Sunday, August 14, 2011

What are my rights as a patient? Do I have to go back to pick up the partial?

A tooth on my existing partial broke off and I had asked my dentist to make me a new one. I stated that I again, wanted a Valplast partial. He took the imprint and sent it out. It came back a week or so ago and I went to the office to pick it up. It wasn't what I had expected. The teeth were small and discolored and it was set on a metal plate. I thought it was me so I had tried to live with it but the discomfort became unbearable. I developed sores on the inside of my mouth and the teeth looked awful. I tried to like them but friends and coworkers looked at me and their look spoke a thousand words- it looked awful. I called the office and went back. The dentist who was once so very kind was furious as I sat in the chair crying trying to explain why I didn't like the partial. I showed him the sores on the inside of my mouth and he stormed out of the room. He caused a big scene and fellow patients came to have a look. He kept saying he wanted to retire. I did nothing. I just said there, I couldn't believe this was happening. I wasn't hysterical when I came in so don't get the wrong impression. I cried in pain. I'm a Psychiatric Tech. and I know how to handle myself-- which I could say the same for others. He told me "Oh great! Now I have to pay for this!" He tried to force it into my mouth. He tried to force me into keeping it as a supposed "spare" but I said no. His dental hygienist was kind. She agreed the partial did not look right and said I had every right to voice my opinion. Another came in and tried to cheer me up. I left. He did the impression and I now I am waiting on my new partial... I am really very fearful of going back. I don't want to be subjected to his abuse. He already charged my dental insurance company and I will be making a payment arrangement to pay off the remainder. Can I request that I pick up the teeth without seeing him? What do I do?
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This dentist violated every rule of conduct, professionalism, and HIPPA privacy laws. I would first call the insurance company and initiate a grievance complaint. Tell them that the partial was not what you wanted and did not fit properly and look satisfactory. Tell them your story and they should not pay the dentists claim. Do not go back to pick up the bad denture. Then find a new dentist to construct you a proper appliance. If the old dentist makes waves in any way file a grievance with the state dental society and threaten legal action to the dental office. He sounds like he needs some psycho analysis. Good luck
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