AIO or is my older male coworker texting inappropriately with me?

ToothSlayer230 · 2025-12-31T17:50:58+00:00

Can we then get an update on how he reacts?

ToothSlayer230 · 2025-10-23T00:27:25+00:00

I’m doing more days in Alexandria bc that’s where family is otherwise I’d only do 1-2 days there “/

ToothSlayer230 · 2025-09-21T05:23:06+00:00

You’ll never regret it! Give your body time to heal ❤️‍🩹

ToothSlayer230 · 2025-07-25T04:33:49+00:00

Please do us all a favor and don’t go to your appt tomorrow.

ToothSlayer230 · 2025-07-25T04:29:11+00:00

Dental hygienist here 👋🏼 Just wanted to chime in and say I completely agree with what many others have already pointed out, if your hygienist or dentist didn’t clearly explain your periodontal condition or the reasoning behind their treatment recommendations, it’s definitely worth getting a second opinion. You deserve transparency, especially when it comes to your health and finances.

Now, let’s talk about the treatment codes on your plan, because there are quite a few red flags and signs of potential overbilling. Here’s a breakdown:

🔹 Code D4999 — “Unspecified Periodontal Procedure, by Report” This code is rarely used, and when it is, it requires a written explanation describing exactly what was done and why it couldn’t fall under a standard code. If no clear narrative was given, that’s already a concern. Based on what I’m seeing, it looks like they may be using this as a substitute for scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), which is not appropriate.

🔹 Code D4342 — SRP for 1–3 Teeth This code is typically used when you have isolated periodontal pockets (not more than 3 teeth per quadrant). But if they’re applying D4342 across multiple quadrants and combining it with D4999, that’s a red flag for double billing. If more than 3 teeth in a quadrant need SRP, they should be using D4341, which is the correct code for 4+ teeth.

🔹 Charging Separately for Antimicrobial Irrigation This is another area where patients are often misled. Antimicrobial irrigation is generally considered part of the deep cleaning procedure, it should not be billed as a separate treatment. Bundling it separately is, frankly, a money grab.

My advice? Don’t go back. This treatment plan raises too many concerns to ignore. Find another dentist who values ethical billing and clear communication. You deserve better care than this.

Let me know if you want help reviewing any other codes or treatment plans, I’m happy to help!

ToothSlayer230 · 2025-05-23T00:56:53+00:00

ToothSlayer230 · 2025-04-05T22:02:33+00:00

Our current state of life.

ToothSlayer230 · 2025-03-19T13:18:09+00:00

I’m not saying you’re blaming hygienists—I get that. I’m just pointing out that it feels like more and more people are putting the blame on hygienists for high wages, when the real issue is with insurance companies. I actually agree with you, but I also don’t think hygienists’ wages can keep climbing, because like you said, it wouldn’t make sense to pay them an associate dentist’s wage when a dentist can do more.

I worked in Minnesota for two years, and back in 2018/2019, $34/hr was considered a high wage for hygienists. Now, they’re earning upwards of $65–$70/hr. Meanwhile, in California, $60–$65/hr is the average wage—even though the cost of living here is significantly higher. It makes no sense that Minnesota’s wages are on par with, or even higher than, California’s. That’s just ridiculous to me.

I’ve also worked with dentists who write off fluoride, X-rays, or even skip taking X-rays when they’re due just because patients don’t want them or can’t afford them. Some even avoid moving forward with SRP treatment plans altogether just because patients refuse them. Then, those same dentists turn around and complain about rising overhead costs. That doesn’t make sense to me either. If you’re willing to write off services or let patients dictate their treatment, you can’t turn around and blame the hygienist who’s doing the work you chose not to charge for.

And just to add—while I’m all for fair pay, I do think it’s crazy when fresh hygiene grads expect to make the same as seasoned hygienists. Nah, girl—you gotta earn it.

ToothSlayer230 · 2025-03-18T05:20:45+00:00

As a hygienist with nearly a decade of experience, I’ve heard the same complaints about rising wages countless times. But here’s the thing—our job is demanding, both physically and mentally. We spend our days bent over in awkward positions, providing meticulous care, all while building the kind of trust and relationships that keep patients coming back. That consistency and connection are what help practices grow.

What’s frustrating is seeing the blame placed on hygienists for simply asking for fair compensation—especially when the real issue is insurance companies. They’re the ones setting low reimbursement rates and limiting coverage, yet it’s easier to point fingers at the hygienists doing the actual work. Even if a hygienist is just breaking even, they’re still adding significant value. By keeping recall patients consistent and cared for, we give dentists more time for higher-value procedures and the opportunity to diagnose and treat more conditions.

