Probably Not The Most Mature Thing I’ve Done
Posted By Kristabella on September 15, 2008
So I was going to fill you all in on the shenanigans I got up to this weekend for my birthday, including trying to drink the same quantity of beer as the amount of rain that fell this weekend in Chicago. (It was A LOT. Half of Northern Illinois is flooded and major expressways are closed because of standing water. It rained for literally 48 hours straight.) (So, that would be a lot of beer I drank this weekend, is what I’m saying.)
Anyway, but that post is going to have to wait. Because today, I called the dentist. And any of you that follow me on Twitter know that it did not end well.
If you haven’t read my other dentist horror stories, let me just say that this dentist is bad. I’m seriously questioning why this particular dentist has a license and why other people go there. And I’m sure you’re all asking, why have you been going there so long? (I’ve been going for almost 3 years.) And I realized today that when my original dentist left the office, which I wasn’t ever informed about, that’s when things went down hill. I liked the old dentist. She was young and hip and liked to talk about drinking beer and pop culture. I need to go find her.
I’ve always hated the hygienists, though.
So this morning I call to see if I can get an appointment and the receptionist says she can get me in at 3 PM. So I take it. There is no reason to avoid the inevitable any longer. It is getting worse. The pain is worse and worse every day and lingers if I don’t take Advil every four hours.
I get to my appointment early because I figure they are squeezing me in. And then I wait. And I wait some more. And I hear them talking that “Kristin Johnson is waiting, but she can wait.” And then I see the bitchy Russian hygienist, who I can’t understand what she says, that I hate the most, peek out the window that is on the door that separates the waiting area from the actual exam rooms. I see her fucking peek her face and look at me and then go back and tell Bitchy McDentist that “yes, it is that Kristin out there” and then they proceed to talk about me and I can HEAR IT! IT IS A SMALL OFFICE, DUMBASS.
Then, not two seconds later, I see Bitchy McDentist (whose name is Dr. Chen and seriously, they are off of Lincoln on the north side, DO NOT GO THERE) peek her little, stupid face out the window and full on stare at me. And then they make me wait more.
Look, I know I have not been a model patient. I question things because I’ve been going to the dentist a long time and have numerous procedures done. I’m not an idiot. I also question this Bitchy Dr. Chen a lot because I am not convinced that she is competent enough to do her job. There have been many times when she has asked questions out loud, to the hygienist or to no one in general, and really? That never gave me the most confidence.
On top of it, they have screwed things up. I spent more time at that dentist this summer because of their fuck ups and their miscommunication. And I’m not just going to sit there and let them do it. I am a squeaky wheel!
So I know they don’t like me. But they have to fix my mouth if they want to get paid and so the Russian hygienist can go buy Russian folk songs on iTunes.
After the staring and waiting (seriously, I didn’t get into the exam room until 3:20), they finally take me back and take an X-Ray. I say as little as possible because I JUST SAW YOU STARING AND HEARD YOU TALKING ABOUT ME, BITCHES!
Finally Worst Dentist Ever, Dr. Chen, comes in and starts asking questions in her heavily-accented, low-talking voice (not a good combination.) I tell her that it hurts, has really never been 100% since she put the crown on in July and it is getting progressively worse. So she taps on it with a metal thing-a-ma-bob and since it doesn’t hurt, she’s not sure what to do. AGAIN WITH HER OBVIOUS LACK OF KNOWLEDGE.
So then she says that when she put the crown on, she filled a pretty deep cavity and maybe (MAYBE?) there is some nerve damage that is causing some pain. So she “guesses” that I should probably have a root canal done. Because clearly the pain that I am telling you that I am in is irrelevant in this equation.
I tell her that she has to save the crown because I can’t spend more money on a crown that was just done. She says they can drill through it and fill it and I don’t have to pay for a new one. Which, nice to know.
Then I ask the seemingly $64 question – how come she didn’t notice this was an issue when she went in to fill the cavity? And listen, I asked it calmly (I promise. I swear on a keg of Old Style that I did not raise my voice) why if she spent so much time on that tooth just two months ago, how did she not know? I mean, the tooth wouldn’t even take the Novocaine she gave it and I was in pain and FELT ALL OF IT when she filled the tooth. That generally shows signs of infection or something pretty bad going on. Right? I mean if 4 shots of Novocaine don’t numb a tooth, I would venture to guess there is more than meets the eye.
This is where it got exciting. In the middle of me asking why she didn’t notice it then, she raises her meek little voice and shouted “LOOK! I TOLD YOU, THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DECAY…” and then I cut her off. I was so pissed that she was yelling at me that I asked her to raise the chair back up and I got the hell out of there. I left my seat, threw off that little bib thingy and walked out. (See where the title comes in now?) I was so angry with these people that I was shaking when I left. That has never happened before to me.
