Pretty in Pink Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 Is it routine for a dentist to apply sealants and place fillings in a child's mouth without first consulting with the child's parents? On three seperate occassions our pediatric dentist has applied sealants to a child's back teeth without consulting me first. I told him plainly after the first incident that I wanted to be consulted about any and all treatments before they were administered, but twice more my children's teeth were sealed without my permission. I only find out at the check-out window when I am billed for the sealants. Additionally, today I found out that at their last visit the dentist placed a metal filling in my ds8's back molar without asking me! I noticed the discoloration on his back tooth a few weeks ago and when I mentioned it to the dentist this morning he told me it was the filling he placed at the last visit. I had no idea he had done so. I asked him why he didn't consult me and he said that he was sure that he had. Later, one of the hygienists apologized to me and said that it was her fault that I had not been consulted about the filling. My chilld didn't even have a cavity. His teeth were also sealed at that visit (without my permission). Apparently the dentist wanted to build that tooth up a bit before applying the sealant, so he sanded the surface and applied a metal fillling, then sealed around/over it. None of my children have ever had a cavity. Not one. Today ds13's back molars were sealed. The dentist didn't consult me, but told ds that he was due for sealants. I found out about the sealants when I was handed the bill. Dh and I are both furious. Is it even legal to do those things without a parent's permission? I am switching dentists ASAP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamrachelle Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 It is not legal. He is performing a procedure on a minor child. I would definitely switch dentists and report him to the General Dental Counsil... the governing board for dentistry. Here's the link: http://www.dental-law.co.uk/id8.html HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momof3littles Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 No. Not routine. In fact, I might even fight payment since I wasn't consulted (I most likely would fight it and yes, agreeing w/ PP that you should consider reporting this behavior). Sounds like someone running up the bill, possibly. I had sealants as a kid but there's no way I would be happy with someone unilaterally making a decision like that without consulting me. It isn't as though it is a matter of life or death! You should have been allowed to weigh the pros and cons of having them done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ria Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 Not legal, and you shouldn't have to pay, either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 I would be furious. Absolutely enraged. He has NO business doing ANYTHING to a minor child without the parent's full knowledge and specific consent, and he has NO BUSINESS billing you for services that you did not specifically agree to. And I'm horrified that he would erode a tooth that was intact and healthy. That would leave me enraged as well. Fire him. Report him. Refuse payment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 I would be furious. Absolutely enraged. He has NO business doing ANYTHING to a minor child without the parent's full knowledge and specific consent, and he has NO BUSINESS billing you for services that you did not specifically agree to. And I'm horrified that he would erode a tooth that was intact and healthy. That would leave me enraged as well. Fire him. Report him. Refuse payment. This, and add in additional anger for him using a mercury filling without consulting me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sputterduck Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 I was told by *three* pediatric dentists upfront that they will not consult me and I was not allowed back with my child, I kid you not. Of course, I ran as fast as I could out of those places. And Calandalsmom wonders why parents want to go with their child to medical visits? We found a wonderful pediatric dentist who allowed me back with my child and who even talks to parents before doing any procedure. You'd think that was normal, but not in the area we were when my son needed a dentist. One dentist was even cruel to small children, IMO. It's a long story and still gives me chills. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linguistmama Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 :iagree: I would be beyond furious, especially since I don't want my kids to have the metal fillings! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nakia Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 That is horrible!! I cannot imagine. I would be completely livid and would be reporting him ASAP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seraphina Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 We tried a large pediatric dental clinic here in the area, they do not allow parents back with kids. I have two special needs kids and explained that they could not be seen without me, they refused to allow me back. I had already had concerns about this particular practice due to my ds (12) telling me they were "mean" when he went in. When they refused to allow me in with my kids we decided another dentist was in order. We have now found a wonderful dentist that allows me back and of course does nothing without explaining and asking for permission first. In fact he only does work that is schedule. So if we go in for a cleaning that is all he will do. If they need further work he explains what is needed and schedules a follow up. I would certainly report that dentist and immediately find a new dentist. Good luck to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dobela Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 We stopped going to a pediatric dentist and found a family one instead. I would be very angry if all that was done without my consent. I would also call your state licensing board to complain. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Riverland Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 At our pediatric dentist, parents are required to go back with their children and required to sign a consent form before any treatment. All concerns and treatment options are thoroughly discussed beforehand. When I sent my DD17 alone, I had to write/sign a note for her to take. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kewb Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 I would be furious. I would find a new dentist and I would report the old dentist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goldilocks Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 This is why I changed dentists. