Dear RDH, 

I'm a new grad, and recently I had a patient come back after more than a year without a perio maint appointment following SRP. After taking radiographs, completing a full periodontal charting, and finding multiple 5–6 mm (and deeper) pockets, I knew the patient needed scaling and root planing again. 

About 30 minutes into the appointment, I brought the doctor over to discuss my findings and let him know I had started explaining everything to the patient. The first thing he said was, "Okay ... my only question is, what have you been doing for the last 30 minutes?" 

It completely caught me off guard. I know 30 minutes sounds like a long time, but the patient had significant periodontal disease, and probing took longer because I was carefully ensuring I had accurate reading with such deep pocketswhilst taking the time to educate the patient on my findings. His comment made me feel embarrassed and disrespected, especially in front of the patient. 

I can't stop thinking about it. Am I just being too sensitive? Is this something you would bring up during my three-month review? 

Signed,

—Slow and Steady Wins the Race

Dear Slow and Steady Wins the Race,

First, let me say this: your feelings are valid. 

Whether the doctor intended it that way or not, comments made in front of a patient carry weight. As a new graduate, you're already questioning yourself enough without someone making you feel like you have to defend why you're providing thorough care. 

Here's what I want you to remember: being efficient is important, but being thorough is non-negotiable. 

A patient returning after a year without maintenance isn't a routine prophy. You weren't simply "cleaning teeth." You were gathering diagnostic information, evaluating disease progression, educating the patient, and determining the appropriate next steps. That takes time, especially when you're new and building confidence! 

That said, this can also be an opportunity for growth. 

Ask yourself:

• Were there ways to communicate with the doctor earlier in the appointment? 

• When reviewing my charts in the morning, should I have had this conversation on office protocol beforehand for this type of situation? 

• Are there efficiencies you'll naturally develop as you gain experience? 

Those are healthy questions, not because you did anything wrong, but because every clinician becomes faster with repetition. 

As for the doctor's comment, I think it's worth paying attention to how it made you feel. If this was a one-time remark from someone who is otherwise supportive, it may simply have been poor wording. However, if this is part of a pattern where you're made to feel embarrassed, dismissed, or unable to ask questions, that's different. 

Your three-month meeting is actually a perfect time to have a professional conversation, but you also can have it earlier. Instead of approaching it as a complaint, frame it around communication. 

You could say: 

"One thing I'd appreciate as I'm growing is feedback that's constructive. During the SRP patient a few weeks ago, when I was asked what I'd been doing for the last 30 minutes, I left feeling embarrassed because I had been completing a comprehensive periodontal assessment and educating the patient. I'd love feedback on how I can improve my efficiency while still providing thorough care." 

That opens the door to a productive discussion instead of a defensive one. 

Finally, don't confuse being new with being incompetent. Every experienced hygienist remembers how long periodontal charting, patient education, and treatment planning took in the beginning. Speed comes with experience. Thoroughness comes with intention. 

I'd much rather see a new hygienist who takes a little longer to diagnose periodontal disease correctly than one who rushes through an appointment and misses it altogether. 

Keep learning. Keep asking questions. And never apologize for taking the time to do right by your patients! 

—Kimberly, RDH