Dentist etiquette?

Jun 16, 2009 at 4:59 PM
9 comments

When I was working downtown about fourteen years ago, I started going to a dentist who was also downtown, and I've been seeing this same dental practice ever since.

I have no complaints about the work. My only issue is that every couple of years, he brings a new "junior" dentist in and you have to get used to someone new. (I think he has a mentoring program for young dentists who are completing their training, or something like that.)

Anyhow, I discovered that the dentist I really liked, who left his practice a year ago, has joined a new practice, and their office is three floors up from mine. So not only would I be back with a dentist I was comfortable with, I don't have to take a half a stinking day to go downtown for an appointment. I can just run up the stairs.

My question is, do I need to let my old dentist know that I'm jumping ship, or can I just not make any more appointments with them and let them figure it out on their own?

9 comments

Comments

Well, your records would need to be transferred anyway but I think it would be the courteous thing to do. They won't take it that personally, I'd guess and who could argue with that kind of convenience? Plus...you should go to the dentist you feel comfortable with, I'm sure they understand that and have to deal with people who are actually afraid of the dentist, so your situation is pretty normal. Know what I mean? But, as I said, I think it's better to let them know since you've been a patient there for so long.

I agree with cp.

Hubby totally understands people going to a veterinarian that is convenient for them....and encourages them to do so.

Just tell the dentist office that you need your records transferred because you are moving to someone right in your building. I am sure they won't mind at all.

Ditto the ladies above. Especially for your records to be sent over.

What they said.

yeah, what they said too.

Peer pressure! ;)

Okay, okay, I'll tell them! :-)

Actually, when I told the new office that I used to be this dentist's patient downtown, she said the dentist was starting everyone with fresh x-rays and exam, so they weren't even going to request records.

But I have an email for one of their office folks who had written me to ask to reschedule because their new guy was going to be on his honeymoon on my original date. So I'll send her a note back and tell her why I'm not going to need a new appt.