Comments on: Human first

By: 7 free (or almost free) things you can do that will make you a better dentist (and person) | The Blogging Dentist

Thu, 22 Jun 2017 14:25:56 +0000

[…] take time off: I’m terrible at this. Seriously. Most of the time I take off from work involves dental CE. That’s pathetic. There’s something magical about having time away from the office and NOT doing dental stuff. I’m in the middle of a week off from work that has been incredibly energizing. I’m essentially doing work around my house and single parenting my children. Knowing that there is life outside of your dental office and that the whole world doesn’t end when you’re not in the office is valuable. It makes you better when you’re there and it helps make you realize that you’re human before you’re a dentist. […]

By: Galen Detrik

Galen Detrik — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 00:21:23 +0000

Fabulous blog post, and of course, per usual, honest and transparent in a bold and gritty kind of way. Cheers Alan, you always knock it out of the park!!

By: Aoi

Aoi — Tue, 13 Sep 2016 05:46:56 +0000

very well put!

By: Dr. Joe Tagliarini

Dr. Joe Tagliarini — Tue, 03 May 2016 18:41:50 +0000

Before calling the dentist for an emergency, it is important to give the dentist the absolute facts of the situation. What you think is an emergency could actually wait a day or two. Keep in mind that dentists are busy, and even though they are concerned about your oral health, they do have other patients to take care of!

By: Gary H. Small DMD FAGD

Gary H. Small DMD FAGD — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 20:52:02 +0000

Well thought out and presented with inciteful information. With having been a Wet Fingered Dentist for more than forty years, I certainly can relate to your feelings and viewpoints. The statement of Be kind to your Dentist, because they have “Fillings” too definitely applies here. You received some great comments from other Dentists that I have come to know, through Blogs and Facebook. Thus you know that you “Hit a NERVE” with ALL of us. The said Patients that you spoke about, sadly would not see themselves as Guilty as charged.
Best regards,
Gary

By: Russell

Russell — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 16:52:43 +0000

Alan,

This article hits home as I am gearing up for another Monday morning.

At times I feel like I am on an island where everyone else speaks a different language.

Today started out no different but your comments reinforce the idea that I am not alone.

I can relate to your feelings about the way we are approached as dental professionals.

Yesterday I was talking with another provider about how, we as healthcare professionals, are held to a higher standard.

Being held to a higher standard is fine until the needle of expectation is red-lined to the point of perfection.

As you point out we, dentists and patients alike, are human first and will never be perfect.

Understanding this, I still struggle with patients that present in the manner you have described.

Thanks for sharing…knowing I am not alone in this struggle has made me approach the day in a more positive manner.

Russell

By: Panks

Panks — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 13:13:50 +0000

The one thing that has worked for me wen the patient comes in late is to somehow acknowledge it. Like “I see Mr. Jones you are late, is everything ok?”
Their response will give you an idea how you would respond. I have been told that my basement was flooded, and I had to call in someone to be taken care of etc.. you immediately start empathizing and tell them that we will try to finish your work as soon as possible and let you go. Thank you for coming etc.
On the other hand someone just came late because of her habitual nature.. and when asked the same question, she simply said “I am really sorry.” Twice.

Point is that we should make them acknowledge that they were late somehow, by talking or instead of doing 3 restorations, doing only two, etc. That way they do realize the importance of your time.

Makes them understand you are Human too!!

By: Andrea

Andrea — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 11:48:39 +0000

You know, we see patients like this every once in a while. And when they show up, they can really test your patience. But since we run a patient-centric practice -as do most dental clinics- we just hear them out and get them the necessary treatment they need. If only most people would take responsibility for themselves.

“Patients and providers alike, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. We’re all human beings first. No matter the skills we’ve accumulated and positions we hold, we’re still just relatively fragile and mostly squishy bags of emotion and meat. All the degrees and training in the world won’t change that.” This sums it up nicely Dr. Allan.

By: 纽约牙医

纽约牙医 — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 23:22:44 +0000

Excellent! Sent this to many of our classmates. Hope you’re doing well. +2.

By: MakeMyKit

MakeMyKit — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 05:48:04 +0000

Hi Mead ,
good blog , what you have narrated here his such an awesome one like to read more from you …