A very dear friend of mine has recently fallen on hard times for multiple reasons. Until the last 3 years she was employed, had both dental insurance, and health insurance. Her teeth were immaculate.
Well, her teeth are in a bad way, otherwise, I wouldn't be writing this. Due to drugs, domestic abuse, and many other reasons, again, her teeth are not salvageable. She is so self-conscious, that she will not leave her home, to look for a job.
I told her that I would help her get those teeth extracted, and get dentures, so that she can begin her life again, because this woman is one of the sweetest and hardest workers, one will ever meet.
So, on to the story. I will start by saying that the receptionist was a very sweet young woman. My friend was registered, and was called back in less than five minutes. This was no surprise, considering that we were the only people in the waiting room.
My friend (the patient), returned to the waiting room sobbing, and basically stating that she'd been treated like an imbecile. "Talk to those people, please!", she pleaded with me.
I then met the "dentist". I won't use his name, as he is not here to defend himself. The patient was too ashamed of her appearance to ask questions (sad).
I wanted to understand why she was crying, and what the problem was. This is not verbatim, but was the general response by the dentist??? Her teeth are too damaged, and they are all going to have to be extracted. Duh, Doc. There is a reason that we came to "Affordable Dentures", as we were well aware of that.
I thought that I asked a reasonable question, as I've known many people who've had a few teeth extracted, and a temporary partial placed. And the "dentist" was humming... Yes humming, while I was asking these questions. Obviously, he thinks that I'm a moron as well.
Doctor... And you know who you are... You graduated from The University of Louisville School of Dentistry and undoubtedly heard the words "Primum non nocere"-or "First Do No Harm". And I interpret that as also referring to the psychological harm you could potentially cause your patients.
You should be ashamed of yourself, and I'm quite certain that Louisville would be humiliated that you are part of their alumnus, if they could witness your condescending behavior toward your patients.
If money is your passion, then do the world a favor and find another line of work, because compassion and empathy are not in your limited narcissistic mind or vocabulary.
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