Abuse in dental hygiene field

I am a registered dental hygienist with 5 years experience in the GTA. I have been searching this website over the past 2 years reading responses regarding the job market in Canada, particularly in the GTA. I have been working for the past couple years in an office in the toronto area. I have been experiencing abuse from the DDS in my opinion. I have been searching for another job without luck, as many seem to be experiencing. I am really at a loss as to what to do because I have worked so hard in my career. I have tried to go on interviews for less hours, and actually been told I seem crazy for looking for another job. Its difficult to discuss as I don't want to seem unprofessional by badmouthing my current employer.

Has anyone else experienced abuse in the office from an egotistical boss?

Any suggestions on how to handle the situation?

dental hygienist GTA in GTA, Ontario said: I am a registered dental hygienist with 5 years experience in the GTA. I have been searching this website over the past 2 years reading responses regarding the job market in Canada, particularly in the GTA. I have been working for the past couple years in an office in the toronto area. I have been experiencing abuse from the DDS in my opinion. I have been searching for another job without luck, as many seem to be experiencing. I am really at a loss as to what to do because I have worked so hard in my career. I have tried to go on interviews for less hours, and actually been told I seem crazy for looking for another job. Its difficult to discuss as I don't want to seem unprofessional by badmouthing my current employer.

Has anyone else experienced abuse in the office from an egotistical boss?

Any suggestions on how to handle the situation?

Sadly, this is happening all over and with the overabundance of dental hygienists out there, bosses seem to have the upper hand in regards to the dental hygienist's job description. This is the result of 1100 grads in DH coming out of Ontario per year over the last 4+ years....and unfortunately, alot of DHs are being treated like this and putting up with it because there are NO JOBS out there.
It was all part of "the plan".....

Not sure how you can handle it...tough to quit when there are no or very few jobs out there.... I actually think some of the employed dental hygienists are being treated poorly in hopes that they'll quit and the DDS can hire another DH from his abundant resume drawer at half the rate. If you need the job, I'd almost just hang in there and weather the storm for a while.....don't quit if you have no job in site!

Geez I hate abusive bosses (and abusive employees). Some kinds of more serious abuse can be prosecuted in criminal court or can be arbitrated by the Human Rights commissions. But if it just mind games, emotional bullying or merely unfair treatment, it can be harder to pursue legal help. Keep a log of every event in detail, and be sure not to retaliate directly back. Then contact a lawyer or perhaps the occupational health service. In serious cases, consulting a lawyer may be prudent in protecting your best interests.

'In Ontario, a half hour of legal advice is free by calling Osgoode Hall (4 1 6 - 7 3 6 - 5 0 3 0. They will refer you to a specialized lawyer in your area

Google to Read more at Suite101: Emotional Abuse in the Workplace: Hostile Work Environments Created by Employers Causes Undue Stress '

Well, I feel abused for sure. Don't know if I have a legal leg to stand on. 4 weeks ago the corp I work for ran an ad for a hygienist. The practice is unstable and not even steady work for me. I called OM and regional mgr and "oh we love you, you're doing an awesome job, patients rave about you" nothing to worry about. "we are getting busier and just need someone for a day or 2 a week". Yesterday the OM tells me she's so proud of me, my pt ed is fantastic, my #'s are wonderful, I rock. Today the HR mgr shows up with the regional mgr and I'm now the part-timer, 1 day a week and the new girl who took 2 hours for a NP is the "lead hygienist". I trained her on computer 2 weeks ago so she'd be ready for Monday. The reason: I'm not selling enough STM and Fl2 tx. Last week my OM told me she was concerned that compared to other offices in the corp we are behind. I talked with the dr and he told me I'm doing everything the way he wants it. Now today I was informed I had been given verbal warnings last week! What? It was a 2 min chat. Not a word was implied it was a warning of any type! I stood up for myself and the OM told me when she said concerned I should have known it was a warning. I have never been told I have a goal, I have never been told anything adverse. Last week she was calling me the conversion queen for tx to dr's side and today "it's your fault dr doesn't have any pt's". They said don't take it as an attack, my skills are the best and the patients love me, not a negative comment. But the company has to do what is in it's best interest for financial profit. I have a $2000 STM appt Monday at 8. So I felt outraged, angry, duped. I have stayed in a hotel for 7 months and drive 250 miles round trip to try and make this work. For what? Any thoughts? Thanks to all.

PS They had papers ready for me to sign that I was resigning! Couldn't quite grasp it, I felt slapped in the face. I didn't quit and it's funny, they need me there Monday as we're booked for the new girl. So I'm going until I see if there's anything I can do. They said I'm not eligible for unemployment but I don't believe that. I felt they were trying to intimidate me. They said they wanted me to stay and work on my numbers. Plus about 6 weeks ago I was told the corp was buying a practice in my home town and they wanted me to be the hygienist there so just hang on and keep doing the hotel thing. The mgr that told me that wouldn't even look at me today and when I asked about it the 2 that were talking to me said they didn't know anything about it.

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: PS They had papers ready for me to sign that I was resigning! Couldn't quite grasp it, I felt slapped in the face. I didn't quit and it's funny, they need me there Monday as we're booked for the new girl. So I'm going until I see if there's anything I can do. They said I'm not eligible for unemployment but I don't believe that. I felt they were trying to intimidate me. They said they wanted me to stay and work on my numbers. Plus about 6 weeks ago I was told the corp was buying a practice in my home town and they wanted me to be the hygienist there so just hang on and keep doing the hotel thing. The mgr that told me that wouldn't even look at me today and when I asked about it the 2 that were talking to me said they didn't know anything about it.

Hi Suzanne, Time to have all your documentation in hand and contact a LAWYER that has dealt in DENTAL situations such as this...do you have a lawyer yet? and if so has he the knowledge (not a dupper of you for $$$) to get you back pay, etc? I have not been quite in this situation....but, maybe contact the State Dental Board in that State and see if they might be able to put you in contact with a rep, or reputable lawyer....GL that office and it's politics stinks...I have been in positions where you teach the newbie....and you get screwed....sad, we are unable to find other work in DECENT offices in today's DH market....P.S. Can you find out if they have done this to others in the corp....what was the outcome for those DH's???

