Blacklisted by a Dentist

fryup · 10-05-2019 5:57pm #1

I've just discovered that i've been blacklisted by my local Dentist...why? because back in feb i made a teeny weeny critical comment, that she couldn't accept:rolleyes:

For the past fortnight i've had terrible gum pain and i was trying to make an appointment and the receptionist was trying to fob me off by saying they were too busy...so this morning i called again and the receptionist confessed that the dentist doesn't want me on her books anymore.

So she basically got the receptionist to lie to me during the previous phone calls,

should i make a complaint to the hse or dental board, seems very unprofessional behaviour?

is_that_so · 10-05-2019 5:59pm

Find a new dentist first I'd say. Is there a Smiles in the area?

Tell me how · 10-05-2019 6:00pm

fryup wrote: »

I've just discovered that i've been blacklisted by my local Dentist...why? because back in feb i made a teeny weeny critical comment, that she couldn't accept:rolleyes:

For the past fortnight i've had terrible gum pain and i was trying to make an appointment and the receptionist was trying to fob me off by saying they were too busy...so this morning i called again and the receptionist confessed that the dentist doesn't want me on her books anymore.

So she basically got the receptionist to lie to me during the previous phone calls,

should i make a complaint to the hse or dental board, seems very unprofessional behaviour?

Make an appointment with a new dentist, get on with your life.
Why would you want to go to someone who doesn't want you there.

fryup · 10-05-2019 6:01pm

Find a new dentist first I'd say. Is there a Smiles in the area?

nope no smiles, the next nearest dentist would be 20 mls away from me

Why would you want to go to someone who doesn't want you there.

well the thing is there's a second dentist at that practice (on a friday) and she has me barred from seeing her as well which i feel is very petty

handlemaster · 10-05-2019 6:02pm

Critical comment ?

leonffrench · 10-05-2019 6:02pm

What was the comment?

kerry37 · 10-05-2019 6:03pm

Mountain meet molehill.

Get over it, find a new dentist. It's really not a big deal.

Imo the dentist could have handled it better and just flat out told you they didnt wanna see you instead of all the excuses but it is what it is.

TCM · 10-05-2019 6:05pm

Tell me how wrote:

Make an appointment with a new dentist, get on with your life. Why would you want to go to someone who doesn't want you there.

Yes, get a new dentist and then write a letter of complaint to the dental council. That'll soften her cough - as it were.

s8n · 10-05-2019 6:06pm

Surely there is a commission for Dentists which the OP could take a case to ?

is_that_so · 10-05-2019 6:17pm

s8n wrote: »

Surely there is a commission for Dentists which the OP could take a case to ?

Yes there is.

http://www.dentalcouncil.ie/aboutus.php

fryup · 10-05-2019 6:22pm

leonffrench wrote: »

What was the comment?

i had a tooth extraction and within two days i developed a dry socket which is damn painful...so i went back to get that seen to, she gave it a dressing and she said that i should avoid any hot drinks as this disrupts the healing process..and i just said .."i wish you gave me a list of do's & don't's so i would have known what food and drinks to avoid"... and she snaps "i told you everything you needed to know!" in which i replied ...yes but i was under anesthetic i wasn't quite with it ..she then just ignored me showed me the door and ushered me out, rude?

ChuckLarry · 10-05-2019 6:27pm

Although I would agree with some posters saying to forget it and move on..

On the other hand you were hanging on for an appointment that was never going to materialize while your condition got worse or could have gotten worse, not very professional IMO

What if the receptionist kept up the charade for a few weeks longer while you were in pain

Also very petty from a healthcare professional, I’d make a complaint

HBC08 · 10-05-2019 6:27pm

fryup wrote: »

I've just discovered that i've been blacklisted by my local Dentist...why? because back in feb i made a teeny weeny critical comment, that she couldn't accept:rolleyes:

For the past fortnight i've had terrible gum pain and i was trying to make an appointment and the receptionist was trying to fob me off by saying they were too busy...so this morning i called again and the receptionist confessed that the dentist doesn't want me on her books anymore.

So she basically got the receptionist to lie to me during the previous phone calls,

should i make a complaint to the hse or dental board, seems very unprofessional behaviour?

I feel like this is classic boards....only getting one side of the story.

