Practice Policy on Oral and Facial Piercings
Regrettably, new patients presenting with oral and facial piercings has become an occasional problem.
This sheet explains how my practice staff are to act when confronted by a patient or potential patient, displaying these ugly and mutilating devices.
This
applies to any prominent rings, studs, dumbbells etc. in the oral cavity
or face i.e. Tongue, lips, eyebrow, cheek, etc.
It does not
include the ear and an exception is made for small and discrete studs in
the side of the nose, especially in Asian women who may have these for
religious reasons.
New Patients
Immediately a new patient is seen to have an oral or facial piercing, the following action is taken.
The patient and accompanying adult (if appropriate) is informed that:-
Dr Horobin (who sees all new patients) does not see patients who have
piercings or show signs of recently having had them (i.e. unhealed
holes).
This being the case,
we regret that they will not be seen
today.
If they wish to be seen in the future, they will need to return when, and
only when, their piercings have fully
healed.
If necessary, Dr Horobin will personally explain his reasons for this
policy but they will not receive an Orthodontic consultation while the
problem
persists.
In the event of difficulty, Dr Horobin will inform such patients of our reasons for this personally - cross infection control, danger of catching them with instruments, danger of severe infections, etc.
Existing Patients
Essentially, each case is dealt with on its merits, attempting to persuade the individual concerned out of this foolish and misguided habit.
Quite clearly, the application of this policy may, from time to time, cause difficulty and even some unpleasantness.
However, its benefits are clear - some previously pierced patients have reformed and other (probably unsuitable) individuals have departed.
Dr David Horobin
July 2003
