Do you ever befriend your patients?

[monkeykey]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Have any of you ever became friends with a patient that you met through your dental practice? Like an actual friend who you talk to and hangout with? Or is this seen as unprofessional?

 

[Sublimazing]

how...how close of friends are you talking?

 

[monkeykey]

Hanging out occasionally outside of the dental office. Facebook friends

 

[HatInTheCat]

Nothing illegal or unethical about it, but it could be a big conflict of interest when things go wrong.

As long as your relationship with the patient doesn’t impact their standard of care, you’re fine.

 

[Boat on the Chesapeake]

If it’s not romantic it’s probably not illegal/unethical. But if you’re a new dentist good luck with that friendship when they complain the filling you did needs a root canal, “this shade doesn’t match” after all, they don’t pay their $700 balance, etc. etc...
Generally better to keep things separate.

 

[deleted923283]

You should read the guidelines set by the state board. This wanders into unethical territory. We were always taught in school that you cannot become friends with a patient. If you want to be friends, you should probably ask them to find another dentist.