Dentists have to deal with awkward/unreasonable/dislikable members of the public every day.If indeed as you claim they are refusing you as a patient then theres more to this.
Its also hilarious that youre sitting there with you r gum pain trying to figure out who to complain to??

o1s1n · 10-05-2019 6:27pm

fryup wrote: »

i had a tooth extraction and within two days i developed a dry socket which is damn painful...so i went back to get that seen to, she gave it a dressing and she said that i should avoid any hot drinks as this disrupts the healing process..and i just said .."i wish you gave me a list of do's & don't's so i would have known what food and drinks to avoid"... and she snaps "i told you everything you needed to know!" in which i replied ...yes but i was under anesthetic i wasn't quite with it ..she then just ignored me showed me the door and ushered me out, rude?

She gave you instructions and you didn't follow them. How is that her fault?

You really should have had someone there to collect you and make notes when she went through everything.

Was that mentioned beforehand?

Hope the dry socket worked itself out, I've seen how painful they can be, not fun.

Wesser · 10-05-2019 6:28pm

I would imagine that any dentist has the right to choose what work they wish to do and what work they don't wush to do.
Just like a plumber or electricuan. They can say no if they dont want it. Maybe they have loads of business and can puck and choose?

as in most of these cases... it not what you say... its the way you say it.....

tedpan · 10-05-2019 6:34pm

o1s1n wrote:

She gave you instructions and you didn't follow them. How is that her fault?

She didn't tell him at the time of extraction....

fryup · 10-05-2019 6:35pm

o1s1n wrote: »

She gave you instructions and you didn't follow them. How is that her fault?

i was under anesthetic & severe discomfort i didn't know what she was saying...could she not have a list printed out for her patients of do's & don't?? after such a common procedure, seems a very basic thing to do

as in most of these cases... it not what you say... its the way you say it.....

it was just a passing comment on my part and wasn't done in an aggressive way by any means, but she got very uppity about it

punisher5112 · 10-05-2019 6:37pm

tedpan wrote: »

She didn't tell him at the time of extraction....

Yes yes she did..... The op says they were out of it but I find that very hard to understand as I've had no feelings like that....

o1s1n · 10-05-2019 6:39pm

tedpan wrote: »

She didn't tell him at the time of extraction....

She did, he said he was too out of it to take the details in.

fryup wrote: »

i was under anesthetic & severe discomfort i didn't know what she was saying...could she not have a list printed out for her patients of do's & don't?? after such a common procedure, seems very basic

You'd assume she'd have that alright. I remember the dentist gave my wife such a list after she had her molars out.

I was there though to deal with the list, talk to the dentist and bring her home.

Next time you go under anaesthetic, make sure you have someone with you to help and bring you home. It's just good practice.

10-05-2019 6:40pm

tedpan wrote: »

She didn't tell him at the time of extraction....

Apparently she did, op said he/she wasn’t quite with it. Most extractions heal without complication but some do develop dry socket which is an unpredictable condition. The instructions are pretty basic, don’t smoke/drink alcohol/keep it clean etc, and even with that, dry socket can happen.

Op, a dentist is not obligated to begin a new course of treatment for you, particularly if there has been a break down in the relationship. Every clinician has patients they would like to move on, this has happened to you. There are other dentists, just start again with another one. You are better off, I doubt anyone wants to be treated by a dentist/Doctor/physio etc who doesn’t like them.

stanley1989 · 10-05-2019 6:41pm

Dealing with the public is by no means pleasant and until you do most don't realise what's involved . People are awkward and you probably were awkward op . It's her choice whos mouth she has to gawlk into and she can bar who she wants . Move on with your life and stop lodging pointless complaints !

Farawayhome · 10-05-2019 6:42pm

You should apologise to the dentist for your outburst and see if she'll agree to have you back then.

Fann Linn · 10-05-2019 6:43pm

Under a drill or syringe being held by someone who doesn't want me. Yikes.

I urge the op to watch the movie 'The Marathon Man'.

fryup · 10-05-2019 6:44pm

Op, a dentist is not obligated to begin a new course of treatment for you, particularly if there has been a break down in the relationship. Every clinician has patients they would like to move on, this has happened to you. There are other dentists, just start again with another one. You are better off, I doubt anyone wants to be treated by a dentist/Doctor/physio etc who doesn’t like them.

but should i make a complaint?

