Thursday Troubleshooter: RDH worried about incompetent office, where she's also receiving care (video)
Nearly everyone has problems and concerns on the job, and sometimes you're just too close to a situation to solve something yourself. Share your concerns with Team Troubleshooter, and the experts will examine the issues and provide guidance. Send questions to [email protected].
QUESTION: I’m a dental hygienist, and I work in two different offices. Office 1 (full-time) is very prestigious and high-end, and their work is highly recommended. Office 2 (one day a week) is very laid back and conservative. Lately I’ve noticed Office 2’s treatments and diagnoses to be incompetent. I actually decided to have Invisalign done at Office 2 because it’s cheaper, but I was fooled when I forgot it requires interproximal reduction (IPR). I think the dentist completely shaved down not only my tooth but the cusp of a tooth next to it and my gums bled severely, and then he had to “bond it” because he messed up.
I’m terrified and I’m having anxiety attacks and I want to transfer my case to the other office. I’m only four trays in but I feel extremely conflicted. I feel awful that I trusted him, but I also fear for the patients who are being treated by him because this isn’t right. He just told me how he did an extraction and prepped a three-unit bridge in 38 minutes and he was proud of it, while the patient next door was screaming. Clinical and radiographic areas have not been addressed to par either. I know I’m not a dentist, but what do I do about this situation?
ANSWER FROM DR. CHRIS SALIERNO, editor of Dental Economics:
Dr. Salierno thought about this complex question and decided to share his advice via video. See what he has to say to help out this dental hygienist with her problem.
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