Pedo Rotation

This rotation has opened my eyes to the lack of education some parents have on dental care in the surrounding Richmond areas. The first day I was in rotation the four year old child had rampant caries. The doctor was able to treatment plan the child for about 80% of the teeth being extracted and the other 20% saved. The second day in rotation I was able to work with a 12 year old girl, who was very shy. She was not very happy to be at the dentist and covered her smile. When she proceeded to open her mouth I noticed why she was shy. The doctor diagnosed her with rampant caries and proceeded to make a treatment plan. He was very frustrated during the whole process because the girl was not able to keep her mouth open due to pain and sensitivity. During the process, the little girl was crying the whole time. She was in so much pain and embarrassment. I proceeded to tell the girl that everything will be okay and we will get things under control. The resident then begins to tell me "no, you do not say everything will be okay, this is not acceptable, her oral hygiene could of prevented this". I do not know why he responded to me in this way, maybe he was very frustrated. But, his response scared me and also the little girl. He was very straight forward with his remarks, and not friendly at all. I don't believe this was the proper way to handle the situation. The girl will have to get most of her teeth removed and have a partial denture. This is very sad, and knowing that this could of been prevented from simply brushing her teeth. Her mom is a single parent,and most of her home care is from her grandmother who is endentulous. Dental neglect is very obvious in this case, and it is a very sad subject. I wish I could follow up with this patient, and see her results.