BTW - this particular dentist has been through half a dozen receptionists over the past two years, no BS

10-05-2019 6:45pm

fryup wrote:

i was under anesthetic & severe discomfort i didn't know what she was saying...could she not have a list printed out for her patients of do's & don't?? after such a common procedure, seems a very basic thing to do

Oh FFS. No. Just no. You don't need to be hand held. If someone told you something, they've done due diligence. Literally thousands of patients manage to follow instruction each month. It's not their fault you didn't

Stheno · 10-05-2019 6:45pm

fryup wrote: »

^^^^^^^^^^^^

but should i make a complaint?

BTW - this particular dentist has been through half a dozen receptionists over the past two years, no BS

I honestly don't see what grounds you have to complain.

MrMusician18 · 10-05-2019 6:48pm

fryup wrote: »

but should i make a complaint?

BTW - this particular dentist has been through half a dozen receptionists over the past two years, no BS

Yes, but for leading you on. I don't think you'll get anywhere for refusing you.

my3cents · 10-05-2019 6:56pm

fryup wrote: »

i was under anesthetic & severe discomfort i didn't know what she was saying...could she not have a list printed out for her patients of do's & don't?? after such a common procedure, seems a very basic thing to do

it was just a passing comment on my part wasn't done in an aggressive way by any means, but she got very uppity about it

I had a major extraction by a specialist a couple of years back. Problem was my own dentist was worried that my roots were so deep that he might not have been able to get them all out.

Anyway the specialist went through all the possible problems and what I needed to know and got me to sign that I understood what could possible go wrong BEFORE knocking me out. When I came round he checked I was OK and gave me WRITTEN instructions on how to proceed.

10-05-2019 6:57pm

fryup wrote: »

but should i make a complaint?

BTW - this particular dentist has been through half a dozen receptionists over the past two years, no BS

By all means complain, but as the dentist is under no obligation to give you an appointment, I’m not sure it makes a difference.

Receptionists bare the brunt of dealing with the public, they get really pissed off taking abuse from patients demanding appointments at times that suit, complaining about being kept waiting, complaining about prices, complaining about how they have been treated etc, it’s a tough job and few stay long term.

Seth Brundle · 10-05-2019 7:01pm

fryup wrote: »

but should i make a complaint?

To what end?

fryup wrote: »

BTW - this particular dentist has been through half a dozen receptionists over the past two years, no BS

It's none of your business!

10-05-2019 7:01pm

my3cents wrote: »

I had a major extraction by a specialist a couple of years back. Problem was my own dentist was worried that my roots were so deep that he might not have been able to get them all out.

Anyway the specialist went through all the possible problems and what I needed to know and got me to sign that I understood what could possible go wrong BEFORE knocking me out. When I came round he checked I was OK and gave me WRITTEN instructions on how to proceed.

Oral surgeons often use general anaesthetic which has higher risks. Also, they tend to do the more complicated/difficult treatments where post op complications are more likely to occur. I suspect if the op saw a general dentist it was a routine extraction using local anaesthetic so the op was fully awake and coherent throughout.

hgfj · 10-05-2019 7:08pm

Every dentist knows that anaesthesia affects people differently. Any time I ever visited a dentist and had work done I always received a WRITTEN instruction as to what I should and shouldn't do afterwards. The complaint should be about not receiving written instructions after an operation as opposed to being blacklisted.

10-05-2019 7:11pm

hgfj wrote: »

Every dentist knows that anaesthesia affects people differently. Any time I ever visited a dentist and had work done I always received a WRITTEN instruction as to what I should and shouldn't do afterwards. The complaint should be about not receiving written instructions after an operation as opposed to being blacklisted.

Absolutely no requirement to give written instructions.

Every dentist knows local anaesthetic effects people in the same way, it makes the tissues around the tooth numb.

is_that_so · 10-05-2019 7:14pm

Dav010 wrote: »

Absolutely no requirement to give written instructions.

Every dentist knows local anaesthetic effects people in the same way, it makes the tissues around the tooth numb.

