Seen only by hygienist at Last Appt.

[Adam Smasher]

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Hi guys,

I don't usually have much reason to post around these parts, but a recent trip to the dentist has me wondering about something. So I thought I'd ask my fellow health-care providers if what I experienced is normal.

On my last cleaning, I met with the hygienist, and she took some X-rays and then did her thing. When she was done, she told me, "OK, we'll see you in 6 months."
"Isn't Dr. X going to see me today?" I wonder, perplexed.
"Oh sorry, she's not here today. Did you have a question for her?"
"I guess not..."

I had to bite my tongue because my first thought was, "I didn't realize I was scut work." However, in the past, at other dentists, they were never a major presence for my routine cleanings. Usually just poke their head in the office, quick glance in my mouth, and that's that. So I don't suppose it's that different for my dentist to be physically absent.

Another instinct I had was to wonder how qualified a hygienist is to diagnose radiographic pathology. But she seemed experienced, so I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. Besides, she might have been e-mailing the X-rays to the doctor who is sitting at the pool.

Basically, I'm annoyed because I had been seeing Dr. X since 2005 when she was small-time. I had to stop seeing her for a few years when I started podiatry school in another state, but now that I'm back in town, she's more involved in teeth whitenings and botox. And if that's where her passion is, then more power to her, but I don't need to see a Beverly Hills dentist.

My question to you:
Is this normal? (Because it wouldn't fly in podiatry)

Please educate me if my feelings are off-base! Thank you!🙂

 

[beannaithe]

It can be normal, depending on your state. Some states allow a hygienist to work without the supervision of a dentist on patients who are healthy, have had an exam within the last year and do not need any medications administered such as anesthesia. You are correct about the hygienist, they are not allowed to read radiographs/diagnose. Odds are since you've been relatively low-key during your exams, your dentist thought it okay to schedule you while she was away for the office. Likely, your dentist will review your radiographs when she's back in the office and call you for an appointment should anything be seen.

I can't comment on why she wasn't there. But I would cut her some slack. She could have been anywhere. Like your first suspicion at the pool. Or perhaps she had a sick child. Or she may have been sick. It's a big no-no in healthcare to discuss your personal issues with your patients. So I wouldn't be too offended that she wasn't there and try to be a bit more understanding just in case it was something related to life that was beyond her control.

 

[HupHolland]

^ yup, what he/she said.

some states require hygiene supervision, others don't. typically, offices only schedule patients that are not due for their yearly exam on a day a doctor is not in the office. often patients are informed ahead of time that a doctor will not be present just in case the patient had a pressing question for the doctor.

what you experienced is not rare, but not the norm. the doc will review your radiographs when they return to the office and will contact you for a follow up or treatment if something looks fishy.

hup

 

[mmasurf]

i've heard of this occurring to several people its not the norm but your sorta not getting the best treatment. hopefully the dr will read your xrays but what if they dont and that cavity she missed doesnt get noticed. there is a reason drs get paid to work on you cause that's their job its just annoying that many think taking short cuts like this is normal. you should call back and ask the dr to see if they read your xrays.

 

[djeffreyt]

I don't think the experience is completely unusual, but generally not the normal.

If it bothers you and you don't want to go again and have the same occurence, I'd call and mention it. Not in a mean way, granted, just call and tell the front desk you were seen recently and that the dentist wasn't present in the office that day and you were wondering if that was normal for the dentist not to come look in on patients at their 6 month recall visit and cleaning. If the front office staff tells you this is normal and the dentist is only called in if the hygienist mentions a problem with your mouth, then I'd just look for a new dentist. If the front says something like, the dentist will be there next time but usually only checks physically every other appt, then I don't think it's a huge deal and you just keep going unless that seems inappropriate to you.

It's really not a big deal to call. All you are doing is asking for standard care, not anything excessive.