A parent left a 1-star review, irate that I refused to place fillings for her

This account was submitted by a healthcare provider and de-identified before publication. Details that could identify a patient or practice have been removed, and it is shared with the provider’s consent.

What was posted

A parent left a 1-star review, irate that I refused to place fillings for her son's small cavities during the COVID shutdown, claiming her son was "traumatized for life."

What actually happened

I was legally prohibited from providing that elective treatment during the shutdown and told her so multiple times. The child actually did very well at treatment, and the review came well after the treatment appointment and after an irate phone call during COVID. I followed the law and was punished for it, while the parent faced no repercussion.

Impact

Reputational damage for having complied with the law.

Steps taken

There was nothing to be done about it.

Behind every story is a career that deserved better.

If you have been affected, adding your story to the record is one of the most important contributions you can make to this campaign. Legislators read these accounts.

Every submission is de-identified before publication. Your privacy — and your patients’ — is protected.

Reported impact on this provider

Three others reported Reputation Damage

Three Profiles, One Fabricated Story

She Named Me Everywhere—and I Had No Way to Defend Myself

A False Criminal Accusation That Nearly Destroyed the Practice

Behind every story is a career that deserved better.