No Cell Phone, No Dental Service

Biftu · ‎02-05-2011

Before the pandemic struck my elderly uncle was having major dental work done to the tune of $10k. About a month ago his tooth started hurting and he was afraid it may get infected. He called the dentist who was closed and she gave him a prescription for antibiotics which worked and he has no had any pain since. He was called the other day to come in as they were open on a minimal schedule. He was told to wait in his car and they would text him when it was time to come in. He doesn't have a cell phone and has no desire to get or use one. He told them he doesn't have a phone and seems the receptionist was taken aback and didn't know what to say. She said she will have to talk to the dentist and she'd call him back -- hasn't yet. He was very upset that someone couldn't come out to call him in. He has many underlying health conditions and is scared to go anyway and his tooth is not bothering him. He was so flustered. How unaccommondating. This is just not right. I will go with him when he decides to go.

Karie2022 · ‎03-26-2010

I'm sorry for your uncle, of course someone should be able to run out and let him know they are ready for him...ridiculous.

Take time every day to enjoy where you are without a need to fix it

Shelbelle · ‎03-09-2010

I can sympathasize, I dont have a cell phone for that either, just an old one for emergency use. Lately it seems that without one I am finding myself in a bit of situations like you mentioned.

RetRN · ‎10-01-2013

I also sympathize. My pharmacy doesn't have a drive-thru and you have to call them when you arrive and the pharmacist will bring out your medications. My hair salon is doing the same thing where you wait in your car and they will call when they are ready for you. I went to my dentist today and thankfully was able to just walk in.

Janey2 · ‎06-07-2010

This borders on scary that they can't figure out to ask him the color and make of his car and then wave him in the office. Is anyone able to think in that office?

quilter61 · ‎03-22-2010

I don't like this either. I called the vet to make an appointment and she told me the same thing. Call when you get here and someone will come out and get your dog. I asked what if I don't have a cell. She didn't know what to say. I do have one, but know a lot of people that don't. I ended up not making an appointment because I did not feel comfortable with them coming out and taking my dog. She is a rescue and gets very scared if I am not with her.

These offices need to think about this as a lot of people don't have cell phones.

Love my grandkids · ‎11-24-2013

@Biftu That is outrageous. Due to privacy laws, I would have your uncle call (instead of you) and tell them that you will be with him and he should give them your cell number. I can't imagine anyone at my dentist's practice doing this. It's just plain stupid.

Please you or your uncle call those morons (but don't tell them I said that).

Meowingkitty · ‎06-19-2010

My dentist doesn't make me wait in the car but my periodontist does. When I saw him on Tuesday there was an elderly man sitting in the waiting room as I walked in. It's going to be 112 today and when I went at 8:00 on Tuesday it was already 95 degrees. I'm sure they would prefer you waiting in the car but there are circumstances that warrant going directly in.

Meowingkitty · ‎06-19-2010

@quilter61 wrote:
I don't like this either. I called the vet to make an appointment and she told me the same thing. Call when you get here and someone will come out and get your dog. I asked what if I don't have a cell. She didn't know what to say. I do have one, but know a lot of people that don't. I ended up not making an appointment because I did not feel comfortable with them coming out and taking my dog. She is a rescue and gets very scared if I am not with her.

These offices need to think about this as a lot of people don't have cell phones.

Also if you live in a hot climate, even with air conditioning, sitting in a car until they come and get your kitty or doggie can be distressing. Fortunately I went to the vet on Saturday and specifically made an 8:00 appointment. It was only 87 then. Still had to sit in car with the ac running for 30 minutes while they examined him and brought him back.

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

@Biftu I'm wondering if it's a very busy area in a high rise building? My DH has a cell phone but hates using it and has been to various doctors...each time the receptionist had no problem coming outside to get him but she didn't have to go down stairs or an elevator. DH was right outside the doctor's door in his car which was pulled up.

I feel bad for your uncle...not everyone has or uses a cell phone.