It's a good policy all the same for major work. TLC and quality customer service!

lawred2 · 10-05-2019 7:16pm

fryup wrote: »

I've just discovered that i've been blacklisted by my local Dentist...why? because back in feb i made a teeny weeny critical comment, that she couldn't accept:rolleyes:

For the past fortnight i've had terrible gum pain and i was trying to make an appointment and the receptionist was trying to fob me off by saying they were too busy...so this morning i called again and the receptionist confessed that the dentist doesn't want me on her books anymore.

So she basically got the receptionist to lie to me during the previous phone calls,

should i make a complaint to the hse or dental board, seems very unprofessional behaviour?

Lol never heard of a dentist blacklist in my life. Move on.

What was the complaint?

10-05-2019 7:18pm

is_that_so wrote: »

It's a good policy all the same for major work. TLC and quality customer service!

A fair point, but verbal instructions are the norm. Is written instructions any better customer service than verbal?

Stheno · 10-05-2019 7:23pm

is_that_so wrote: »

It's a good policy all the same for major work. TLC and quality customer service!

Is an extraction under local "major" work?

I would say no. I got a dry socket after an extraction which the dentist blamed on me drinking with a straw. Was it on the written instructions I received not to drink with a straw? No. Nor was I told not to do so.

Anytime I've had issues after dental treatment the dentist concerned (two in different practices) have done follow up work for little or no charge. In one case I'd a root canal and the dentist missed a tiny bit of nerve and the entire procedure had to be redone probably 3 hours of his time and no charge.aIi fully expected to be charged and was dreading the bill.

I'd not be making sarky comments in circstances where my actions caused rework full stop and in the case of the root canal above didn't either as it was a mistake

Dianthus · 10-05-2019 7:25pm

Firstly you need to clarify that the receptionist was actually correct in what she was telling you.
Then you need to decide what your ideal end result is.
Do you want to re-establish a good working relationship? Or do you want to punish them, stress you both, & relinquish any future working relationship for ever more?

There are 3 sides to this story; yours, theirs,& the truth.
It can be exhausting & draining constantly having to "turn the other cheek"& "be the bigger person" all under the guise of "being professional". Your comment may have been the final straw. Or maybe the dentist isn't a nice person. Or maybe there's a personality clash. It happens.
Sure, you can be petty& vindictive- or you can be a mature adult,& address this like a mature adult.

10-05-2019 7:34pm

Dianthus wrote: »

Firstly you need to clarify that the receptionist was actually correct in what she was telling you.
Then you need to decide what your ideal end result is.
Do you want to re-establish a good working relationship? Or do you want to punish them, stress you both, & relinquish any future working relationship for ever more?

There are 3 sides to this story; yours, theirs,& the truth.
It can be exhausting & draining constantly having to "turn the other cheek"& "be the bigger person" all under the guise of "being professional". Your comment may have been the final straw. Or maybe the dentist isn't a nice person. Or maybe there's a personality clash. It happens.
Sure, you can be petty& vindictive- or you can be a mature adult,& address this like a mature adult.

Personally I don’t see it as vindictive. The op feels aggrieved because he wasn’t given an appointment. That is understandable from his point of view. But better communication on the dentist’s part would have avoided this. The dentist should have instructed the receptionist to say that due to a breakdown in the relationship, the op may be better to seek treatment elsewhere.

is_that_so · 10-05-2019 7:35pm

Stheno wrote: »

Is an extraction under local "major" work?

I would say no. I got a dry socket after an extraction which the dentist blamed on me drinking with a straw. Was it on the written instructions I received not to drink with a straw? No. Nor was I told not to do so.

Anytime I've had issues after dental treatment the dentist concerned (two in different practices) have done follow up work for little or no charge. In one case I'd a root canal and the dentist missed a tiny bit of nerve and the entire procedure had to be redone probably 3 hours of his time and no charge.aIi fully expected to be charged and was dreading the bill.

I'd not be making sarky comments in circumstances where my actions caused rework full stop and in the case of the root canal above didn't either as it was a mistake

Well my guy gives out sheets to beat the band and I appreciate it. I also get a good lecture to drive the point home. The advantage of written instructions is that a dentist doesn't forget to tell you something.

For an extraction I would say yes as there is a clear list of things you should and should not do in the first day or so.

