Is it common to employ part time dental assistants ?

2

20130822a

Few days ago, I went to dentist for periodontitis treatment. then I needed a mini surgery. During the surgery, the dental assistant was so amateur that she even hurt my tongue with a little pipe!

After that, my friend told me it's quite common that dentist will hire part-time job assistants who never have medical-related training. Is that really a common situation? cuz' I think it will increase the medical risk!!
 

Wes Bucey

Prophet of Profit
Few days ago, I went to dentist for periodontitis treatment. then I needed a mini surgery. During the surgery, the dental assistant was so amateur that she even hurt my tongue with a little pipe!

After that, my friend told me it's quite common that dentist will hire part-time job assistants who never have medical-related training. Is that really a common situation? cuz' I think it will increase the medical risk!!
If you are talking about the suction pipe, it is a common problem - patients have a propensity to move tongue while dentist OR tech is suctioning water from drill, blood, saliva.
 

TPMB4

Quite Involved in Discussions
The blood and drool pipe? Yes, that is quite common to get your tongue or cheek caught by the drool pipe. If you think about it the assistant has to keep the tube out of the way of the dentist; direct it where the drool, blood or water is collecting and keep it away from your gums, tongue, cheek. All that while you are probably moving (if under local) and while the dentist is moving (his tools and you to get access where he/she needs it.

Put it bluntly, if you didn't get a little caught by the suction then it is a miracle. The assistant should of course realise quickly by the sound of the pipe that it is blocked by flesh and move it quickly. Despite that you can get hurt by it.

Just because the assistant is temporary doesn't mean they are not good at what they do.

I suspect it is a case of you being sensitive to dentistry generally and you need to see a specialist dentist who treats people who are nervous of them. It makes a difference to see someone who knows how to deal with nervous patients.
 
2

20130822a

You're right. This was the first time I went to dentist for treatment...
It almost killed me:bonk: Maybe I was too nervous and didn't notice I should leave my tongue calm.
 
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