|
So very often I am hearing from many of you regarding the job situation for dental professionals. These are tough times we, dental professionals, are facing along with others. At one time, I would have NEVER anticipated that we would be experiencing an economy in such a turmoil, but each month makes me more aware of how hard we are all affected.
This economy is baffling to me. Last week, as I was listening to the news, and I heard that 7 million Americans are now out of a job, manufactured products are down, oil prices are down, and there are indications that things will get worse before it is over in two years. This week, I heard that we are over the recession and jobs are on the rise. Where are these analysts getting their information?
My confusion comes into play when I talk to some offices. The majority of dental offices indicate to me that they are slow, have condensed days, closed on specific days, and even have laid individuals off. Then, there are those offices that are steady with patients. A RDH indicated to me just the other day that due do to a full schedule, she cannot take any days off of work. When I questioned why and what they were doing that is so different than other offices, the only difference appeared to be that she works in a Perio office. They also take most insurances, but I am still confused, because so many individuals are not going to the dentist from a lack of insurance, due to unemployment or the lack of benefits. It makes me wonder if patients feel that the need for Perio SRP and/or Perio surgery is similar to having a medical procedure. The necessity seems to be there.
Just last week, the office I worked at had so many cancellations my day was called off. Today is Tuesday and my Thursday schedule has now blown apart, and once again I am off. This occurrence is common for many these days. It is hard to believe that two years ago DPPS had to hire extra staff to meet the demands of incoming phone calls.
Again, when I go to the mall I am confused. Yesterday, I went to Orland Square Mall. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought it was the Christmas season and sales were too good to resist. If all these people are shopping, and laid-off, where are they getting the money, and why are they skipping out on dental visits? Restaurants don’t appear to be lacking customers, and when I dropped my son off at the movie theater, it was also packed.
The economy is bad, 7 million people are laid-off, dental professionals are calling and sharing their economic concerns for lack of work, yet people appear to be spending money, but not on dentistry?
Can you see why I am baffled?
Kathy Karwoski, RDH
DPPS, Inc. President |