Hi exp, hope your weekend is better than mine. Am so angry with this whole situation. I don't know if they've done it to other hygienists but I have seen 11 people fired since I first interviewed with this office 1 year ago. 1 Dr, 2 OM, 3 front desk, 1 hyg, and the rest assts. I have been there the longest and it's just now 7 mos. I am on a mission this week to get advice from an attorney and did find out from unemployment I am eligible to draw benefits because it's a reduction in hours from the terms of hire. It will be the difference between what I earn and what the benefit is which won't be much but she said even if it's a dollar go ahead and file. They will really have it in for me when I do that. She said to smile and go to work like nothing happened, ask for copies of everything in my employee file, if the om says anything to me ask her to put it in writing and if she refuses document it, never talk with her alone & request someone else be present. She told me good thing I didn't quit because then I would have hurt myself for unemployment. If I go to work and the sched falls apart, which it will (9people failed Fri), and they send me back to Terre Haute I can show I spent $40 for gas, money for a room and food, and they didn't have work for me. Then I will be in the right to quit for lack of work. Their fault not mine. Also, she said unless she had me sign something that I rec'd a verbal warning they would consider that it never happened. She said that wouldn't hold water and any om knows that. She said something's up and to start keeping a journal, which I already have thank goodness. She said they were also supposed to give me the opportunity to preserve my FT status if they had any concerns, not tell me the day of the reduction in hours. Can you believe hygiene has sunk so low? I am glad in a way this has happened because I will be home to get started with my venture back to school and can look for work where I live.

con't I sent an e-mail dated May 17 to the corp office asking if there was anything I wasn't doing, that I so wanted to do a good job for them and wanted to be sure I was and the regional mgr responded I had nothing to worry about with the new hyg coming. :) Also a certificate for performing preeminent dentistry and exceedingly high production. Our regional mgr was there 2 weeks ago and I asked her if there was any word on the Terre Haute job and she said nothing yet sweetie. Then Friday she wouldn't even look me in the face. Does that sound like I should have expected this? Is there something I'm missing? I hope by me sharing this experience not only does the support help me but maybe it will help someone else. I'm an angry mess but I'm not worried if that makes sense. Everything happens for a reason and I don't respect anyone there anyway.

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: con't I sent an e-mail dated May 17 to the corp office asking if there was anything I wasn't doing, that I so wanted to do a good job for them and wanted to be sure I was and the regional mgr responded I had nothing to worry about with the new hyg coming. :) Also a certificate for performing preeminent dentistry and exceedingly high production. Our regional mgr was there 2 weeks ago and I asked her if there was any word on the Terre Haute job and she said nothing yet sweetie. Then Friday she wouldn't even look me in the face. Does that sound like I should have expected this? Is there something I'm missing? I hope by me sharing this experience not only does the support help me but maybe it will help someone else. I'm an angry mess but I'm not worried if that makes sense. Everything happens for a reason and I don't respect anyone there anyway.

Hi Suzanne, It sounds like things are moving forward...? on the above...is all the above from an attorney or from Unemp. office? Can your attorney contact the company as to dismissal of the "11" and or find out if they also were "outstanding workers" (that this OM was trying to control for her fun)? Have those names, and if you can get their phone numbers off the computer or somewhere....to find out what their dismissal was caused by....I hope this is a better week for you (and me TOO!). It stinks that DH has come to a situation were we are a dime (more like a penny) a dozen! I've thought about retraining too, but ugh, maybe in this field...as a DA, for the time being...to have an income...my class was 7 days and I passed it, but it was grueling...still more to test (material wise...so daily I look at my course notes to try to retain what is needed)...courses and the real world SO different, and stupid as far as the difficulty and childish nature of the tests....answers should be clear cut to retain info...oh, but that would make TOO much sense ...GL at work!

dental hygienist GTA in GTA, Ontario said: I am a registered dental hygienist with 5 years experience in the GTA. I have been searching this website over the past 2 years reading responses regarding the job market in Canada, particularly in the GTA. I have been working for the past couple years in an office in the toronto area. I have been experiencing abuse from the DDS in my opinion. I have been searching for another job without luck, as many seem to be experiencing. I am really at a loss as to what to do because I have worked so hard in my career. I have tried to go on interviews for less hours, and actually been told I seem crazy for looking for another job. Its difficult to discuss as I don't want to seem unprofessional by badmouthing my current employer.

Has anyone else experienced abuse in the office from an egotistical boss?

Any suggestions on how to handle the situation?

I've had terrible luck with dentists. I'm ready to give it up....it's not worth the stress. I've worked for arrogant, egotistical, paranoid, ex crack/cocaine, etc.... The job market in this field is terrible. I wish I never went into it! I'm frustrated and depressed; not to mention, 47 years old.

Dentist's will try anything not to pay or let you collect unemployment. This one dentist I had worked for for over 19 months. He'd scream, swear, accuse me of taking prophy angles, etc.... He screamed at me because of my schedule not being full (not my fault people were cancelling that day). Mind you, I had a patient in the chair. I was so upset, I was shaking. Told me to go home. So, I excused myself and apologized to the patient got my purse and started walking out the door. (Crying on the way out) He came out to the parking lot and told me not to come back. I went straight to the police station, filed a report. Then, went home and called unemployment. That very same day, he called me at home and asked me if I was coming to work the next day! Ya right! I played like I was coming. Didn't go back. Had to get ahold of Labor Relations for my paycheck which he was only going to pay me minimum wage. The labor relations told me I'd have to take him to court for the rest. i ended up settling out of court. I was also awarded unemployment because of his actions. There has to be just cause in order for you not to get unemployment.
I now work for a dentist part-time. He's moody....bought a cabinet for me.....the next morning I had bought organizers to place my stuff in it....he threw a fit.....I just took the organizers back. Don't use the cabinet. I gave up. Mind u, this dentist has a very small area for the autoclave/ultrasonic and a sink. All of which, is in my room. No room to place clean instruments....biohazard containers full of dirty needles, etc..... Office manager said it's been like that for months. He won't pay someone to empty it. OSHA would have a field day! Where are they when you need them? I've been trying for months to find another job. I can tell you more horror stories of the dentists I've worked for. My self esteem is down the tubes. I know it's wrong to work in those conditions.....but what can I do!