I called back after I left to talk to the receptionist to get a copy of my records so I can take them someplace else. And I heard them laughing at me so I knew this was the best decision, albeit an immature one, I could have made.
Here’s my thing. I pay a lot of money, A LOT, to have a well-trained professional take care of my teeth. Your dentist shouldn’t make you cry, or laugh at you or give you the sense that they don’t know what the fuck they are doing. Least of all, a dentist or a doctor should never raise their voice at you. I’m sorry, that’s not part of the nearly $2000 I still owe for the craptastic job you’ve already done. Which, I’m now taking my sweet-ass time paying off.
So I’m going to a new dentist. I don’t care if I have to pay a little more out of pocket. I do not deserve to be treated like that. Seriously, tooth pain is already horrible enough.
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Also, I’m guest posting over here today. Go check it out.
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wow, honestly? switching dentists was probably the BEST thing you could have done. they were being the immature ones, laughing & shouting…. what, did they think they were still in jr.high? sorry, professionals who don’t act like professionals piss me off. (hence why i’m commenting on a total stranger’s blog….) i wouldn’t trust someone like that with my body anyway. they’re the kind that would knock you out with laughing gas, do horrible things to you, & post videos of it on youtube. hope you feel better soon though.
Yup, switching dentists was the way to go, lady. So sorry you were treated like that! If you need the name of a great endodontist downtown, I’ll point you towards one of my friends. She’s NICE!
Jules
House of Jules
HouseofJuless last blog post..O is for Other, P is for People. The last P, well, it’s not that simple. Really, it’s not.
I actually love my dentist, as much as you could love a dentist. I’ve had lots of work done as well and have been really happy with him and never felt as though he was just trying to make money. I switched once because I was tired of driving a few suburbs over from where I live, but then switched back because the new one? Was a jerk and was trying to make money off of my teeth. Anyway – if you’re willing to drive to the ‘burbs I’ve got a good dentist for you. AND – I’ve had a few root canals done and also like the guy who did those. =)
Cathys last blog post..It’s In the Bag! (almost)
Oh and also – good luck getting your records from them. I had a hell of a time getting them from my second dentist – and I didn’t ever storm out of their office.
You should probably just go and demand them – and bring a friend that could act lawyerish, you know??
Cathys last blog post..It’s In the Bag! (almost)
I’ll try to find time today to research where you can report this dentist to the dental authorities because they need to be put out of business.
Can’t get to the guest post…
Good for you. I would have flipped out as well (which, I uh, may or may not be known for, but still….).
Hey Elaine, you need to report them to the Better Business Bureau. I doubt you’ll get the records you need but I don’t think it was immature what you did, that was straight up bullshit.
Ravens last blog post..not fun
My suggestion is to go to another dentist. Explain the entire story and ask the dentist if Worst Dentist Ever screwed up.
If so, send a formal letter to WDE explaining that you won’t be paying for the crown and anything else they try to bill you for, as WDE effed up your mouth and WDE should consider herself lucky that you’re not filing a malpractice suit against them.
Document everything and definitely follow up with the BBB and the state licensing board.
In the meantime, drink more wine. 🙂
Jen on the Edges last blog post..Mamarazzi Monday — Fugly Betty
OMG. Your dentist sounds like she sucks major moose balls.
that’s funny. last night i watched an episode of six feet under where they are waiting FOREVER in a dentist’s office and Kathy Bates goes all Misery on the receptionist. it was awesome.
heh.
alis last blog post..perseverence and how one day i will how to have some
Holy crap! No, I think that that really was the most mature thing you could have done. That is insane. No professional in any sector should speak to their clients like that.
Dutchess of Kickballs last blog post..
Walk on sister! Asshats. Can you find young hip dentist? She might know why Chen’s office is so horrible.
ballerinatoess last blog post..What D Knows
Found you thru Jennie’s website, love your blog.
Regarding your dentist situation, you need to go to one of those dentists that has noooo problem drugging you so you don’t feel a thing! You’re in Chicago, I’m not sure what dentists there do it but I know there’s some in Schaumburg!!
I say a complaint sent to the State Board of Dentistry is in order. Also, once you get to another dentist, if they agree that what she did by not noticing the issue in the first place rises to the level of malpractice, I’d sue her stupid a**.
Dr. Chen is lucky you didn’t slug her in the teeth for being so rude. UGH.
nancypearlwannabes last blog post..Testing… Testing…
I would write them a letter of complaint and send it off to both them and the BBB. I would also send a letter of complaint to the DDS association and start threatening malpractice. You should NEVER be treated like that by a member of the medical community. Shame on them!!
moos last blog post..one of these things is not like the others
I second what Jen on the Edge said. That is the absolute most ridiculous dental story I have ever heard. You’re a better person than I am because I surely would have called them out on the talking behind my back right then and there. I’m furious for you.
