I’m currently undergoing orthodontic treatment at a dental clinic.
It cost nearly 10 million won, and although the dental hygienists speak in kind voices, underneath there’s a bit of a tired irritation? Something like that. But that level felt like something I could let slide, thinking maybe it’s because they work in customer service.
Then, because I’d spent a lot of money and when you’re getting braces you can get this reality-check feeling? About 3 months ago, I urgently told reception that I wanted to consult with the manager who handles orthodontic consultations, and they seemed extremely displeased. I thought maybe it was because I brought it up suddenly, so I said I wanted to consult for various reasons and, if it wasn’t possible, I’d appreciate it at my next visit. Anyway, they connected me urgently, so I talked about the anxiety I had, saying that I’d spent a lot of money and I was starting to doubt whether things were going well.
I came only because of the orthodontist’s reputation, but the waiting time is basically 1 hour, the doctor only sees me briefly, and most things are done by the dental hygienists, so I don’t know if this is right. We talked about various things, I received an explanation, and I went home after getting myself together again. (The consultation manager explained things kindly, so I was grateful.)
And I go to the dentist once every 6-7 weeks to have the orthodontic treatment checked, and last month I went without any particular issue. Then 2 days ago, a bracket came off, so I called reception to urgently make an appointment, and the phone manner was extremely unfriendly.. But I thought, that can happen, so I urgently scheduled treatment and went to the clinic. But the dental hygienist was so good. Her hand skills were good too. I wanted to at least know her name, and I was so satisfied, but I didn’t get to thank her. The clinic is pretty large, there are many dental hygienists, and it seems like they’re assigned randomly, so there’s a high chance I won’t meet her again.
In the end, on my way home, I called reception and said, “Could I know the name of the dental hygienist who just treated me? She did such a good job, so I’d at least like to thank her.” They said they would check and contact me, but even then I felt a lot of irritation. I thought I shouldn’t have done it and said I was sorry.
At this point I did think I had done something wrong too, but even after 2 hours, they didn’t contact me. When I left that day, there weren’t any patients, maybe because it was early in the year, so I thought they weren’t busy, which is why I had called reception.
But since there was no contact, I thought maybe I had done something wrong when they were busy, or maybe giving out the name could be burdensome. After thinking it over, I called reception to say, “If giving the name is uncomfortable, please just pass along my thanks.” But as soon as I called, the receptionist said, “Ah, which patient are you? I passed it on,” and then told me the dental hygienist’s name. I repeatedly said thank you and hung up.
But that day, whether it was some twist of fate, f***, even swallowing saliva made my gums feel extremely sensitive, like when you eat something cold;. So I quickly called. But they didn’t answer lolololololol There are usually at least 3 people at reception, and the desk is never empty, but they didn’t answer. I was in so much pain, but I thought they must have their reasons.
And that day I couldn’t sleep, groaned in pain, felt anxious, and the next day came. I thought maybe calling right away would be too much, so I waited a while and called. Again, they didn’t answer. They picked up after I called twice. So I said, “Why are you not answering the phone like thisㅜㅜ” And in an irritated tone, they said that if I call repeatedly, the call might not go through lolololololololol
Does this make sense?? What does that even mean...
So I explained the situation about my gum pain, and since about 3 months had passed, I said I wanted to consult with the orthodontic manager and scheduled a consultation too, but again, irritation.... No, at the beginning of treatment they said I could request a consultation anytime if I had questions, so why on earth are they irritated when I request one... Ha... I really want to at least tell the manager that reception is a mess, but I wonder if they already know and are just the same kind of person.... Objectively, did I really do something wrong??? How should I get revenge???
Ah! And as I said earlier, at the dental clinic, the dentist only looks briefly and the dental hygienists do almost everything, but the price is expensive... I really want to stop anyone who says they’re going to this clinic.