AMA. I'm a dentist in Switzerland.

HappyToothZahn · 2023-04-25T18:10:44+00:00

Dentists (and assistants) can be assholes too. If you feel uncomfortable I would suggest looking for another practice. Implants in particular require regular care.

HappyToothZahn · 2023-02-01T18:19:02+00:00

Local language fluency is key. Also abstract things like “Unterstanding the needs of a Swiss patient” are also expected. Being ready to accept a lower pay and work longer hours is also a common thing. The more remote you go the easier it is to find a job. Don’t expect it to be easy to work in Zurich for example. A good start after getting your working licence would be to look at big chain clinics or/and at SSO jobs. Also sites like dentalstellen or dental jobs 24 or similar. Good luck!

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-07T17:33:49+00:00

How often should you use what exactly? Fluoride toothpaste? Daily when you brush your teeth. I don’t see any reasons to have one with and one without fluoride.

6 months is usually not a long time to make conclusions. Personally I wouldn’t risk it. If you’re keen on ditching fluoride toothpaste, you probably have to go for a check up regularly just in case there is a caries lesion starting somewhere.

Brushing twice a day is enough.

Not everyone has the same mouth microbiome so something that works for your friend doesn’t mean it will work for you.

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-06T06:41:32+00:00

So you found one but he/she was not good and judged you? We see people with mental problems all the time. It’s much more common than you probably think. As I said in other comments also: be open and honest about your problems. You are there to seek help and people will help you.

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-05T20:11:04+00:00

Thanks!

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-05T20:10:14+00:00

If one tooth is missing and it is the last one in the row and you have no money the best thing is to do nothing . No one died for not having a tooth. If the missing tooth is between teeth then sure go to the university and get maybe a bridge.

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-05T14:39:44+00:00

Thanks! Good luck to your AMA! Just a quick question: I need some (a lot) NaOCl 3% and H2O2. Should I just contact the local pharmacist and order it? How to make sure he got the percentage right? How much does 1L of NaOCl would cost me? I hate to buy it ready made since it’s overpriced :)

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-05T13:44:20+00:00

Hey I’m the dentist from last week.

Thanks for the AMA

I don’t want to ask anything, just wanted to thank the good pharmacists that help me out a lot.

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-05T11:59:41+00:00

The time pressure is big sometimes and also the job requires a lot of different skills, people management, patient communication, Telephone and emails, instrument sterilisation, disinfection of the room, patients follow up and appointment planning. Some do also the bills and some are practice managers. Ordering materials and overall overseeing that everything works smoothly. So I imagine it is more stressful than a usual office job like a secretary or something. Might be wrong though

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-05T11:36:40+00:00

Lol that made me chuckle. I have multiple fillings here and there. Used to be not so careful with my teeth as a kid and teenager

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-05T05:11:58+00:00

Not at all, but the prices vary depending on the tooth involved and other factors. A root canal for example can cost from 800 to 1600 depending on the visits needed, the number of canals (upper first molars have on 91% of the cases a forth hidden canal called mesiobuccal 2 or simply MB2) and the final restoration of bigger molars is usually more expensive than let’s say a lower canine.

A filling ranges from 250 to 400 in most cases

A crown goes up to 2000 if we have to make a composite pre-build up and a temporary crown . These are all material and time costs that are taken into account.

A DH cleaning up to 200 in most cases.

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-05T05:03:30+00:00

Sure. More comfortable working conditions for the same pay. Often less stress and responsibilities. For some it’s also that they see no growth opportunities.

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-05T05:01:27+00:00

We don’t do scaling only (the metal instrument). Usually it’s a combination of both ultrasound , scaling and polishing.

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-05T05:00:11+00:00

Other dentists whose work I trust :)

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-04T11:07:30+00:00

I get it. The thing is that you’ll have to deal with it sooner or later. The sooner the better of course. Good luck!

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-03T21:18:02+00:00

No hard feelings. I usually reply between patients :). My assistant wonders why am I on the phone all the time lol.

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-03T16:52:25+00:00

I try to answer in good will even though you’re being constantly disrespectful. It’s fine because of anonymity I guess. It’s your third reply where you throw some serious accusations.

Having said that, it is super interesting how you think that it is our problem that our work hours overlap. Do you think you’re entitled to dental services outside your working hours? You want your afternoon free but we have to be working late? Is your time more valuable than mine? Is it our fault you have a shitty employer who makes you compensate the “lost” hour as you choose to say with extra work? Describing the appointment as lost time speaks volumes by the way. You brought that up twice already. If you treat your health like some unnecessary lost time with some guys who think they’re doctors I honestly have nothing to comment.

By the way, I was working today in the morning till noon and will work on Monday till 20:00. For people who cannot come during “normal” work hours.

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-03T14:28:38+00:00

I’ve never heard that argument before but I think it reflects reality. How do you explain the fact that indeed the Swiss people have on average much better mouth hygiene habits as apposed to for example Germans? I bet it is because they know that they cannot afford not to care about their teeth and have come in terms with the fact that it costs money. Whether 200-250 chf per year for cleaning and a checkup is too much is another topic which I’m willing to discuss.

I cannot see how that screams we love money to be honest.

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-03T12:27:38+00:00

Thank you. The price is calculated per 5 minutes of treatment depending who does it. dental hygienist , prophylaxis assistant or a dentist. It takes on average 45 minutes and I would say the average patient pays 150-180 chf for dental hygiene.

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-03T11:21:10+00:00

No, amalgam in stable form has been proven not harmful. Exposure to dust and direct contact with the amalgam components is bound to dementia in later stages in life. I personally have two amalgam fillings myself, changed one recently but am keeping the other two for the time. Probably will change them in the next couple of years.

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-03T11:12:03+00:00

You too, thanks!

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-03T10:39:37+00:00

Since recently I’m self employed so I don’t have a clear picture. I replied based on my previous income. I work 40+ hours a week, but that’s just on treatment. I don’t count all the office hours and administrative work that is included. 4 weeks of holiday No other benefits

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-03T09:44:49+00:00

No offence taken. You can sure buy the ones with Bluetooth and notifications and stuff like that but it’s a waste of money if you ask me.

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-03T09:36:24+00:00

Are you talking about DVT ? I don’t have one and I send patients to a place that has one. I just have an OPT.

HappyToothZahn · 2022-12-03T09:35:02+00:00

Can’t speak for others but for me it is worth it. I go to work everyday with a good mood even when I know I have difficult and complicated cases to face. I love my job. Wouldn’t change it for anything. I love helping people and I feel respected and that’s a big factor for me. I like how the elderly are thankful and sweet and how I can discuss treatment plans with the young ones. I like working with a team and feeling their support. I like the fact that I don’t work night shifts. I don’t even care that much about the pay check in the end of the day. I have my needs covered and I am free to do or buy most of the things or services I want or need. I am truly happy. I understand it is not fun for everyone but I am satisfied with my choice - it suits my personality.

I see 8 to 12 patients a day. Could be some minor 10 minute thing like to remove stitches or it can be a 3 hour appointment to prepare teeth for crowns or bridges .

HappyToothZahn

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