DrugBuyers.Com: Do dentists seem to try to find everything wrong?

I am new to the boards and this is my first post. I couldn't resist since I have been practicing as a dental hygienist for 20 years. In general, concerning dentists and dentistry:

This profession is like most medical professions. They involve being run by Human Beings with various morals, opinions, and motives. Some are nice, some aren't. Some are money hungry, some do it not because they need any more money - many dentists already come from wealthy families and trust me, if you want to make a whole lot of money, DON'T BECOME a DENTIST! They are FAR underpaid than Medical doctors who MIGHT spend 7 mins with you on a visit and charge $250 just for the consult/honoring you with his/her presence. (and they may never even TOUCH you..not even ONCE) For relatively the same amount of time spent academically, put in possibly a bit more time and become a PHYSICIAN!

Dentists lean and hover over horrific work areas and contend with flying debris containing God knows what viruses,bacteria, or other unknown entities landing on their masks and glasses. (and by the way, hygienists have it even WORSE in this area since we work UNDER the gums with ultrasonic instruments using water spray that ends up being bloody water droplets containing lots of bacteria,debris etc covering our thin plastic shields supposedly protecting our face).

As far as fees? Even "I" paid $800 for a root canal several years ago. I went to a specialist that my office refers to and got NO special treatment! I have seven crowns, three of which have been replaced already.(I'm 43)Crowns where I live START at $700! And again, in general, dentists are UNDERPAID for what they have to put up with, what they put their bodies through everyday. And just for future info, the tired, old comment about how "I've paid for his house and his mercedes" just ticks them off! They're AMMUNE to it. At least try to come up with something different and maybe he/she will actually be affected in some small way JUST by your shot at creativity.

And finally, the issue of how dentists are not consistent when diagnosing problems? Listen...again, people are people. Dentists are people. They all have different goals, opinions, and philosophies on treatment. I have worked for dentists who will let a huge filling "go" until it is cracked and broken; and others who Best if kept off the board a tooth at the first site of a fracture line! PHILOSOPHIES. Not always money related...TRUST ME! These people would NOT, I repeat, would NOT be in this profession simply for the money. How much would YOU charge to be 6 inches from a dark hole emitting putrid smells,blood, 2 inches of caked on debris over the teeth, bending in a position for up to 20 minute chunks of time where your back is bent over and your neck twisted in order to work in this dark, unknown crevice filled with things that could, quite literally, kill you? How much are you worth? C'mon, give it a shot?

I could go on and on and on and on here. And since I'm new, you don't know that I have an amazing compassion for people and a great sense of humor and that is the tone for this post. But since it's being expressed only in black and white words, no voice inflexion, etc...you may take this as being very harsh and cocky, to say the least!

Listen precious dental patients... I know that it is NOT pleasant to have your teeth and gums prodded and drilled. I already know you'd rather be golfing or shopping, or just about ANYTHING but sitting in a dental chair. It took me years to learn to NOT take the comments personally; even on a subconscious level. But if you have a faith in our Creator, please know that "It" didn't place a longing to work in dentistry inside of dental professionals soley for your displeasure, pain, or financial ruin. God made dental professionals the same reasons he/she made plumbers and waste management workers - to give you an opportunity to choose to stay happy, with good pipes. To help you be happy. And I hope that you are - even in "small chunks of time".

With respect to you all and hope for future good will together - and God knows I could use your advice!
Namaste,
Lisa

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Know Thyself