Jean in Newcastle Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 My dentist is ok - I mean he does what I pay him to do and he takes my insurance. He's friendly and we have some minor chit-chat. Nothing memorable (good or bad) in his work or his demeanor. His receptionist is driving me absolutely nuts. She is an older motherly type and she has been calling me non-stop to nag that I am overdue for a cleaning. I expect one call or a postcard reminder but she's been calling weekly and recently daily. Last week she actually called twice in one day. I haven't been home 90% of the time but heard her detailed voice messages. So I got the message. The day she called twice, I actually was home and picked up the second time. I reamed her out. I was tired and I had already gotten her earlier message and honestly, she is not my mother! I explained that I know that I'm overdue for a cleaning. I am an adult and will take full responsibility for any damage to my teeth from neglecting them. I am in the midst of seeing my fourth medical specialist to try and tackle my health problems and frankly, I don't have the time or the money right now to get my teeth cleaned. She just called again. I picked up, didn't even say "hello" and hung up again. I did not want to talk to her and I didn't need one more message telling me what I already know. So. . . would you look for another dentist over this? Because that is what I'm inclined to do at this point. I don't see how this woman has this much time on her hands! Or maybe they are so desperate for patients that they have to hound the ones they already have? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKL Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 LOL. Is she perhaps losing her marbles? If this is a recent development I would not dump my dentist over it, but I might make a good-natured comment to the dentist about it on my next visit. Or ask to talk to her superior the next time she calls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephanieZ Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 That is bonkers! I would tell the dentist him or herself, and request them to remove me from their reminder system. Then, if it continues, I'd change dentists. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 I would talk to the dentist first - and let him know his receptionist is behaving in what is a very UNprofessional manner. (he deserves the warning and probably has no idea this is happening.) it could also be they are desperate for patients (and if that's the case, I'd look for a new one.) eta: I wouldn't wait another day to call and inform the dentist himself. at least, it should stop the "reminder" (cough, cough) calls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orthodox6 Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Agreeing with the others. Considerately-worded "heads up" to the dentist about the customer relations style of his receptionist would (should) be very helpful to him. Recently I consulted a periodontist because I need some serious-level work done. One of his assistants/receptionist/all-purpose someone made a strong negative impression on me. She carried on and on about "the doctor", about how she had been living with him for twelve years, about how much she does there at the office and at home, about how "the doctor" likes this/that/whatever. . . As I was preparing to leave the doctor, she waylaid me to enquire, "So, how did you like the doctor?" . . . I won't be going back there, because the whole experience was thoroughly unprofessional! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeannie in NJ Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 I agree with talking to your dentist. That is very odd behavior that his receptionist is having. My dentist of over 20 years will send out a reminder postcard and that is all. It is then up to me if I want to go in or not. There is no nagging or phone calls from his office. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 I won't be going back there, because the whole experience was thoroughly unprofessional! sounds like it went from unprofessional to downright creepy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zoobie Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 I would call and tell the dentist/office manager that she's lost her dang mind. Dental stalking! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tap Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 I would send a letter to the dentist, marked Confidential Dr. XYZ only! And leave your name off the address field. If you have the times she called on your phone still jot them down to prove your point on how often she is calling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Belacqua Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Agreeing with the others. Considerately-worded "heads up" to the dentist about the customer relations style of his receptionist would (should) be very helpful to him. Recently I consulted a periodontist because I need some serious-level work done. One of his assistants/receptionist/all-purpose someone made a strong negative impression on me. She carried on and on about "the doctor", about how she had been living with him for twelve years, about how much she does there at the office and at home, about how "the doctor" likes this/that/whatever. . . As I was preparing to leave the doctor, she waylaid me to enquire, "So, how did you like the doctor?" . . . I won't be going back there, because the whole experience was thoroughly unprofessional! Creepy. I can certainly understand why you declined to return! If Jean informs her dentist about this, his response will tell her a lot. Sometimes staffers do go rogue, but occasionally the doctor is aware of and even encourages the behavior. I almost dumped a doctor because his staff was just...weird about him. Almost worshipful, the way they'd refer to him as "Doctor." "Doctor will see you in a moment." Not "Dr. Dinglefuzzy." Not even "the doctor." Just "Doctor," the way they might say, "Odin will appear shortly." But he didn't seem to think he was any sort of deity, so I stuck around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted October 22, 2013 Author Share Posted October 22, 2013 If I do the calling thing, I'd have to wait - I barely have a voice at the moment. I mean, I can talk some but it comes out all squeaky. I could do the letter. At the moment though I'm just tired. I caught a bad cold in the midst of all this medical testing and had to reschedule my latest test. I'm hoping I can get better soon so I can jump through the next hoop in trying to figure out what's wrong with me. Dealing with a Dental Stalker (love the term, btw!) is not what I want to be doing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Our dentist's office is getting a bit carried away with the follow-up too. Only, they're just calling weekly (which I still think is overkill - can't even imagine daily calls). I just ignore the calls, as I already told them a long time ago that I would schedule an appointment when I'm able. We like the dentist, so I'm not going to drop them over this. In your case, I probably would write a letter to the dentist. Daily calls is beyond crazy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 It's her job to fill vacant spots with patients. However, this is overkill and I would tell her to make a note to not call back again. There are fields in the dental scheduling software that they can easily glance at before making calls. Most typically do refer to these notes prior to calling. Obviously, she