This note is just a feedback, so feel free to dispose of it after reading.Not wanting to give this feedback in front of your colleagues or staff, here is just a heads up to let you know the inconvenience and agony your patients are going through.
I believe many of your patients, like me, face the same problem, but few would have enough courage to let you know the whole truth. My objective for this feedback is to enable you to understand your patients better, so please do not take this too hard or feel it is written to give offense.
You probably can understand the pain your patients are going through with minor slips such as sharp brace brackets and wire ends not snipped off. It costs much for patients like me to have to suffer excruciating pain with ulcers and not being able to eat well or even open mouth just to talk.
As you know, not all patients can immediately go back and see you to get the problem fixed right away and some may have to suffer the pain for days. Ad hoc visits to and from workplace can also cost much, and in my case, I have already spent an accumulated amount of more than a hundred dollars just paying for cab fares for non-scheduled visits. Such visits have also brought much inconvenience with too many excuses requesting for time off from work.
You will understand the frustration, pain and agony your patients are going through besides bearing unnecessary cost. As a standard practice and procedure in the future, therefore, can you without having to be reminded do the necessary checks and fix the necessary after each patient's visit?
Thank you for taking the time to read this note. Looking forward to making things better for the future, please accept my apologies should this feedback bring you any unhappiness or stress.
Text message reply from the orthodontist (dental specialist) ...
ReplyDeleteThank you for your feedback.
I am sorry the braces treatment have caused you so much distress. Some discomfort due to the wire poking is expected at the ends as wires will tend to shift as teeth shift. This is especially with a low friction and free sliding system like the damon braces.
The braces at the end will also cause some discomfort as they are quite bulky and the cheek at the ends are quite close to the braces. These are usually beyond prediction or control and can be minimised with wax.
On my part I check to ensure that wires do not stick out but may inadvertently miss out some at times. I appreciate your honest feedback and will in future keep your comments and suggestions in mind.
I will speak with you on your next visit to see what else we can do to minimise your discomfort and inter-appt emergencies.
Kind regards
Dr [name]