It’s wild how much tech is in our pockets, but the dentist’s office still feels like it’s stuck in the past. I totally get the frustration—my own dentist still has those old-school folders and a wall of sticky notes for follow-ups. I’ve actually asked about digital records or even just a patient portal, and the answer was basically “we’re working on it.” It’s not just about convenience either—when something needs to be redone (like a filling that didn’t last), having an online record or guarantee would make a huge difference. Trying to keep track of everything with phone calls and paper is just asking for stuff to fall through the cracks.
Honestly, I wonder if some offices are just nervous about the cost or hassle of switching to digital. But at this point, it feels riskier not to. If I can see my test results and message my doctor online, why not track dental work and follow-ups? I think patients should start expecting more—especially when mistakes happen and you want clear proof of what was promised.
This is exactly why I get nervous every time I take my kid in for anything more than a cleaning. I keep a little notebook with every appointment and what was done, but honestly, it’s easy to lose track—especially when you’re juggling school and work stuff too. It’s stressful enough worrying about your child’s teeth, let alone having to double-check if the office actually remembers what they promised to fix. Having things digital would give me so much more peace of mind. You’re right, it shouldn’t be this hard to keep everyone on the same page.
That’s wild, because I totally relate to the “notebook method”—except mine is more like random sticky notes stuffed in my bag, half of which end up with juice box stains. Last time I tried to remember what they did at my daughter’s appointment, I found a doodle of a cat and a grocery list instead. So much for being organized.
I get super anxious when the dentist starts talking about “watching” a tooth or “maybe needing to redo” something. Like, what does that even mean? Are we talking tomorrow, next year, or when she’s in college? My brain goes straight to worst-case scenario—braces, root canals, selling a kidney to pay for it all… you know the drill (pun intended).
I’m with you on wanting everything digital. It’s 2024, but half the time I feel like dental offices are still using carrier pigeons to keep track of stuff. The front desk always asks me what she had done last time and I’m just standing there trying not to look clueless. Wouldn’t it be easier if there was an app or something that just tracked all this? Or maybe there is and I’m just out of the loop.
Here’s my question—has anyone actually had a fix not “stick” and then had to go back for a do-over? Did they charge you again? Did your kid freak out? Because honestly, my biggest fear is having to drag her back in for round two while explaining why we’re doing it all over again. Not exactly winning Parent of the Year over here.
I guess at least if things go sideways, we’ll have plenty of material for her future therapy sessions…
