Dental Hygienist Case Study

Background Statement:
In this particular case, Dr. Rose is going to her usual 6-month cleaning appointment with her dentist. She is a 65-year-old nurse. She gives the receptionist her insurance card and an intake form which contain lengthy allergy information, including her previously discovered allergy to chlorhexidine. This allergy was discovered during her appointment the past summer. Once Dr. Rose was with Chrissy, the 21-year-old dental hygienist, she was instructed to rinse her mouth with mouthwash. Dr. Rose noticed that it contains chlorhexidine and alerted the hygienist. Chrissy was dismissive of Dr. Rose's concerns and assured her that there was no cause for them. Further, she instructed Dr. Rose to "be a 'good patient'". Once the dentist entered, Dr. Rose was already administering anti-allergy medications to herself. The hygienist continued to protest against Dr. Rose's exclamations until the dentist told Chrissy that she was incorrect. Dr. Rose leaves unhappily without

Her language, especially when taking age differences into consideration, infantilized Dr. Rose and reflected a lack of concern for the wellbeing of the patient. Chrissy's socio-emotional skills need immediate attention if the practice intends to retain her employment following this incident.
Though, it could be argued that the problem began at the level of the receptionist, as well. Dr. Rose carefully listed her allergies on her intake form, including her recently discovered allergy to chlorhexidine. This allergy should have been noted on her patient history regardless, given that her allergy was discovered in-office the previous summer. Not strongly communicating such medical information to the hygienist also plays a role in the incident that ensued.
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