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 I am glad you are switching dentists, I wouldn't be ok with that at all. I wouldn't take my child to a dentist where I couldn't go back with them and wouldn't consult me about treatments. I am shocked he put in a filing for no reason. I wouldn't pay for that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty in Pink Posted September 20, 2011 Author Share Posted September 20, 2011 We have really good dental insurance so we weren't billed a dime for the filling, which is why I didn't know about it until I happened to see it in his mouth. Like I said, I thought the filling was a cavity when I saw it. My dh contacted our insurance company which contacted the dentist's office. The dentist got on the phone and told him that as far as he knew I had been informed about the sealants and filling at our last visit. He said there was a note in our file saying that I was informed. Um...no. I was not. The insurance rep. said that we can change dentists if we aren't happy. I figured they be a little more interested in the fact that they are paying out hefty sums for unauthorized treatments. I guess not. The dentist's office did agree to reimburse us for the co-pays on today's sealants. I will be reporting this practice. Thanks to whomever provided that link in their post. I will check it out. The whole thing is stupid, really. I would have authorized the sealants each time. The filling, no. The sealants, yes. I don't know why they don't ask me first. The thing is, I have been back with the kids at every. single. visit. This dentist encourages it. I never notice him doing the sealants because I'm watching four kids at once and I can't tell the difference between applying a sealant and just cleaning teeth. I missed the filling altogether because that was ds3's first visit and we were sitting is a seperate room, technically, though I was still just a few feet away from the other boys. I probably heard the drill when he did it. :glare: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 I'd leave. This is probably something that should be reported, but I'm too lazy/busy. If your children have never had cavities, you don't need a pediatric dentist. I think they are valuable if you have a family history of dental issues, or multiple early cavities, but they are simply too aggressive for most people and you pay for unnecessary precautions. I've always been required to go in with my pre-teen children. My 14-year old just has her first unsupervised check-up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen in CO Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 My ped. dentist provides a printed treatment plan which I sign before he does any work. When you're looking for a new dentist, make sure you go to one that does this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mchel210 Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 Im glad you are following through with the reports! That is just crazy! My parents used to take me to a dentist that didnt allow parents in the back. He used half doses of novicaine and did lots of work that was not needed. I complained but my parents thought I was lying or overreacting. Later, charges had been brought up on him and he was in the paper and my parents couldnt beleive it! Crazy!! I am super picky with dentists now and I always go back with my kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joannqn Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 I would have left after the first time I wasn't consulted. In fact, I did. I took DD in to get two loose teeth pulled. It sounds silly, but she has fear issues and wouldn't let us pull them at home, and the teeth had broken. While she was in there, she decided to pull a third tooth that was starting to loosen without consulting me. Then she referred us to an orthodontist who said he couldn't start treatment because DD didn't have enough teeth to attach the braces too. We've never been back. Unfortunately, that was over a year ago and the kids haven't been to any dentist since. I need to get on top of finding a new one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessAriel Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 Our pediatric dentist has a room next to the exam rooms with a large glass window where parents can sit and watch their children. They did allow dd to sit on my lap a few times when she was little and scared. We have to sign before any procedure is done and usually have to schedule a separate appointment for that type of thing. I would look online for this practice and write a review so others can know what they are really like. I would also complain further as others have suggested in previous posts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WishboneDawn Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 (edited) It is not legal. He is performing a procedure on a minor child. I would definitely switch dentists and report him to the General Dental Counsil... the governing board for dentistry. Here's the link: http://www.dental-law.co.uk/id8.html HTH Do this right away please. If he's doing it to you he's doing it to others and needs to be reported. ETA: I saw you're going to. Good. Pediatric dentists...Another things you just never see around here. You Americans and all your medical specialties! Edited September 20, 2011 by WishboneDawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 I quit going to the pediatric dentist and now go to a family dentist because they wouldn't let the parents in the back. If I were you, I'd refuse to pay the bill because you asked to be consulted first. I'd be really furious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 I've never been to a pediatric dentist that didn't permit parents in the back. My pediatric dentist asks permission for every procedure--I don't have insurance, so he also tells me the cost. I wonder in the dentist just did it because he knew he could bill insurance for it. The situation is really messed up! Good luck finding a new provider. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scuff Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 I think I'd look into legal action if procedures were done on my children without permission. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 I would be furious. Absolutely enraged. He has NO business doing ANYTHING to a minor child without the parent's full knowledge and specific consent, and he has NO BUSINESS billing you for services that you did not specifically agree to. And I'm horrified that he would erode a tooth that was intact and healthy. That would leave me enraged as well. Fire him. Report him. Refuse payment. Absolutely!!!! :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texasmama Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 I've not ever had a dental procedure done on my kids without it being discussed with me. Our pediatric dentist presents a treatment plan in writing with a drawing of the tooth to be worked on and a line by line description of the expenses. No surprises. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 Wow, it sounds like your children need a new dentist and you need an attorney. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 Wow! I've never had a dentist not consult me. I'd be enraged, and not going back to that practice. And I'd report it to whoever needs to know about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HS Mom in NC Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 Outrageous. Why didn't you leave the first time he did something without your permission? After you specifically told him to consult with you on the next time and he didn't, there's no reason at all to have returned. Clearly he has no respect for you as a parent. I would look into the legal issues-this guy is bad news. Parentalrights.org may be someone to consider talking to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angel marie Posted September 21, 2011 Share Posted September 21, 2011 no, this is not common. they need to consult with you before they do anything. also, alot of times this stuff is expensive and a plan needs to be worked out to get it all done. bottom teeth sealed on one visit, top on the next--stuff like that. i would have a serious chat with them again, or just switch dentist--and i would probably switch dentist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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