Dr. Bernstein DDS

In the overall scope of modern communication, the Internet is relatively new and the rules and customs are still in their infancy. We have all noted new technology and new community habits changing sometimes weekly. Simply stated, in the medical/dental world, we are also just starting to determine appropriate ethics and marketing strategies.

The Internet is here to stay. Reviews, blogs, and postings are the new standard to complement word of mouth recommendations good and bad.

I, personally, feel such a contract would contradict the trust our office wants to build with all patients.

On the other hand, some controls and regulations must be established to insure that reviews are truthful. It does effect one's reputation built over a life-time. I have experienced reviews posted that never occurred. They were likely placed by competitors. The site administrators were difficult to contact and unwilling to remove the false statements. There should be a mechanism to regulate such reviews.

Mickey Bernstein, DDS

I read the August 2nd posting about a dentist performing Breast Surgery with great interest. While this may be a true account, I have not heard of it prior to this posting and have never heard of any other dentists performing plastic surgery procedures away from the mouth. It is true, that in most states, any health care professional with a surgical license can perform any surgical procedure. As a cosmetic dentist, I could also remove an appendix, legally.

However, whether the professional is a Surgeon MD, Public Health Administrator MD, or a Surgical Dentist DDS, he or she is still held to the highest standards to understand the best surgical techniques, assessment protocols, and potential complications, to name a few. It is one thing to have the Formal Authority to do anything and entirely different calling to exercise appropriate Moral Authority as we interact with others in our lives.

It would be a poor decision for a consumer to choose a dentist for Plastic Surgery or the Dentist to perform it. Likewise, physicians should stay away from Porcelain Veneers or correcting the bite. The consumer should always seek the most competent and experienced care giver for their health - a most precious gift.

Mickey Bernstein, DDS, FAGD Germantown, TN