This is a question I have long pondered, given my issues with dental providers of all stripes. Wondering if there is a gifting or other system in exchange for recommendations and referrals.
If anyone knows, please let me know. I am wondering what weight to give to recommendations...
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Ah, the quagmire of dental care. I suspect some do and some don't and it will be exceedingly difficult to discern which.
Is this related to being dismissed by your formal dental practitioner? Have you found a replacement?
I am a physician. Anything more than a fruit basket for the referring doctor's staff at Christmas is not considered ethical. We tend to refer to colleagues who we know will do a good job, like and think will be a good match for the patient. Sometimes there is some pressure to refer within a large group/hospital system. That does ensure better communication among providers, but has obvious drawbacks. I'm sure some doctors/dentists give more lavish gifts, but a flat out kickback is usually illegal in the US.
I would think this would be unethical if not illegal. Maybe the American Dental Association has some guidlines posted. I imagine they, like anyone else, refer to people they are friendly with or have a longstanding work relationship with.
@All--Thanks. I have had soooo many issues with dental providers, so much conflicting advice. Thanks for your perspectives. Perhaps I am overly cynical.
I guess I have been upset by the presence of young, gorgeous drug reps with carts of food and other goodies in the offices of various providers.
Cynicism can be quite upsetting and confusing, can't it? I suffer the same.
As a person who works in a Doctors' Office/Hospital and is a benefactor from many Pharmaceutical Rep's lunches, I must agree with you. As a non-doctor, seeing the relationships that form over the years and all the wonderful leftover food we get from their meetings, there has to be some pleasant association that sticks the med in the head of a provider. And I can't complain about not having to bring a lunch for 3 days after they stop by! I hope someone will be in this week!
Other offices even are taken out to dinners at the most expensive places in town and are free to order as many $30 glasses of wine they want. I may have contemplated transferring offices just for that perk! Those wines must taste like the giggles of a cherub! I don't even drink $30 bottles.
@Laura--Thanks--so at least part of my cynicism is based in reality!
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