Vent

Patient no-showed their SRP appointment for the THIRD time

We blocked 2 hours for this patient's SRP. They no-showed. Rescheduled. No-showed again. Rescheduled again. No-showed today. Each time they have an excuse. "Forgot," "car trouble," "family emergency." I'm done. I'm going to dismiss them from the practice. I can't keep blocking time for someone who doesn't show up. But I feel guilty because they clearly need the treatment. Am I being unreasonable?

Just spent 2 hours on a crown prep that the lab will probably mess up anyway

Perfect margins, perfect reduction, perfect temporization. Took me 2 hours because I wanted it perfect. Sent it to the lab with detailed instructions, photos, everything. I already know they're going to call me in 2 weeks saying "we need to remake it" or deliver something that doesn't fit. It's always something. Why do I even try to be perfect when the lab ruins it anyway?

Hygienist called in sick for the 4th Monday in a row

I know people get sick, but this is getting ridiculous. Every Monday for the past month, my hygienist calls in "sick." I'm starting to think it's not a coincidence. I'm stuck seeing her patients or rescheduling them, which makes me look bad. The owner won't do anything because "we're short-staffed" and can't afford to lose her. I'm so frustrated. I can't run a practice like this.

Had a patient threaten to sue because their veneer shade was 'too white' (they picked it)

Patient came in for veneers. We did a shade selection, she approved the shade, signed the consent. Lab delivered exactly what we ordered. At delivery, she says "this is too white, I want it redone." I explain that she approved this shade. She threatens to sue, says I'm "unprofessional," and storms out. Now I'm worried about a lawsuit over something that was literally her choice. This is why I hate cosmetic cases.

My office manager is sabotaging me and no one believes me

I'm convinced our office manager is intentionally messing with my schedule. She double-books me, "forgets" to confirm appointments, and when I bring it up to the owner, she plays innocent. The owner trusts her completely (she's been there 15 years) and thinks I'm just being difficult. But my production is down 20% because of scheduling issues and I'm the one who looks bad. I don't know what to do. I can't prove it's intentional but I know it is.

Patient left a 1-star review because I wouldn't prescribe opioids

Extracted #17 yesterday, straightforward extraction, no complications. Patient asked for "something stronger" than the ibuprofen I prescribed. I explained why opioids aren't necessary for routine extractions. Woke up this morning to a 1-star Google review saying I'm "uncaring" and "don't care about patient pain." I'm so frustrated. I'm trying to do the right thing and this is what I get. The review is public and I can't respond without violating HIPAA.