Michael D. Switkes, DDS
Jacksonville, Fla.
Well Dr. Dickerson, I guess you got your "last lick" in by having the power of publishing in your hand. Your ability to print your response is a powerful asset. I`m slightly jealous.
You have misinterpreted my letter (see the original letter in the January issue of Dental Economics and the response in the March issue) just as I have misinterpreted your intentions in publishing an article on your generosity in providing free dental care (see the October 1999 Dental Economics). I, like most dentists I know, provide free service on a daily basis. This is especially true among pediatric dentists because the child is usually the pawn of parental neglect. I do not publish articles to publicize my generosity, and that is how I concluded that the article was self-serving. I`m sorry for the misinterpretation.
Additionally, you state that I have "guilt about fees that dentists charge." I am very well compensated because I do quality work. When other dentists do poor quality work, I get angry because they are compensated well for work that I have to redo! I`m sure you have these same feelings.
You see, we both feel the same way - compassion, anger, and disappointment.
I hope this clarifies my points. We are not that far apart in our feelings, just in our ability to interpret each other`s true feelings.