Katies last blog post..How much do I love you all?
Wow! I am at a loss for words. Better luck with the next dentist.
Ashmystirs last blog post..ketchup!
I also agree with Jen on the Edge.
You didn’t act immaturely. Yelling back and then punching the dentist would have been immature. Walking out was appropriate.
-R-s last blog post..Best Dressed Baby
Oh. My. God. I am seriously fuming on your behalf here – their behavior is beyond out of order, and I’m just amazed you put up with it for that long. What a bunch of bitches!
Also, Jen on the Edge’s advice sounds spot on to me. If I were you I would now dedicate my life to making theirs miserable, but that’s because I’m an embittered old cow. As it stands, I second the wine suggestion as your first step here…
Ambers last blog post..Full Moon Fever
I think it was very mature of you to walk the hell out of there. She was the immature dumb ass. I also agree that this dentist, her whole office, needs to be reported to whoever you report these people to.
Frans last blog post..Mundane Monday
I’m pretty horrified by this story and I don’t think you acted immaturely, in fact, I think you did the best possible thing you could under the circumstances. As has already been mentioned, document everything, get a new dentist and a professional opinion on what’s causing the problem, and definitely complain to the licencing board. Her behaviour was definitely not acceptable.
I found your statement “your dentist shouldn’t make you cry” very cathartic. When I was in High School my dick of an orthodontist made me cry and I’ve been afraid of doctors ever since. It’s a tough one to get over. I always get picked off for high blood pressure at the dr’s office, and have “White Coat Syndrome”, for sure. I now try my best to surround myself with kind doctors. You need to find someone kind, as well. Good job getting out of that horrible dentist’s practice!
What an outrage! I really wish I had the guts to do that with crappy doctors.
dabbys last blog post..It’s OVER!
I’m so sorry that you are in pain and hope you find another dentist to help you soon. I don’t blame you one bit for walking out, and I agree with sending them the letter refusing payment on the rest of the billing. Good luck!
I think it was very mature of you to just leave. You could have bitch slapped her which would have been more immature…but very much deserved. Maybe you should file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Not that anything will come of it but at least your complaint will be on file if other patients want to check her out.
Allisons last blog post..She Lives!!
You need to stop paying what you owe her. If she fucked up, you need to tell her. And, you also need to tell her that you are not paying full price for dental work that someone else now has to fix because she didn’t do a good job in the first place.
I USED to go to a money hungry dentist in Miami who once did dental work for me and then told me (with no advance warning)it was going to be $900. I said there was no fucking way I would ever pay him $900. I think I ended up paying $300, and he lost a client over it.
I am telling you, stop paying her or negotiate the price down!
Besides the yelling and snickering, this has happened to me before. They had to do a redo root canal. Like it wasn’t enough pain the first fucking time. (It was at a different dentist though because we had moved)
You are so much stronger than me. I would have crumbled upon hearing the bitches behind the front desk. I’d of either burst out into tears in the waiting room and slunk to my car or had a full out tantrum with pounding fists and pulling hair. Neither very grown up.
I always have problems in situation like these because you never *expect* to be disrespected by a so called profession service provider.
UGH.
Kimberly/ MommaKs last blog post..Bear Bucks Winner
File a complaint with the medical board and talk to a lawyer. That shit is ridiculous. I’m no where near a root canal but years ago when I had some cavities filled the dentist showed me the xray and said that I’ll need to be on the look out for future potential problems.
The Popcorn Bowls last blog post..The Stench
You totally did the right thing. What a bunch of asses. And the fact they talked about you AND made you wait is just ridiculous. Go Kristabella!
Celias last blog post..Emergency
Are you kidding me?! That was one of the most matures things EVER! If it had been me, I would have sat there and taken it, and then bitched about them later. And actually, it WAS be, because I HAVE been in that situation with a dentist. I’m so glad you left.
heather…s last blog post..Master of Nothing
Ways to get your revenge.
1. Call the ADA on how to report her sorry, pathetic @ss. She obviously could pass written/oral textbook tests but can’t apply it to patients and is ripping them off.
2. If anything is under insurance, call the insurance company, tell your side and see if they will want to pay. The downside is mean dentist can get on you for payment. But you can always threaten malpractice. She may drop all charges to you.
3. Read this for further ideas: http://www.dentalangle.com/03.97/devore-archived.html
4. Tell the Commie Pinko lady to go screw and find another dentist.
5. Remind them of HIPAA laws. Talking about you in an open forum where others can hear the conversation about your care is against the law. Not giving you your records is against the law. They don’t want to get involved with HIPAA fines. Trust me. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIPAA
3.