exp in Exeter, New Hampshire said: Hi Suzanne, It sounds like things are moving forward...? on the above...is all the above from an attorney or from Unemp. office? Can your attorney contact the company as to dismissal of the "11" and or find out if they also were "outstanding workers" (that this OM was trying to control for her fun)? Have those names, and if you can get their phone numbers off the computer or somewhere....to find out what their dismissal was caused by....I hope this is a better week for you (and me TOO!). It stinks that DH has come to a situation were we are a dime (more like a penny) a dozen! I've thought about retraining too, but ugh, maybe in this field...as a DA, for the time being...to have an income...my class was 7 days and I passed it, but it was grueling...still more to test (material wise...so daily I look at my course notes to try to retain what is needed)...courses and the real world SO different, and stupid as far as the difficulty and childish nature of the tests....answers should be clear cut to retain info...oh, but that would make TOO much sense ...GL at work!

Thanks, I'll need it! No, I haven't talked to an attorney yet. I called a former dds I used to work for and he's going to have his attorney call me tomorrow and tell me what if anything I can do. I am back at my hotel so am going in for maybe an hour in the morning. I'll do whatever it takes not to sink to their level. Glad you are staying in the game. I too have thought about assisting, for a paycheck. But tonight I would be a waitress and be happy.

I was told by Ohio State Dental that these dentist's can get away with it,be cause it's their business. They can treat u any way they want. It's total bull! You turn them in....your black balled! There needs to be laws against how they treat there employees.
The good dentists are hard to find...cause their employees never leave.

Suzanne in Columbus, Indiana said: Thanks, I'll need it! No, I haven't talked to an attorney yet. I called a former dds I used to work for and he's going to have his attorney call me tomorrow and tell me what if anything I can do. I am back at my hotel so am going in for maybe an hour in the morning. I'll do whatever it takes not to sink to their level. Glad you are staying in the game. I too have thought about assisting, for a paycheck. But tonight I would be a waitress and be happy.

Suzanne,
As I have read all the things in your posts, I honestly have so much compassion for you---this is absolutely crazy what you are going through.... I am so sorry...i wish I could DO SOMETHING!!
Honestly, I sometimes think about going to work at COSTCO or something---just to get out of the whole hygiene area...watching the flood....watching the poorly educated grads coming out.....watching the resumes piling up and knowing that represents alot of people who 'thought' they'd picked a good career..... Sadly now though....some with experience are getting 'shafted' in situations to 'solve' the problem for the DDS paying the higher wage....I've heard the comment we could get two of them what we pay for one of you.....ya.....it's pretty sad.....maybe waitressing or being a bartender or a job at Costco might be more fun!

shellyg, I know you were scared to death! What an idiot he was. What's up with dentists? Are they all warped or what? I am working for a corporation and it has been the worst experience of my dental career. The mgr followed me to my car to get my key (how humiliating) and laughed and told me not to take it as a personal attack, that they know I'm an excellent hygienist so that's not the issue. The issue is the number of cases of SRP and fl2 tx I'm supposed to be selling. How can you make patients pay for tx? I had 9 pt's fail Friday between 8-1:00 and I had never met 7 of them. And it's my fault? I confirm 2-3 days before, I send cards out 2 weeks before, and 5 min into the appt I call to tell them to come on over! Good grief! I have 3 pages of crap I'm supposed to do in an appt and that doesn't include the prophy. Even the dr said he would hate to try and do what I do. He constantly tells me I am doing a good job and that he's so happy with me. The gal at unemployment assures me I am eligible for benefits, even partial amounts. She said if I work I put down what I made and it's deducted from the benefit amount and I get the difference. That will really pis them off. I feel for you having to stay with the jerk you are working for now. But I know what you mean, where else could you go? And it could be worse!

30 year vet in Edmonton, Alberta said: Suzanne,
As I have read all the things in your posts, I honestly have so much compassion for you---this is absolutely crazy what you are going through.... I am so sorry...i wish I could DO SOMETHING!!
Honestly, I sometimes think about going to work at COSTCO or something---just to get out of the whole hygiene area...watching the flood....watching the poorly educated grads coming out.....watching the resumes piling up and knowing that represents alot of people who 'thought' they'd picked a good career..... Sadly now though....some with experience are getting 'shafted' in situations to 'solve' the problem for the DDS paying the higher wage....I've heard the comment we could get two of them what we pay for one of you.....ya.....it's pretty sad.....maybe waitressing or being a bartender or a job at Costco might be more fun!

Hi, thanks for taking the time to write, it strengthens me. Today, the OM acted like she was going to cry, telling me she had no idea corp was going to make her take my FT status away. She said she found out about 5 min before she told me and I know that's a lie because the doc she left told me she gave her notice 3 weeks ago and told him she got a FT job. She looked me in the face and cried! Now they want me to work on Monday and 5 hours on Friday. My drive is 5 hours round trip. If I quit no unemployment. I did apply online to 4 openings an hour from home and 2 called today so maybe I'll get lucky. But I agree, I'd work just about anyplace and give up the money and the stress. The dr didn't say a word to me today about it. I was so disappointed and any respect I had for him is gone. But it's ok. I know it's not the new girls fault. She was kind of rude to me today, asked me if I was coming in tomorrow as she might need my help until she gets faster! What the heck? I smiled and told her sure, but that slow stuff won't fly very long. I did 3 of her pt's today. WOW

Suzanne in Columbus, Indiana said: Thanks, I'll need it! No, I haven't talked to an attorney yet. I called a former dds I used to work for and he's going to have his attorney call me tomorrow and tell me what if anything I can do. I am back at my hotel so am going in for maybe an hour in the morning. I'll do whatever it takes not to sink to their level. Glad you are staying in the game. I too have thought about assisting, for a paycheck. But tonight I would be a waitress and be happy.

