Chairside Visits Y or N? ... I personally lay it all on the table when I decide to take on a clients work.
I let them know right up front that the ultimate goal of mine is to do the best for the pt. I let'em know I like alot of communication...I like to do things right the first time and not that I'm always right but imo the closer the lab & dr. work together the better it is for the patient. ... I offer my services chairside...
They always seem to like my willingness to be chairside. I dont know maybe its just me....
Thanks, everyone, for all the answers. James, you make clear to the Dr your full support. Tom, a willingness to be chairside is a business cost, of course.
Dr said, "The final sculpting is always in the p/t's mouth, a restoration looks different on a p/t," and casually dropped that his lab guy doesn't want him adjusting these copings. Reason given is as they are zirconia and brittle.
So I said, "Maybe the lab guy should be here with you for the tryins," and Dr nearly fainted. "Oh no no no no no!" he said, raising the drill and steadying himself on the arm of the dental chair.
Okay. I am more interested in teeth than your avg p/t. I once took a 10-wk dental asst crash course plus state exams for funzies.
And Ive learned to be outspoken.
If he fears that sooner or later I'll wanna talk with the master ceramist he is spot on; mine is a full-mouth rehab, 28 units, 5 zirconia implants.
I have ENORMOUS respect for the artistry and decision making involved in creating a gorgeous, natural looking tooth. At least part of me is a wannabe ceramist and I know enough to ask an intelligent Q or two.
And I know time is money. We drive 9 hours each way to see this pros; each appt is a 2-day trip. My time is valuable, too, at least to me.
Dr and I are tight now but we've tussled. He is helping my mouth heal rather than set the deficiencies in stone with restorative coverups.
It's working great and takes longer this way; I'll be in temps 6-8 months. So there is time for me and Dr to tussle on calling in his lab guy.
Can't tell you how glad I am to know some ceramists do make chairside visits.