dentist. There was a day when dentistry wasn't as pain free as it is now.

Answer 5

I love going to the dentist and don't mind seeing the doctor, however, I feel that those who say those types of things do get the same service. Most doctors/dentists who know the patient is uncomfortable, try to adapt to the patient to make them more at ease. Or at least, you would hope they would...that is what makes them known for their "bedside manner".

Answer 6

I think the dentist and the hygeinists are fine, but I despise having my teeth worked. I have extremely sensitive teeth and some of my roots are showing. And ( don't laugh) I have ticklish gums. It is pure torture. I really would rather go for my annual gyn . appt. As the old saying goes. "its not you, its me".

Answer 7

Of course. I put a lot of trust in any medical profession. I am assuming that you chose your profession because you like it and spent a great deal of time and hard work to get where you are today...which includes developing good moral character. However, if you don't wash your hands before you stick them in my mouth (or other places), don't expect to see me again!!

Answer 8

I think we do. Am a dental assistant and don't care if someone is grumpy, Itreat them as anyone else.

Answer 9

I would hope that you are professional enough to.....