isn't utilizing her program to it's fullest and when she is printing her query list, she's missing very valuable information. Not your problem, hers and the dentist should be aware. I left an office mainly due to the office personnel due to annoyances before but I knew how a good office should be ran and I spoke multiple times to the dentist prior to leaving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reflections Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Gosh, Jean. My dentist's receptionist asks at the end of the cleaning if I want to make my next appointment and I 99% of the time say no I'll have to wait until I'm closer to the next visit and that is that. No pesky phone calls at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ErinE Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 If you're happy (or content) with the dentist, I would contact him directly. In my experience, most practitioners would want to be made aware of problems rather than lose a patient, particularly one of longstanding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murphy101 Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Maybe she was calling that last time to offer apologies? I'd talk to the dentist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 She's trying to fill slots but getting too aggressive about it. The dentist may or may not care. If you're the only one who complains, he won't care. If you're one of many who complain, he might direct her to scale back her tactics. For him, it's a fine line between harassing patients and having too many unbooked time slots. But if you don't tell him, he won't know. On a good day, it would irritate me. On a bad day...I would probably let loose on her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatHomeschoolDad Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Anything more than a postcard and one call is stalking. Next level is shadows in the backyard wielding dental picks. Yikes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 As a previous receptionist that had to so reminder calls (which SUCK), I think she is being pressured to get in the people that are past due. So the office manager is the person to complain to, as that is who is probably pressuring her. Trust me, no one makes those calls for fun. We always had a certain percentage of out of date patients we were supposed to get to make appointments, and that pressure always came from higher up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted October 22, 2013 Author Share Posted October 22, 2013 Anything more than a postcard and one call is stalking. Next level is shadows in the backyard wielding dental picks. Yikes. LOL - no shadows in the backyard wielding dental picks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted October 22, 2013 Author Share Posted October 22, 2013 Maybe she was calling that last time to offer apologies? I'd talk to the dentist. I did think of that, but I'm not taking phone calls today unless they are truly important since I'm squeaking like a mouse due to laryngitis. And I feel crummy. And I didn't want to talk to her! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
luvnlattes Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 I left a dentist a couple of years ago due to issues I had with the receptionist. He was similar to yours in a way. I didn't think he was spectacular but he wasn't bad either. Finding a new dentist has been tough. I had to get a crown from the most recent one and it was one of the worst experiences I've ever had with a dentist. I told my dh it was like being subjected to medieval torture! IMO, decent dentists are hard to come by. In hindsight, I wish I'd discussed my receptionist issues with him, so that's what I suggest. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mommybee Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 I might be tempted to get a google voice number and give that to her. Then you wouldn't be bothered. I use a google voice now for most of my medical stuff cause I never answer my home phone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThatHomeschoolDad Posted October 23, 2013 Share Posted October 23, 2013 I might be tempted to get a google voice number and give that to her. Then you wouldn't be bothered. Hold music -- get annoying hold music....Girl from Ipanema on the kazoo, perhaps. I've wanted a hold/music button for ages. I'm sure there's a way to rig it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoughCollie Posted October 23, 2013 Share Posted October 23, 2013 I'd talk to the dentist about this problem. I can't imagine giving up my dentist, though. He lets me bring my dog there, and his receptionist/office manager is delightful, as is everyone else there. Find one like that, and you've hit the jackpot! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted October 23, 2013 Share Posted October 23, 2013 I should tell dh about your dentist's receptionist--he thinks ours is annoying. Dh is terrible about scheduling his appt. So the receptionist usually calls to remind him . . . about 2 or 3 months after he's missed his 6-month checkup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiana Posted October 23, 2013 Share Posted October 23, 2013 Hold music -- get annoying hold music....Girl from Ipanema on the kazoo, perhaps. I've wanted a hold/music button for ages. I'm sure there's a way to rig it. You need hold music with a vuvuzela. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miss Mousie Posted October 23, 2013 Share Posted October 23, 2013 Hold music -- get annoying hold music....Girl from Ipanema on the kazoo, perhaps. I've wanted a hold/music button for ages. I'm sure there's a way to rig it. You don't need no stinkin' hold music rigged. You just say into the phone, "please hold," then hum whatever you like for awhile. I used to hum a tune called "You're the Cream in my Coffee" with one of my bosses, just to amuse him while I looked up whatever he needed to know on my computer. In the case of the stalking receptionist, I think I'd go with "Tijuana Taxi." That song never ends.... especially if you segue into "String of Pearls" afterward. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted October 23, 2013 Share Posted October 23, 2013 I would demand to speak to the dentist personally when your voice is back. While she might just be a pain in the patootie, or an overaggressive saleswoman, I would be concerned that if she is older, this is a sign of dementia and especially if she seems somewhat shocked if you say, "You've already called X times this week!" It's an odd behavior even for a person who struggles with professional skills. If it did not abate, then yes, I would switch dentists, and I'd write him a letter to let him know that since things did not improve after the personal conversation with him, you'll have to move on because you simply cannot tolerate being phone stalked. Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dahliarw Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 That would drive me nuts! If you decide to switch and it's not too far, I LOVE LOVE LOVE our dentist in Redmond. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KellieK Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 My dental office just changed to working on commission. I will never be going back there again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted October 24, 2013 Author Share Posted October 24, 2013 No calls from her today. . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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