Dianthus · 10-05-2019 7:47pm

Dav010 wrote: »

Personally I don’t see it as vindictive. The op feels aggrieved because he wasn’t given an appointment. That is understandable from his point of view. But better communication on the dentist’s part would have avoided this. The dentist should have instructed the receptionist to say that due to a breakdown in the relationship, the op may be better to seek treatment elsewhere.

More than that, I would be inclined to say that they should have dealt with the situation directly themselves, & not left that particular awkward conversation to the receptionist to deal with.

Vindictive was probably a bit harsh. But it's certainly OTT to go nuclear& want to complain them to a regulatory body, *before* actually speaking to the dentist in person themselves to clarify exactly what is happening .

Totally agree there's a complete lack of communication on both sides.

10-05-2019 7:59pm

Dianthus wrote: »

More than that, I would be inclined to say that they should have dealt with the situation directly themselves, & not left that particular awkward conversation to the receptionist to deal with.

Vindictive was probably a bit harsh. But it's certainly OTT to go nuclear& want to complain them to a regulatory body, *before* actually speaking to the dentist in person themselves to clarify exactly what is happening .

Totally agree there's a complete lack of communication on both sides.

Do you make PFO phone calls?

Dianthus · 10-05-2019 8:02pm

Dav010 wrote: »

Do you make PFO phone calls?

Never actually, I prefer to eyeball the person& have a face to face conversation.
Fortunately it's only ever had to happen twice.

fryup · 10-05-2019 8:51pm

HBC08 wrote: »

Dentists have to deal with awkward/unreasonable/dislikable members of the public every day.

yes i know...but...so do lots of other people in other professions > retail, the gaurds, nurses, security etc ..and don't get paid half as much as dentists...and they're all expected to show professional decorum

Dav010 wrote: »

A fair point, but verbal instructions are the norm. Is written instructions any better customer service than verbal?

of course it is, you're less likely to forget the instructions when its written/printed down

10-05-2019 8:58pm

fryup wrote: »

yes i know...but...so do lots of other people in other professions > retail, the gaurds, nurses, security etc ..and don't get paid half as much as dentists...and they're all expected to show professional decorum

of course it is, you're less likely to forget the instructions when its written/printed down

While I understand your unhappiness, I’m not sure your complaint should hinge on your own ability to remember instructions once they are given verbally.

In relation to the other professions, apart from the nurse they are likely to be far more blunt in their request that you go somewhere else.

fryup · 10-05-2019 9:00pm

While I understand your unhappiness, I’m not sure your complaint should hinge on your own ability to remember instructions once they are given verbally.

but does my comment deserve me to be barred?? in all fairness?....seems petty to me

98q76e12hrflnk · 10-05-2019 9:03pm

fryup wrote: »

but does my comment deserve me to be barred?? in all fairness?....seems petty to me

If they have a facebook or are on a review site, give them poor feedback

Dianthus · 10-05-2019 9:05pm

fryup wrote: »

but does my comment deserve me to be barred?? in all fairness?....seems petty to me

Firstly you need to establish from the dentist themselves that you are in fact barred.
Then you need to clarify if it solely based on that one innocuous comment, or if there are other issues at play.
Until then it's all hearsay& assumptions .

10-05-2019 9:09pm

fryup wrote: »

but does my comment deserve me to be barred?? in all fairness?....seems petty to me

You called her professionalism into question , personally I’d have explained the fact that even with written advice dry socket happens. Sometimes we get a bad vibe from patients that they are a pain in the ass and want to move them on. Not saying you are, but maybe that is what she thought. It happens, lots of dentists out there, find one you like.

my3cents · 10-05-2019 9:20pm

fryup wrote: »

but does my comment deserve me to be barred?? in all fairness?....seems petty to me

I think your dentist failed to use best practice. You hit a nerve with them by commenting on this. They aren't a good dentist so really its in your interest to get a better dentist.

10-05-2019 9:26pm

my3cents wrote: »

I think your dentist failed to use best practice. You hit a nerve with them by commenting on this. They aren't a good dentist so really its in your interest to get a better dentist.

What is best practice? Verbal instructions is all that is required, if the patient is over 16 they are capable of consent and legally assumed to be able to accept and understand verbal instructions.

You have no basis to infer that she is not a good dentist based on the op’s ability to follow those verbal instructions.

Blacklisted by a Dentist

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