Ethics

I enjoyed the ethics presentations, however, the responses were predictable as I predicted with the exception of Nicole's doctor. He was the only one that answered with an unexpected honest answer.  Not that other responses were not honest, I am sure in most cases they were.  But isnt it expected when faced with any moral or ethical question from one of our peers, that we would answer most honorably in fear of being judged?  I know that "white lies" exist often within medical professionals, most likely due to the fact that they are trying desperately to avoid suspicion of being unethical.  I also know greed controls many who believe they are more valuable than they receive retribution for.  I hope that the situation will not arise in my professional career.....and I honestly hope I will never be tempted to behave in any other way than I would if the whole world had their eyes on me.....

Rotations!

The oral surgery rotation was clearly an eye opener!  I left there more annoyed than I had in the past because of the behaviors of some of the dental students.  I know that there is a stigma/negativity associated with the patients in oral surgery.  There are clearly treated differently than in our clinic.  By different, I mean with little respect or regard for their feelings, fears, or economical disadvantages.  I imagine that every D student has not been spoiled with any and every thing they could ever want in life, but one thing is for sure, they have had the advantage!!!!! Whether it be financially or the fact that they have been fortunate enough to have love and support of family and friends while they take advantage of an opportunity to make  their lives better....with education and income.
Well......not everyone in this world has been blessed with those gifts. Some of the people in that clinic have never been given the opportunity to live in a county with top grade schools free of stress and/or violence! Many have not lived in a home with one or two loving parents who drove them to sports all of their young lives......and most could never have received enough support to attend college.... etc., etc., etc.!!!! It makes me sick to see these spoiled brats, driving their nice cars and going on their wonderful vacations....look down on these patients who could have only dreamed about the life they are living.
As I wiped the tears from a young girls face, in efforts to try to calm her fear, I realized the dental student was treating this young girl, who was having the alveolar bone filed down for dentures (probably due to meth) with such disdain and so little concern...of course I realize that not everyone in oral surgery feels or behaves this way but this is what I witnessed more than twice.  A lesson learned and remembered....