It’s about freaking time! And I hope you plan to report her to the BBB or whatever they have for dentists because that shit is unacceptable.
thecoconutdiariess last blog post..Before and After
*HUG*
Dude, like everyone else hear before me, I think you acted the best that you could, given the situation. And since you’ve got such a way with words, I seriously doubt you’d have much trouble getting any State administrative board out there to investigate.
mature? are you kidding me? it was perfectly mature. FUCK THEM. they are COMPLETELY unprofessional and once i found a new dentist i would FILE A FUCKING COMPLAINT against them. 🙂
jennsters last blog post..why my neighbors are kind of assholes
this blows my mind
can you file a complaint somewhere? there must be some sort of association that holds dentists accountable for being douchebags, right?
I think it was very mature of you to just walk out – I would have walked out while swearing my damn head off
hillarys last blog post..ABC 123 Baby You And Me Girl – Part 6
Hmm, don’t dentists have an association? I would be calling someone there and maybe reporting her behavior.
I hope your tooth feels better soon.
Melissas last blog post..Parenting Secrets From Behind the Tiara….
Hey Kristin I just stumbled on your blog from She Likes Purple. I love it! We have a lot in common, including living in Chicago and some sort of affiliation with the 49ers. (I am a die hard fan — grew up in San Jose.) Ummm this is a terrible comment but just wanted to say hi and tell you I’m totally adding you to my blog-roll!
First stop: report her to the Better Business Bureau AND to the American Dental Association (or whatever it is called where you complain about ethics and practices for dentists).
Second stop: Seriously consider taking her to small claims court since you’re having to get someone else to fix her mistake that you’re still paying on. Or else quit paying her and send her a certified letter letting her know why.
NO ONE should put up with that sort of treatment, and she should not be allowed to continue to practice in this manner.
Evil Geniuss last blog post..Apparently, Ike Also Hates Hoosiers
WOW! I cannot believe that there are professionals out there like this! I would take it to small claims court and not pay the $2000.
What a bitch of a dentist!
You did exactly the right thing! Trust me–I just had a root canal 12 hours ago. It’s hard enough to sit through with a dentist I LOVE; not to mention the large check I had to write upon leaving. I can’t imagine having to go through all of that with someone I hated who treated me like an idiot.
And I seriously LOVE my dentist. I actually just posted about this, but the nutshell is I fell in Chicago on New Years almost 10 years ago and he totally rebuilt all my front teeth. Plus, he called to check on me Sunday night to be sure my toothache hadn’t gotten worse. You can definitely do better in the dentist department.
Mandees last blog post..The Teeth
Seriously, I want to take this Dr. Chen and throw her and her damn stupid non-knowledgeable degree off a short bridge. I’ve got some ideas, and, of course, this is where the 9to5 can help. Shoot me an email and Karma’s a wench – at least for Dr. Chen.
As for the new dentist, I have faith they will take GOOD care of you. As for Dr. Chen, well, she’s going to have a rough time of things, no?
Ahhhh – the power of the internet. Gotta love it.
Lyss last blog post..I’m Still PO’d…
HATE dentists. Yours sucks donkey balls.
Angellas last blog post..Let The Chips Fall Where They May
you shoulda told her to “suck it,” and that all the acidic coke and rums you’ve had with your good friend rich had nothing to do with the decay of your teeth. have you seen what coke does to a penny?!
Aw hell no…. dump them. Going to the dentist is foul enough under the best of conditions. Putting up with this? no. no. no.
I think you did the right thing. I would have probably stabbed her with one of her poking little tools of torture and then ended up in jail. So yeah, your way was definitely better.
I agree completely with everyone else – you need a 2nd opinion, if their incompentence caused this pain, you shouldn’t have to pay them.
I had a filling fall out of my tooth about 4 months ago and have been walking around with it because I hate going to the dentist that much. If it doesn’t hurt, why bother, right? This is probably not a healthy attitude but I can’t afford it so I’m just going to pretend it is all okay.
Good luck!
DMs last blog post..Saved by the Paper Napkin
I don’t think that was immature AT ALL.
Rees last blog post..I May Get 2nd and 3rd Place
I totally agree, this wasn’t immature at all. I totally admire you for getting up and standing up for yourself. What a totally unprofessional. She doesn’t deserve to HAVE patients. If I lived anywhere near there, I’d tell everyone I know to avoid her at all costs. Seriously, I’m enraged for you.
She Likes Purples last blog post..Texas, I’d Forgive You For Your Horrible Weather if You Would Start Offering Me Tim-Bits
yelp.com
Seriously.
Yelp the fuck out of these dental bitches.
Matts last blog post..Photo meme
Oh my. I’m sure you’ve gotten a lot of really great advice here. Small claims one of them? One of those TV courts? Man alive.
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