Changing dentists in the Pandemic?


Since March, a surprisingly large number of New Yorkers who are my patients have left and are residing in residencies outside the city. Since we reopened in June, we have been reaching out to patients by phone to let them know we are open and seeing patients for regular procedures, including check ups and cleanings.

Most are happy to hear from us and many have made it into our office for a visit. Understandably, some have let us know that they are not feeling like making the trek to our office (especially those residing outside of the city) and will probably see a more local dentist for now.

Fortunately there are a great many dentists outside of the city that are highly competent and are able to provide any care my patients may need. For many “staying local” will be fine, but some may have a negative experience. The fact is that switching dentists can carry a risk of a negative experience, especially when you have a longstanding relationship with a dentist you like and trust.

Yesterday I read a blog post by a Michael Sinkin, a fellow dentist who practices in my building that documented one of these unpleasant switches entitled “Beware of shady dental practices”. It relates one patient’s horror story when changing to another “well respected” dentist close to his vacation house. His office was beautiful, modern and clean, but apparently his ethics were not.

Changing dentists is not analogous to switching Hairstylists or car mechanics since if you are not happy with the results , fixing the problem may be impossible. After all teeth do not grow back once they are removed and after many types of dental treatments, the results can not be reversed.

Another colleague and I discussed this phenomenon and he has asked his patients to keep him in the loupe and discuss any treatment plans that are proposed by their new local dentist. I think this is a good idea for patients who are hesitant to come into the city but need dental care. After all dentistry is more art than science and treatment plans can vary a lot between dentists.

I personally would prefer my patients to return to my office for their dental treatment. In fact some of my patients staying out of the city, have chosen to drive in and put their cars in a parking garage. Some have traveled for up to two hours in order to come in. Of course this is an additional investment of time and money but in these times of uncertainty there is comfort in dealing with a doctor or dentist who we know has our best interests at heart.



from Ask Dr. Spindel - http://lspindelnycdds.blogspot.com/2020/08/changing-dentists-in-pandemic.html - http://lspindelnycdds.blogspot.com/

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