Hi Suzanne, Glad to hear you have a DDS friend that has an attorney, that has dealt in "dental issues" so that you don't have to do all the leg work and hopefully he knows all the ins and outs of dental....do you have a list and the phone numbers of the "11" that were fired...some not by their choice...I bet...keep us abreast of the situation...it sounds like you have your notebook organized...have ?'s ready too for that lawyer...did your DDS friend recommend what you might need to ask or have as materials for the lawyer upon a meeting...the more you have in hand , hopefully too, the less cost to you or a cut of the decision if it's substantial??? I'm still hanging in there but I think it more work doesn't come my way by end of this year it's back to school for something else...DA, less pay but they would get "2 for 1" and maybe that would be a deal breaker??? Ugh more school, synapse city here we come...have a :-) day S! EXP

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana.
I can relate to being duped. I had a part-time job for over 4 years which I loved and was enjoying temping on the other days. Well the past 2 years temp work dried up like the whole job market. I searched for 1.5 years to try to fill the open days with permanent, with no luck. Finally...I find a full-time job (these are rare!). I really didn't want to leave my other job, but the OM insisted on full-time as opposed to part-time. This practice has a new owner and the old employees upped and quit due to the really stringent new policies. They were stuck looking for 3 hygienists to replace the old ones. They somewhat rushed me into it and I had no choice but to take it. I couldn't keep living off of 2 days a week work. After only 3 weeks into the job I see them hiring other hygienists (which they needed but I didn't realize they were dividing up the hours among all of us). Then I find out my hours will be cut in half since they really don't want to pay benefits and want only part-time people. Just changed their mind! I didn't have to leave my other job. I was soooooo pissed! I walked out. My other job had already been filled. Now I am back to temping and hardly any hours. I could have stayed and just did the hours they offered, but it was a knee jerk reaction. No one in this field has any conscience or morality! How could I smile and look them in the face when they just screwed me over! And all this scaling and root planing thing is so overdone and a moneymaking thing. The public is on to it. This is why so many patients switch dentists or there are a lot of failed appts.

Good morning Nicky! I am still so upset I cannot hardly function. I worked the last 2 days and it was absolutely humiliating. The 2 assts were such great support I wouldn't have gotten thru it without them. 1 of them asked me to stay at her house so I don't have to be on the road at night by myself since they are making my it so difficult (Monday and Friday with 5 hours drive) that way I won't have a hotel bill. I talked with the new hyg yesterday and after only 1 day she has doubts about her new job. I was honest and told her just the week before she started I talked with the dr and sent an e-mail to corp asking if I had anything to worry about and the answer was no, you're great, the pt's love you, we love you. All the while smiling in my face. I also told her to make up her own mind which she is no idiot. She's been doing hyg 8 years and told me she tape recorded one dr and sued him and got several thousand $$ so maybe she's just what this company needs :). I did 3 of her pt's Mon and 5 yesterday and then at the end of the day the OM told me to get her sched ready for her for the morning huddle today, look thru all her pt's for the week, be sure x-rays and perio charts were noted so she wouldn't forget, stock her room, make sure she had a clean smock for today, and oh yeah, "would you mind clocking out first, I'm trying to cutback on payroll so we can still try to get our bonus" which I'm no longer eligible for now that I'm part-time. I did $1400 in production yesterday, had 2 pt's that refused to let her do their prophy and said if they couldn't see me they'd come back when they could, and she did $480. Does this make sense to anyone? I feel like I'm missing something! I was with pt's right up to quitting time and she had already left! And they expected me to stay unpaid and do her work telling me SHE'S the new lead hygienist? I can't quit or I'll cut my throat for unemployment and they know this.

con't Im sorry what happened to you too. I've done it before. The lure of the security of full-time job with benefits. HA! Never had it come to pass! I think that's part of the drive behind what's happening to me. I just now was up for the 4th of July pay and a week before I get cut? The same for the girl I replaced. 2 weeks before Christmas and New Years? This co is sponsoring some event at Ivy Tech and told all the staff we'd have to work this booth on July 2nd, mandatory. That's our paid holiday. So I asked if we were going to be paid overtime as we'd be off that day and I'd be 120 miles away and they were telling me it was mandatory to drive that far to work a booth for an hour? The corp office was furious with me, saying it's my responsibility to help the practice grow! At my interview I was told (in their handbook too) I'd get OT if asked to work a holiday, mileage reimbursement for anything outside the normal work day. So why was I wrong to ask? No response but now I'm suddenly not selling enough fl2 or srp? BS. They expect hygienists to be the cashcow for the practice and then expect us to bend over for them and let them take $$ right out of our wallet. I am always professional when I talk to mgt or the dr and never am a smart aleck. But I am not going to make it with this outfit. You are so right, the public is on to the whole SRP thing. In fact, I've never even seen many patients with much improvement after having done the tx for 2-3 years. It IS a $$ thing. I hope you find more work and don't go broke or lose your self-worth in the process. I don't believe for a minute the company you were with just canged their mind either! That was their intention from the start. They will tell you anything to get you there knowing then you'll be stuck. That's such a gut wrenching exp to know you were lied to when you had the best intentions and such high expectations. This profession has gone down the tubes.

