Even more annoying, the in office experience was the best ever

[bill_schubert]

I may still get a chance to complain about the notifications but I've now gotten a permanent tech 'Erick' to take care of me.  And he is excellent.  He is happy being a dental tech.  At about 22 or so he's found his niche, at least for now.  This dentist has had a revolving door of temp dental techs.  In my experience the dental tech is, visit to visit, more important than the dentist.  Until, of course, time for a crown or whatever.  Then the dentist is more important.

The dentist here is an acquaintance of mine from the BNI networking days when she was just getting started.  She is a Romanian immigrant who, with her husband, has opened two offices and survived covid and is now, apparently doing well.  She now has hired permanent dental techs instead of just the itinerant ones that were the definition of hit and miss.  I told her Erick was a keeper so maybe he will stay on.  He was gentle and as painless as cleaning can be.  Plus he did one thing that I've only had happen once my entire life.  He complimented me on what I was doing with my teeth.  He said a couple of times that 'fortunately, you left a bit of tartar so I have a job'.   Even if it is not true, I've always thought that positive reinforcement is the one thing that dentists suck at.  Erick had it down.

So, I'll put up with the admin as long as Erick is there.  Nothing is perfect.

Down side, August will be at least one crown.  Cracked tooth.  Fortunately they do them all at once.  None of the fitting and come back next week for the permanent one.  They make them there.  So, sucks, but best possible way to suck.

I envy my dog.  General anesthetic for any dental work.  That is the way to go.

Comments

[susandennis]

if/when (but, doubtful) i ever go back to a dentist, i need Erick to send the tech flash cards. there is a very slim chance but a chance that if a dentist did a crown all in one go, i'd say ok. maybe

[msconduct]

You're so right about the importance of the hygienist. My dentist has one absolute butcher and one who's good. If it wasn't for the second one I would have switched practices.

The UK way.

[maisydaisy]

I am in the UK and have never seen a hygenist. I request the dentist does the whole thing and i pay the extra i would have paid for the hygenist.
I am scared of dentists so the one trip at a time is enough for me.

Re: The UK way.

[msconduct]

Fair enough - my mother does that too (here in NZ). But I find it's worth seeing the hygienist twice a year (more than I see the dentist) as for me regular cleaning really cuts down on dental problems.

Re: The UK way.

[maisydaisy]

A lot of dentists strike you off if you don't attend every six months for a check with the dentist.
Fortunately mine doesn't" find jobs ".

Re: The UK way.

[msconduct]

Wow! Six months is ridiculous profiteering.