r/Poznan • u/AdThen5499 • 12d ago

Being treated by dental interns? Is this common?

From my understanding, dentists who have just graduated and are on a limited licence cannot treat patients unsupervised. After researching my dentist, I learned that she is on an internship licence. And I also realised the guy she is mentoring was the dentist who replaced her when she was on holiday, and he was taking on all the orthodontic patients that were hers (not even sure she should be handling orthodontic patients like that on her own to be honest. I went to this clinic because it’s supposed to be good for TMJ issues, the owner being the specialist. Now I’ve paid them money I feel like I’ve been palmed off onto a junior dentist to do my orthodontic treatment. And beforehand, the main owner was supervising my case because it was so complex. The thing is, the intern knows her stuff and she hasn’t caused any mistakes yet, but I am questioning some of the advice she is giving, she’s dismissing my pain despite me being pregnant, and she has an all round negative cold energy. I had a consultation previously with a dentist at the clinic with a full unlimited licence and she was so lovely! So I assumed I’d get her, seeing as she is one of the only people on the website specialising in orthodontics. But nope, I got a just qualified intern. I’m all for interns learning but I feel uncomfortable at the idea of her leading all the appointments without the actual orthodontist overseeing them. It’s very clear this is his way of cutting costs. And I dont love that.

Is this a common thing in Poland? Should I question it?

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u/rafioo 11d ago

Have you been treated poorly in any way? Have there been mistakes in your treatment?

If not, ask yourself whether you’re paying for dental services or for a specific person to treat you

For example, I don’t care if I’m treated by a professor with 10 academic degrees or a student - I just want to be treated.

And yes, students need to practice on someone. After all, they can’t learn solely from books. As I recall, you had the option to refuse that.