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: con't Im sorry what happened to you too. I've done it before. The lure of the security of full-time job with benefits. HA! Never had it come to pass! I think that's part of the drive behind what's happening to me. I just now was up for the 4th of July pay and a week before I get cut? The same for the girl I replaced. 2 weeks before Christmas and New Years? This co is sponsoring some event at Ivy Tech and told all the staff we'd have to work this booth on July 2nd, mandatory. That's our paid holiday. So I asked if we were going to be paid overtime as we'd be off that day and I'd be 120 miles away and they were telling me it was mandatory to drive that far to work a booth for an hour? The corp office was furious with me, saying it's my responsibility to help the practice grow! At my interview I was told (in their handbook too) I'd get OT if asked to work a holiday, mileage reimbursement for anything outside the normal work day. So why was I wrong to ask? No response but now I'm suddenly not selling enough fl2 or srp? BS. They expect hygienists to be the cashcow for the practice and then expect us to bend over for them and let them take $$ right out of our wallet. I am always professional when I talk to mgt or the dr and never am a smart aleck. But I am not going to make it with this outfit. You are so right, the public is on to the whole SRP thing. .....
Suzanne I am sorry this is happening to you. Nice people and good hygienists finish last in this profession. I would not quit, that is what they want. If you have been there months you can collect unemployment but if you quit you can't.

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: con't Im sorry what happened to you too. I've done it before. The lure of the security of full-time job with benefits. HA! Never had it come to pass! I think that's part of the drive behind what's happening to me. I just now was up for the 4th of July pay and a week before I get cut? The same for the girl I replaced. 2 weeks before Christmas and New Years? This co is sponsoring some event at Ivy Tech and told all the staff we'd have to work this booth on July 2nd, mandatory. That's our paid holiday. So I asked if we were going to be paid overtime as we'd be off that day and I'd be 120 miles away and they were telling me it was mandatory to drive that far to work a booth for an hour? The corp office was furious with me, saying it's my responsibility to help the practice grow! At my interview I was told (in their handbook too) I'd get OT if asked to work a holiday, mileage reimbursement for anything outside the normal work day. So why was I wrong to ask? No response but now I'm suddenly not selling enough fl2 or srp? BS. They expect hygienists to be the cashcow for the practice and then expect us to bend over for them and let them take $$ right out of our wallet. I am always professional when I talk to mgt or the dr and never am a smart aleck. But I am not going to make it with this outfit. You are so right, the public is on to the whole SRP thing. In fact, I've never even seen many patients with much improvement after having done the tx for 2-3 years. It IS a $$ thing. I hope you find more work and don't go broke or lose your self-worth in the process. I don't believe for a minute the company you were with just canged their mind either! That was their intention from the start. They will tell you anything to get you there knowing then you'll be stuck. That's such a gut wrenching exp to know you were lied to when you had the best intentions and such high expectations. This profession has gone down

Suzanne I am sorry this is happening to you. Nice people and good hygienists finish last in this profession. I would not quit, that is what they want. If you have been there months you can collect unemployment if they terminate you, but if you quit you can't.. I am so sick of the nonsense, I want out so bad I can taste it. I love hygiene, but some of the people are monsters. I went to a temp job yesterday where I have been before. The dentist would not make eye contact with me and treated me like I was some sort of idiot. I did everything right and am experienced. This was pedo. Now how hard is that? She would walk in the room and keep correcting everything I was doing even down to the patient bib. It was harassment. I canceled the other dates I have set up because I could see myself saying something to her and then the temp service wouldn't like it. Better to not go back if there is a personality problem. I told the temp service the truth and they agreed...I think they new she is a problem.

She sounds like she'd fit right in where I'm at now. Always finding fault. Like "they're diagnostic x-rays not cavity detection x-rays" or "when the pt asks if you're sure they're due for x-rays don't double check the chart, just say yes and go on". Or how about "don't put the bib clip on one side and put it around their neck, just put the bib on their chest and then clip each side after they're reclined". Come on! I've been a hyienist 16 years! I want to scream. I think they have some sort of mental problem and I feel harrassed as well. I told the dr last week the OM was driving me nuts so maybe that's the real reason behind my reduced hours. Mind you it's not a comment now and then, it's everyday several times a day! I have worked with this nonsense for 7 months straight. I've been looking for another job but nothing yet. I have an appt with my nursing advisor next week and I applied today for a teller position. I wouldn't risk the temp agency either. They are your lifeline until you find an office or give up and go another path. The agencies do know what we are dealing with. I called one myself yesterday and when I told her what had happened her comment "I'm sorry but I'm not surprised". There's not much to argue with there.

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: She sounds like she'd fit right in where I'm at now. Always finding fault. Like "they're diagnostic x-rays not cavity detection x-rays" or "when the pt asks if you're sure they're due for x-rays don't double check the chart, just say yes and go on". Or how about "don't put the bib clip on one side and put it around their neck, just put the bib on their chest and then clip each side after they're reclined". Come on! I've been a hyienist 16 years! I want to scream. I think they have some sort of mental problem and I feel harrassed as well. I told the dr last week the OM was driving me nuts so maybe that's the real reason behind my reduced hours. Mind you it's not a comment now and then, it's everyday several times a day! I have worked with this nonsense for 7 months straight. I've been looking for another job but nothing yet. I have an appt with my nursing advisor next week and I applied today for a teller position. I wouldn't risk the temp agency either. They are your lifeline until you find an office or give up and go another path. The agencies do know what we are dealing with. I called one myself yesterday and when I told her what had happened her comment "I'm sorry but I'm not surprised". There's not much to argue with there.

Hi Suzanne, I know just what you mean with the OM...NAGS! and they also try to get you to do jobs they don't want to do anymore, and/or do what they want you to do BEFORE you do you own work....and what stinks more is the Dr.'s backing them up; or the OM "speaking" with you, and then going and telling on you like a child...it's sad, and we have no way to go but out the door when they get to ...."I want to just......them!" ( I bet you know what word(s) I'd like to say...I don't sink to their level...what purpose would it serve....so I stay above the childish, antagonistic behavior....and bite my tongue...til something comes along...not in today's market...rock and a hard place/mind game

Hi exp, Nags is an understatement! What comes to mind starts with a B! Ha-ha. But I too try to stay above it. I never thought a verbal warning started with "can I share something with you, the price of fl2 at $30 is just too high so tell people we are giving it to them for our cost of $16". Oh, we're giving it to them alright! I think she's a straight out liar and the past 2 days was a test of some kind to keep my mouth shut. I was outside cutting my grass today talking to myself like a nut. My son pulled up and was laughing at me so hard I had to laugh too. I know it will all pass but it sure is upsetting. I'd crack if I didn't have this forum and all the support of fellow friends I've never met. My son brought me flowers and took me to lunch. What would we do without people who love us?

