Number 10: My
face was swollen a few weeks/months ago, but it went away, so I didn’t do
anything about it.
Infections
of the head and neck can kill you. Death is bad. That swelling was your body’s
way of telling you that something is wrong. Your immune system was able to get
the infection under control, or you took some of the antibiotics that you found
left over in the medicine chest. The next time the swelling occurs it will be
worse, a whole lot worse. These are the kind of swellings that we see every
day. The next infection can block off your airway or require a nice stay at
Hotel du Hospital.
Number 9: I’m
only coming to you because you take my insurance.
Thanks. I
can feel the confidence from over here. Your insurance does not care about your
health and well being, I do. You must be confident in the doctor you have
chosen. Do your research. Ask friends and family. Do not go off the insurance
website.
Number 8: I’m not
having that treatment done because a friend of my sister (insert relationship
here) had that done and it didn’t work (insert caused pain, disfigurement, or
death).
It is
always an unknown entity that has had the failed treatment. I have heard this
excuse hundreds of times. It used to be related to root canal therapy, now it
is usually toward dental implants. I love this excuse because dental implants
are still a rare occurrence in this country. The chances that someone you know
knows someone that had this done are slim to none. They aren’t trying to lie to
you, they are just plain confused or misled. Trust me, it never happened. How
do I know? I have placed over 3,000 dental implants. I have had no cases of
death and disfigurement. I have had implants fail, as one would expect, but the
end result was a happy patient with a chewing tooth.
Number 7: Do I
really need that filling (insert whatever you need)?
Again,
thanks for the vote of confidence. I would never tell my patient that they
needed something that wasn’t true. If you question what your dentist is telling
you then get a second opinion. No harm, no foul. In my practice I urge my
patients to get second opinions. We give them all the information necessary to
do that including x-rays, photos, models, as well as a written description of
the service recommended.
Number 6: My tooth
only hurts when I do this. As long as I don’t do that, my tooth is fine. That
is why I didn’t come in sooner.
You may
have caused harm by delaying your treatment. The initial discomfort was your
body’s way of telling you that something isn’t quite right. Your teeth cannot
heal themselves. No amount of over the counter toothpastes, rinses, or medication
can reverse what is going on. You cannot reverse even the smallest cavity. I
don’t care what the actor on television told you.
Number 5: I’m
only coming to you because my dentist didn’t have an appointment available to
treat my emergency.
Find a new
dentist. There is nothing worse than a toothache. If your dentist cannot be
bothered to make time in their day for you then they are not the right fit for
you, or anyone. It is our promise to all the people in our local community that
we are there to serve them. That is my job. If your dentist does not feel the
same, then why go there.
Number 4: When
you are done looking at my child’s problem, can you check out my teeth?
If you have
a problem then make an appointment for yourself. My concentration will be on
why your child is here today. I will not stop what I am doing and browse the
contents of your mouth. Sorry.
Number 3: You
charged my insurance company for a one minute visit?
We must
document every visit to your insurance company. It is in our contract with
them. Every encounter helps to draw a picture regarding your treatment. The
insurance company uses the information to keep tabs on the doctors. Many small
visits, quick checks or updates to treatment, will go unpaid by your insurance
company. Every office has its own policies whether to write off the amount you
are told you owe by your insurance company. Don’t forget that even a quick
appointment takes fifteen to twenty minutes to clean and disinfect the room. Some
offices feel the need to charge for these quick visits. We feel that most quick
visits are related to ongoing treatment and will not charge for them.
Number 2: I
didn’t want to bother you over the weekend, but…
That is my
job. I don’t really want to be bothered on the weekend, but my family
understands that emergencies happen. I am here to serve my local community.
There is an exception…do not call me and tell me that the tooth broke last
week/month/year, but you couldn’t find the time to get in.
Number 1: I hate
you.
Why would
you ever say that to anyone? I hear it two to three times a day. It is not
funny or poignant. I am here to serve you and you came to me. I am about to
have some very sharp instruments near very delicate structures. Respect what
the dentist does for you and we’ll all get along just fine.
A Family Dental Care Center: Dr. Seth Rosen
2030 West Main St
Norristown, PA 19403
610-631-3400
www.drsethrosen.com