Bad Dentistry - Part 3

By Judy Fishman

Posted Aug 08, 2013 in Publisher's Page

April 2013


Decision day. I went in to have the filling removed to see what was left of the tooth. Even this standard procedure is one that separates excellent dentists from just okay dentists. Unfortunately, this dentist is "just okay."


After the decision was made, I learned that there were several things she might have been able to do to better stabilize this tooth. But none of these things were on the table.


Take another look at the X-ray. [And, by the way, take a look at the bitewing to note the occlusion.] Note that there is a good amount of natural tooth surrounding the filling. From her perspective, replacing the filling didn't seem like an option. There was some decay underneath; my fault for letting things slide so long.


Should she have more adeptly and promptly been able to assess the source of my pain? Should she have been able to see this decay before removing the filling? Should she have been more assertive with me when I...

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About The Author

  • Judy Fishman

    CEO/Publisher at LMT Communications, Inc. · Newtown, CT

    Serving the needs of the dental laboratory community has been Judy's core mission for over 36 years. An industry leader known for her integrity & optimism, Judy understands the needs of the market and develops practical...

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  • Judy Fishman Image
    Judy Fishman Author

    I'm curious to know if you are familiar with the treatment options that may have been available to me at this point.

  • Curt Morgese Image
    Curt Morgese · Owner/Ceramist · Central City, PA

    Thank you Judy for being brave enough to bring this article to LMT. I also believe that you are a victim of what Dan and I refer to as "The Dark Side." Unknowing patients are trusting their dentist a little too much. Just as in the new medical era where we as patients must do our homework before we place...[More]

  • Daniel J. O'Rourke Image
    Daniel J. O'Rourke · Owner/president · Cameron, MT

    YES! YES! YES! THANK YOU!!!

    I have been shouting about this type of dentistry ( THE DARK SIDE) for years and very few want to hear it……..WHY????? You don't need me to answer that, you already know the truth!

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