PS Have a great 4th of July!

to all the disenfranchised rdhs
what happened to us??!!we worked so hard to be what we are and now there are very few good drs and no jobs. im sick about it all. I'll keep every one in my prayers and hope things change. i thought i had it bad, reading the above makes me feel lucky. Suzanne, how many patients are you seeing a day. Dont tell me your on a 30 min recall. Id leave the field, but with kids and bills i cant afford to spend 4 more years in school making 0 and spending for tuition and book. Let hope that what comes around goes around, and that karma will catch up to all the s.o.b.s and justice prevails.
good thoughts and wishes and enjoy the time with the people who matter.

You guys are better people than I am. I had the unfortunate experience of working for a corporation, one day per week mind you, for a whole 2 months last year. Hated every minute of it. A week after I refused the dentist's request(demand) to see 2 new patients scheduled for (unnecessary)SRP's in the SAME time slot I got a call from the OM telling me I didnt need to come in on Fridays anymore after that week, but would be moved to every other sat. (This was a week after she told me I fit right in and everyone loved working with me, I was great with patients, blah, blah, blah.) I laughed and told her that just wouldnt work for me and I would pass. She had the nerve to ask "why, is that not enough hours?" I said it had nothing to do with hours, I just happened to know I'm better than that and had no intention of being treated like uneducated crap by an unethical practice, at best. Told her she might want to look for a sub for THAT Friday, too.
My mouth would definitely get me in trouble if I had all the experiences you all have had.
P.S. Suzanne: Your son is worth more than a pot of gold, God love him!! That is a good son!! :)
Your comment about talking to yourself made me chuckle because I can see myself doing the same exact thing if I were in your shoes! Thank God I have a great job!
Hope you can relax and enjoy the holiday weekend!

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Hi exp, Nags is an understatement! What comes to mind starts with a B! Ha-ha. But I too try to stay above it. I never thought a verbal warning started with "can I share something with you, the price of fl2 at $30 is just too high so tell people we are giving it to them for our cost of $16". Oh, we're giving it to them alright! I think she's a straight out liar and the past 2 days was a test of some kind to keep my mouth shut. I was outside cutting my grass today talking to myself like a nut. My son pulled up and was laughing at me so hard I had to laugh too. I know it will all pass but it sure is upsetting. I'd crack if I didn't have this forum and all the support of fellow friends I've never met. My son brought me flowers and took me to lunch. What would we do without people who love us?

Suzanne,
I love ya!! What a great son!
It is forever changed out there in dental hygiene and sadly, the standard of care has dropped as well....it's just the public is really not fully aware of it yet.

unemployed rdh in Sparks, Nevada said: to all the disenfranchised rdhs
what happened to us??!!we worked so hard to be what we are and now there are very few good drs and no jobs. im sick about it all. I'll keep every one in my prayers and hope things change. i thought i had it bad, reading the above makes me feel lucky. Suzanne, how many patients are you seeing a day. Dont tell me your on a 30 min recall. Id leave the field, but with kids and bills i cant afford to spend 4 more years in school making 0 and spending for tuition and book. Let hope that what comes around goes around, and that karma will catch up to all the s.o.b.s and justice prevails.
good thoughts and wishes and enjoy the time with the people who matter.

Hi, yes I have 30 min recalls and was just given in writing Tuesday I'm now to do 4 quads SRP in 60 min! Mind you sometimes it's 10 min into the appt before pt even shows up and another 15 waiting on dr and the anes to kick in. I think their ideals are off the wall. Amen to your karma thought. I'm thinking the same every day and will keep on doing what is right. I know what you mean about school. I am eligible for funding thru unemployment because I lost 3 jobs in 2008 due to the recession. I never used the $$ and it expires in the fall of 2011. I can't get into the actual LPN program until then but it will pay for some generals so Im going for it. Went this morning and registered. Crazy, as bad as it is I cried thinking I'm not going to be a hygienist. Nuts! Happy 4th!

Susann in Columbus, Ohio said:

Hi Susann, You know exactly how I feel! I kept my mouth shut only because of the benefits I'd be losing. I'm proud of you for sticking up for yourself. I have in the past when I could walk out and get another job next week but I can't do that now. I wrote on here somewhere that the om asked me to push a little harder on that probe, it's only a couple of millimeters! What kind of crap is that? NO, not going to do that! I'm happy you have a great place to work with people to respect you. One of the assts just called crying on her lunch that she's scared without me there. Can you imagine? Scared? She's only 23 and straight out of school but still that's awful. I'm looking for work but it won't ever be with a corp again. Happy 4th!

Hi exp, I'm doing better today! I spent the morning at Ivy Tech and got my resume updated, made another one focusing on office skills, and got registered. When I got home my son was here with his power washer cleaning the driveway AND brought his smoothie maker, strawberries and a bottle of rum! (He's 25) We only had 1 but it sure was good. :) He was still laughing at me about yesterday. He said the neighbors probably think I'm a wacko. We laughed some more and that's about as good as it gets!

Suzanne in Terre Haute, Indiana said: Hi exp, I'm doing better today! I spent the morning at Ivy Tech and got my resume updated, made another one focusing on office skills, and got registered. When I got home my son was here with his power washer cleaning the driveway AND brought his smoothie maker, strawberries and a bottle of rum! (He's 25) We only had 1 but it sure was good. :) He was still laughing at me about yesterday. He said the neighbors probably think I'm a wacko. We laughed some more and that's about as good as it gets!

