In my third year Bob was my ‘Clinic Big’s’ patient, he’d only come in for emergencies every 3-4 months, and never committed to a serious treatment plan. It got to the point he would come in, have some kind of story about what happened, and always leave as if he were going to commit but end up missing the next 3 appts. I did notice however, he was a little more pleasant to work with whenever I was around to assist. But overall, it was unsettling to see Bob’s teeth deteriorate quickly, despite him claiming finances to be the “isssue” even though the both of use did not think they were actual his concern.
As I transitioned to fourth year Bob became my patient. *Yikes!* At first I was displeased and uneasy after experiencing instances where he made my Big and I feel uncomfortable, but then decided to use it to my advantage. I figured I’d take a shot to finally get him to commit to treatment and use him as my Senior Case Patient. I know, a big risk. I’d never see him without an assistant but humored him to keep the treatment progressing and appointments on track. It was a long ride but in the end we finished the treatment and he gave me an expensive Rolex as a thank you/graduation present. Just like I thought Bob, you had that money all along.