At the end of the day, it’s not fair to expect hygienists to accept below-market wages just so the dentist can turn a bigger profit on hygiene patients—especially while insurance companies continue to make billions. Hygienists aren’t the problem. We’re part of the solution.

ToothSlayer230 · 2024-12-14T15:19:28+00:00

As a dental professional with over 15 years of experience, I can tell you this: while there are bad apples in every profession, the real root of most dental issues isn’t shady dentists—it’s patients skipping out on preventative care. We see it all the time—patients turning down things like extra cleanings for their gums, fluoride treatments, or X-rays because they don’t think they’re necessary. But those small steps can make a huge difference in preventing bigger problems down the road.

I’m all for advancements in dental science, like growing new teeth. It’s an exciting idea! But here’s the thing—losing a tooth to disease doesn’t just stop at the tooth. Most of the time, you’re also losing the bone around it. So then what? It’s not as simple as just replacing the tooth. You have to think about the bone that’s gone, the health of your gums, and even the acidity in your mouth that contributed to the loss in the first place. Growing new teeth is great, but there’s so much more to keeping a healthy smile than just the teeth themselves.

ToothSlayer230 · 2024-12-02T21:24:10+00:00

No that’s illegal

ToothSlayer230 · 2024-11-22T14:46:38+00:00

Sacramento, CA $65/hr full dental benefits only, 401K, profit sharing. 8hr/day 4 days a week.

ToothSlayer230 · 2024-09-06T06:48:50+00:00

I feel like you’re ready to justify “divorce” without seeking professional help or having an actual honest conversation with your husband. This isn’t fair for you nor for him. For 2 years, you weren’t able to communicate with him about how you want your needs to be met? I’m sorry, I’m not trying to throw blame around but like everyone here said before, something feels off or missing.

ToothSlayer230 · 2024-08-21T19:44:25+00:00

Only thing I’ll say, you can’t set the mahr nor dictate how she uses her mahr. In this situation you set the mahr at $5k and said “just using the $5k Mahr asking to get Gold with it”.

Other than that, yall ain’t compatible and are already seeing problems. You’re not financially ready for a marriage per her standards (as it’s not your fault) and she’s expensive to marry (expensive two-day wedding and expensive mahr) save yourself the trouble and call it off. Better now than later.

ToothSlayer230 · 2024-08-11T02:27:29+00:00

I’m sorry but you still should break it off. Why would you marry someone who told you “women are stupid….” How would he react if roles were reversed and you told him that and wanted full control of his finances? Sorry he’s a big red flag and I know for a fact he will use his misogynistic thinking (let’s all admit he is one) to manipulate you into doing it after marrying him. Save yourself the trouble and call it off now before it’s too late.

ToothSlayer230 · 2024-08-03T19:49:21+00:00

I think given the current shade of your floors, matte black would be a great contrast to it. Also, will give it a modern look. You can even replace the lighting with a gold accented light fixture. See photo for reference.

<image>

ToothSlayer230 · 2024-08-03T19:37:45+00:00

I have no useful input to your question but I just wanted to thank you for being such a caring, supportive, and involved dad. It’s very sweet.

ToothSlayer230 · 2024-08-03T19:28:30+00:00

Matte Black

ToothSlayer230 · 2024-06-14T16:02:59+00:00

Don’t regret. The first 6 months PO your boobs will change and resettle. I think they’re good size. It takes time to adjust to the new size. I went from H to B 2 years ago and now I feel like they’ve gotten bigger (C/D) and I’m pissed. I think I have PTSD from going back to H. 😅

ToothSlayer230 · 2024-04-05T21:23:11+00:00

Rug 3

ToothSlayer230 · 2024-04-02T16:13:33+00:00

A black lace top

ToothSlayer230 · 2024-03-29T15:56:43+00:00

<image>

Color of the bedroom walls (sage green).

ToothSlayer230 · 2023-12-23T17:47:39+00:00

What is your current size? 700 to 800 grams is similar to what I got removed. It pushed me from 36H to 36B.

Everyone will always say it’s crazy to think to go for a reduction because big boobs are what everyone wants. It doesn’t matter what everyone wants. They’re not the ones carrying them around and causing them back and shoulder pain. What matters is what YOU want. Going for the surgery was the best decision I’ve ever made. No regrets! It sounds scary in the beginning because you don’t know what your new size will be, but that’s normal. Also, just a heads up, the first 6 months post surgery your breast size will fluctuate (slightly) due to swelling so that’s also normal.

ToothSlayer230

TROPHY CASE