Difference of Opinions

Everyone has opinions.You can state yours but remember to let others state theirs too. More importantly, opinions are not necessarily facts.  So don't get into arguments with others for differences of opinions.  Lately, I've been listening to a lot of different opinions.

Case 1: Following OSHA guidelines in regards to disposing sharp objects is not an opinion but facts. It doesn't matter how long you've been practicing it incorrectly.  You're wrong.

Case 2: Telling a patient fixing occlusion cannot be done. That is an opinion, not facts. Just because one person cannot do it, it doesn't mean another person cannot as well.  When you don't know, you don't know.  You cannot treat if the diagnosis is incorrect or you don't know how to diagnose properly.  That may be "your fact" because of your limitations but your facts can be rebutted. Someone else may be able to do it.  Finding the right doctor is key.

Case 3: If you think going to an HMO office will give you the same service as going to PPO or out-of-network office, you are entitled to your opinion.  But the majority of people who have worked in those offices will disagree with you. It's like buying name brands. The LV or cheap purse will store the same things.  It is a matter of importance to you: esthetics and confidence. My patient tells me she spent $15K on a purse because it makes her feel powerful. I didn't disagree. I don't know that feeling because my power comes from being able to explain things better to people who disagree with me. But to her, that confidence allow her to talk to others more comfortably.
 
Each of these cases tested my patience as the first two were from my own colleagues. Dentistry borrowed a joke from another industry: 3 dentists can give you 5 different opinions regarding treatment. We can all have different views of the same problem. We just need to remember not to judge another without understanding their point of view.