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esmeraydances wrote:I *do* however, like ILOVEMACS, get all sorts of "oooh"'s, "ahhh"'s and compliments on how clean my brackets and hardware are. Which is a pretty big deal to me, since my oral hygiene as a child was less than stellar...not to mention I have upper and lower expanders with big hunks of acrylic in the upper...they are VERY hard to clean!
Meryaten wrote:At my ortho's office, the assistants do place the brackets, but they do not apply the curing light until the doc has verified the placement.
This is what happened to me. It seemed like she painted on the glue, put the brackets on, then the Ortho came by and tinkered while she held the ray gun and he told her to do some more stuff. I couldn't understand what he was saying at that point with all the noise from the suction machine. I really wanted to know but had too much stuff in my mouth to even begin to ask...
The assistant put my wire in too, I don't remember the Ortho coming back to check that but he must have b/c I did get a little time with him where I could actually talk.
My ortho doesn't offer incentives or rewards. I'm sure if I asked he'd say that the reward is having a better bite and improved smile, heh.
I've only had one adjustment so far and the ortho didn't even look at my teeth. He came in for a minute, told the assistant which teeth to end the wires on and then he left. I told the assistant that I had questions for the ortho so he came back and we talked for a few minutes, but he seemed like he was in a hurry and I felt a rushed vibe. I don't even know if the assistants pay attention to my hygiene since I didn't get any comments on the cleanliness of my teeth or brackets.
Out of curiosity I asked the assistant how they get trained. She said they learn on-site.
My office does on the job training too, initially. We're all RDA (Registered Dental Assistants) which requires a couple of day courses in sterilization, radiology, and jurisprudence (the laws applying to our job) and then we have to make a 70 or above on each of 3 tests. EASY!!! A chimp could pass those tests, especially if the chimp had on the job experience. LOL! My office also requires we are OMAAP certified, which stands for Oral and Maxillofacial Anesthesia Assistant Program- now that WAS a BIG DEAL! We studied in a small group directly with one of the doctors on an almost daily basis for 6 months. It was intense. For the record, I was the only employee that got an A!!! Go me!!! LOL!
My ortho gives bob bucks.. and when you get enough you can "buy"things from his case, anything from barbies.. to cd SPAMMERS LIKE ME etc. pretty neat.
December 12, 2007- Paritally Braced, left canine back in all two brackets, nance and both bands.
Feb 4, 2008 First "adjustment" and first power chain!
March 26, 2008 Second adjustment, new power chain and wire and a full banding date. Seven weeks!
May 12 2008-----Full Banding Date!!!
I have noticed that my ortho gives me a "prize" most often when the patient (usually a teenager) in the chair next to me is doing a really poor job of hygiene. So perhaps the incentive is not for me so much as the teenager!
I suppose having great teeth at the end is its own reward, but I don't mind the verbal praise (and gift card..)
I'm an adult orthodontia patient, but my orthodontist offers this to kids, or rather the parents of kids, $200 at the graduation of braces to retainers. I had mine removed last Monday after 2.5 years and received a large bag of really good candy and gum and all the things I couldn't eat while in treatment, plus an envelope of $200 cash. I ate the candy and really needed the money.
I also get wooden nickels for getting my teeth cleaned, wearing my t-shirt, being on time, keeping my teeth clean, no breaks, etc... I know to save them up, but I am not sure what I get. I also get nickels for referrals
I go to a military dentist. No rewards even for the youngins...the only reward is keeping your braces because if you loose or break appliances, show up late, have poor oral hygiene etc he can take them off at any time and you are stuck with whatever stage they were in when you messed up. So I think of that as incentive enough to stay away from foods that might break brackets and remember to take excellent care of my teeth.
I don't get any rewards (but we are talking the NHS here )
Only incentive for keeping your braces in good condition is the nice notice in the waiting room that informs you that you may be liable to pay a £50 ($99) fee if your braces need repaired or replaced
I'd also not like to be in trouble with my ortho..I think he'd be scary in a bad mood
I got a starter kit at my banding session (wax, floss, toothpaste, brush) and lots of positive reinforcement during treatment. When I finished treatment, I got a bottle of bubbles (must drink it) and $800 worth of studio portraiture. While I didn't take up the latter, I was touched by both gestures. As an adult, the kind words, reassurance and encouragement were all I ever needed.
i want goodies
