Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Open Letter to My Daughter's Former Dentist

Dr. S,

After our interaction today in your office, I have decided to fire you. These are the reasons why:

  1. You were offended because I asked my daughter a question. I should be able to ask my child whatever question I want. I’m her mother. If you are offended by it, then it’s your job to get over it. I’m the client.
  2. You expressed your offense by cornering me physically in your office. Do you know that when you scoot your chair down close to that parent chair, that parent has no means of egress? The way was blocked by machinery and your assistant, who was aghast at the proceedings. Furthermore, my first reaction to your demeanor and physical presence was fear. How can I bring my child back to a person who made me fear for my safety, even for one instant?
  3. You became more incensed when I attempted to explain myself. I was not only explaining myself, I was advocating for my child. I will always do that.
  4. Your office threw away my daughter’s file for no reason. Had that not happened, her history would have been there for your review. Instead, I got admonished for asking a question, and feared for my safety when you and your anger moved your chair to corner me like an animal.
  5. You made me cry. What an ass.

Because of my shock at the entire thing, it has taken me a while to pinpoint exactly what angered me the most. In the end, there are many points, and not just one. I began crying when you talked to me while I was leaving, not only because of my anger at having been made fearful, but because I knew I would have to advocate for my daughter the way I did with you, over and over and over. Parents of children with disabilities deserve to work with people who are not only educated about these kids, but also care about their welfare.

I don’t believe you care. In fact, I now believe this is your way of being rid of one child with disabilities. You can’t discriminate openly, of course. But you can make parents feel really uncomfortable, can’t you? You’re good at it.

Unfortunately, being good at that means you will not have the opportunity to work with my daughter ever again. To do that, you would have to publicly get on your knees and beg my forgiveness. I don’t ever see that happening.

Do you?

3 comments:

  1. Anonymous10:05 AM

    Hell, yes, fire his a#$. You should also send that letter to him.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'd also report him to the board of dentistry or whoever handles this kind of thing. That is inexcusable, and if he's done it you he's done it to other parents, I guarantee.

    Fight the good fight, sistah.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I agree with Sudie. He needs to be reported. If he isn't comfortable working with patients with disabilities then he should make that clear up front and not take them as patients. What an ass.
    Oh yeah, and send him the letter too.

    ReplyDelete