Hi Suzanne, What a great son...and the good smoothy maker to boot! Have a nice weekend...hope all goes well in the fall....any news from your DDS friends' lawyer? How was work today? Have you spoken with any of the "11"? It just .....as to what we have to put up with in DH market...I never, even when I was in demand and at times worked 3 offices in a day (no kidding...near each other...ate my lunch on the way)...never, did I overcharge hourly...I was fair, but that's me, and we know it won't be that way ever again :-). Looking forward to some fireworks and a 4th concert from my living room...I usually can see some from my dining/living room...without mesquito's! Take care...

Sorry to hear Suzanne, quick question has anyone have any sexual harassment issues with dentist or staff ???

I once worked for a dr that had a habit of telling dirty jokes and the more he knew it upset me the more he did it. He had a little statue of a man with an erection and a barbell hanging on his manhood with a lever on the back he could raise it up and down with. You get the picture. Every time we would have a staff meeting he would set there and play with the darned thing and most all the staff but me would laugh and take turns helping the little guy and the comments were filthy. I just found another job. Another dr I was subbing for told me not to use him for a reference, that he'd played golf with him and he considered me an old prude. I said that's ok, I consider him a pervert. But I really don't know where you'd turn for help.

hahaha... Thanks Suzanne, I have worked for a couple cripes, just wondering if other were on the same level

Wow...I stumbled onto this site trying to research whether the Costco Dental Plan was any good or not. I feel so bad for you all. It sounds like you are all working for "sub-human neanderthols". Ethics and character do matter. Why don't you hygenists band together and start a practice and hire your own dentist, whom YOU could fire at will! Would serve them right. Honest, decent dental service and care...provide by women of character! Seriously, I wish you well, and better jobs, and a rosier future. And I recommend prayer. Good luck.
kaye

So I recently lost my hygiene position to a new graduate who he hired for less pay.
There's a whole bunch of stuff that went down though. It started with me preparing to look for another position in the area. I think he (my ex employer) went through my phone one day at work, and found out I was looking. Anyway, one Thursday, I was asked to come into work, even though the boss was supposedly leaving for vacay. I came in and to my surprise we were having an HR meeting where I was told I was being let go, that it "was nothing personal, just a business decision." I was asked to sign a separation of agreement, which would void me of my unemployment benefits and other ridiculous things. I DID NOT SIGN IT. I went straight to the unemployment website and filed a claim, stating I was terminated without cause. I called the HR lady from my ex office back, and told her I was not signing the contract, and that I intended to pursue my unemployment benefits. She told me that I wouldn't receive them, that the doctor would deny them because I was fired. I said "on what grounds! You did not say this in our meeting!" She then proceeded to tell me that it was for unsatisfactory job performance, and that the doctor and I had many meetings about not meeting expectations (which we did not have). So, in April I got a slight raise or I should say change in salary structure, and then in July he gave me a bonus. He also wrote a card to me that said "Thanks for all your extra effort." Which I've saved as proof at this point. So, if I wasn’t performing up to company standards, why was I given a pay increase and a bonus so recently??? Also, why was I asked to sign a paper resigning if I was actually being fired??? Doesn't make sense. I'm waiting to hear back from the unemployment office that he's denied my benefits, and then I have to appeal it, get a lawyer or represent myself and prove that I was wrongfully terminated. Aside from that, I'm considering filing a lawsuit, although I am broke, b

Hello! Not to worry....I've been through the same crap from dentist's. If he wasn't happy with you or your work....he should have let you go awhile ago. Definitely appeal and tell your side of the story. I was let go because my dentist promised me more hours...etc.....than he changed his mind......cause he didn't want to cut the other hygienist's hours who was always behind...even though he wasn't happy with her performance....(I would have to pick up her slack).....He didn't want to hurt her feelings....told him that's fine....that I was going to start looking for another job. Was let go that night. ....filed.....but was granted unemployment because there was "no just cause" in firing me. You would have to have done something under the unemployment act that was considered "just cause" in order to not receive benefits. Don't sign anything...let the unemployment know that he wanted you to sign a resignation. You shouldn't have to hire an attorney unless they appeal again....You should be fine. Dentist's always try to get out of paying it! They never think you'll fight the appeal. Do it! Don't let him win.....shellbell

shellbell said: Hello! Not to worry....I've been through the same crap from dentist's. If he wasn't happy with you or your work....he should have let you go awhile ago. Definitely appeal and tell your side of the story. I was let go because my dentist promised me more hours...etc.....than he changed his mind......cause he didn't want to cut the other hygienist's hours who was always behind...even though he wasn't happy with her performance....(I would have to pick up her slack).....He didn't want to hurt her feelings....told him that's fine....that I was going to start looking for another job. Was let go that night. ....filed.....but was granted unemployment because there was "no just cause" in firing me. You would have to have done something under the unemployment act that was considered "just cause" in order to not receive benefits. Don't sign anything...let the unemployment know that he wanted you to sign a resignation. You shouldn't have to hire an attorney unless they appeal again....You should be fine. Dentist's always try to get out of paying it! They never think you'll fight the appeal. Do it! Don't let him win.....shellbell

It's just sad that the dentists do this. Somebody should do something, I don't know if that would fall on the ADHA but there should be regulations. Are you still practicing?

Hi pahygienist,
File an appeal if you have to. Keep all correspondence and I think you've got good proof with the raise and the card he gave you. Doesn't make any sense. Mind if I ask how old you are? Same thing happened to me the end of June. The new hyg is 20 years younger and I'm sure money and age were a factor. Plus I refused to falsify probing depths so we could sell more STM, but that was just a small part of it. I don't know what's happened to our profession but the more I hear the more I know I'm not alone in my thinking. The Work One office in IN told me you have to willfully and knowingly done something not to be eligible for benefits. Say you stole something, were habitually late and had been given verbal and written warnings and so on. If your employer just decided for some reason of his own to terminate you, and they can, you are still able to draw unemployment. My ex office is lying also. Saying I was failing in performance because I wasn't selling enough adult fluoride treatments! The only thing ever said to me was that we were lowering the price to half for the ones who complained, otherwise it was full price. Then they said that was considered a verbal warning. Makes me furious every time I think about it! However they didn't fire me. Like you, they had papers ready for me to sign I wanted to resign. I didn't sign either. They decreased me to a day here and there, just whenever they could fill it. Now it's been 5 weeks and I haven't heard anything. Last thing my OM said was she'd call when they had work. Unemployment told me to keep on filing my weekly vouchers so I am. I know they will try everything to get out of it. Keep on doing the right thing and eventually it will come back to you. I know how you feel and I'm sorry it happened. It's a crappy thing to do to somebody.

Yes. But, I'm working for another real doozie! I'm totally ready to give up the profession. Dentist's are running their own business. Like the Ohio State Dental Board told me.....dentists can do what they want to their employee's...treat them how they want....etc....It's total bull! I hate to mention union's but....dental hygientist's need to form one. It's not right that dentist's can walk all over us. It's like everything that I was taught in school just goes out the window.
The dentist I am working for now has no space for placing clean instruments...his new assistant(fresh from school)has no idea that you don't stick clean instruments on the towels where dirty instruments are put....but he has not enough counter space to seperate them... I mentioned something about it to him....he told me "my office is too small...." My reply was: "You should have known that when you purchased the building years ago!" I work in a room with the autoclave and the ultrasonic in the same room...He doesn't bag alot of his instruments....just sticks them in a drawer.....I told him if OSHA would come in they would have a field day...He doesn't care...The sad part is....he teaches residence at a local hospital.....Scary! I have been looking for the past two years for a job....there's no jobs in my area. I'm stuck with him till I find something else. If it wasn't hard to get a job with OSHA....I'd be working for them. There are so many dentist's in the Ohio and Pa line that should be fined....it's ridiculous!!!! You squeal...your black balled! No win..win situation!

when i read your story it brought tears to my eyes.

pahygienist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania said: when i read your story it brought tears to my eyes.

That was for Suzanne, but I sympathize with everybodys situation, as it is one I myself am all to familiar with.

I don't think the dds are afraid or intimidated in any way by OSHA. I think they know they are untouchable. For him to be teaching at a local hospital, he knows enough people and has contacts in the right places so he knows what he can get by with. So very sad not just for us but for the patients too. They have no idea what goes on behind closed doors. I agree with you. We need to have a union just like the nursing profession does. One of my best friends is an RN and she jokes with me that thank goodness her job doesn't depend on whether she can sell heart surgery! If we did have some sort of representation it might put a stop to some of this outrageous and unethical behavior.

Yeah I’ll file an appeal. I’ve been waiting on word from UE office for a week and a half now. I assume he’s trying to concoct something up so he doesn’t have to pay. I’m regretting telling the hr lady that I’ll file an appeal if he denies them. At this point I’m wondering if I could file a wrongful termination suit, but it will be hard because of employment “at will”.
So I wait in limbo, and in the meantime no jobs posted. Not that I’m even sure if I want to stay in this field anyway. I’m 30, it’s been five years. This last office I worked at for three. The turnover was high, I should have known. The new graduate that was just hired probably settled for lower pay, excited to get her foot into an office around here --- just as I was, and did. The other two offices I worked at were even worse, believe it or not. Only thing is, I left because I had another job lined up. This one caught me by surprise (although I was looking to jump ship the next decent boat that cruised by).

Wow Shellbell, that instrument thing is bad! I feel so bad for the patients! But yeah so many don’t know what’s going on, and how would they!?
And it’s sad that dentistry is “a business” more so than a health occupation. I care about people and their health and I went into this to make a difference, and to learn and grow with the profession.
Now I’m disappointed, disgusted, and frustrated with it and feel stuck. I have my bachelor’s but there are no sales positions or teaching positions around here. I was considering going back to school, and building on my associates degree in computer graphics/programming. It’s just sad because of all that time and hard work I put in for hygiene school, plus the fact that I’m still paying on the loans.

pahygienist in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania said: Wow Shellbell, that instrument thing is bad! I feel so bad for the patients! But yeah so many don’t know what’s going on, and how would they!?
And it’s sad that dentistry is “a business” more so than a health occupation. I care about people and their health and I went into this to make a difference, and to learn and grow with the profession.
Now I’m disappointed, disgusted, and frustrated with it and feel stuck. I have my bachelor’s but there are no sales positions or teaching positions around here. I was considering going back to school, and building on my associates degree in computer graphics/programming. It’s just sad because of all that time and hard work I put in for hygiene school, plus the fact that I’m still paying on the loans.

This is a terrible choice you have to make. I spent the last 5 years fighting the same thing. There are no jobs in my area either and I wore out 2 vehicles driving all over the state to keep a job. You think you're set when you get your license but it can literally end in one day. Then you have to figure out where you're going to earn a living. In my case I have to take pre-reqs all over and it's not fun. Don't delay if you're contemplating it. You might go to your UE and see if they have any $$ for you to go back to school, they are helping me. At first, a couple of years ago, UE acted like I was nuts. You're a hygienist and you can't find a job? Like it was my fault. I handed her 9 professional references and told her I'd bet her lunch she couldn't find me a job within 50 miles in a month. She laughed in my face but guess who bought lunch? Yes, it's taken me about 2 years to figure out how to get back into school and how to pay for it. I got a $6K grant finally so I've started. Obama has a lot of money out there and even if it's only a little, it's something you don't have to repay and it doesn't go against your taxes as income.

I should add the grants are usually only for jobs in demand due to the state of the recession we're in. I'm going for LPN and many places will pay for you to bridge to RN. Something like IT would be in demand but I don't know about computer graphics. I had to do a lot of applying and justifying why I had 2 degrees already and couldn't use either one but eventually I got help. Schools want people in their programs and know of available resources for funding. I found out most of the grants I looked into were in health professions. There's lots of money out there for physical therapy and sonography. Just a thought.