Mishmeres HaSholom: Ask the Rav

Q: After a comprehensive check–up, our family dentist outlined the dental work I needed. Included in the plan was the removal of two existing crowns, due to the supposed rotting that had developed underneath. Because of the tremendous expense involved, I went for a second opinion and estimate. After a thorough examination, the dentist determined that the teeth were in perfect condition, and the costly treatment was entirely unnecessary.

For the benefit of my family, I’d like to determine whom I could trust. If I cannot rely on the opinion of the first dentist (who is on staff in a large local clinic), I have to look into other options for my family. I was considering consulting the clinic’s coordinator, and I am wondering how to go about this sensitive topic without getting stuck on lashon hara.

 A: It was not clear from the question how one would go about asking the coordinator about the dentist, but it does seem that the plan entailed telling the coordinator about the dentist’s error.

It is clear that one may and should inquire about the competence and expertise of any given doctor (in accordance with the conditions of the Chofetz Chaim). However, according to halachah, the option of discussing it with the coordinator is the least viable one. Doctors can err; we are all human. Apprising the coordinator of the mistake is lashon hara and rechilus and can cause arguments, damage and more.

It is therefore the patient’s obligation to inquire among friends and neighbors or to find someone knowledgeable to read the x-ray. Only then, if the conclusion is that the dentist seems incompetent, the coordinator may be apprised, in compliance with the laws of lashon hara l’to’eles.

The following questions and answers were taken from the Mishmeres Hasholom pamphlet in Israel. For details and inquiries please e-mail us at office@hasholom.org or call 972-2 5379160.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hamodia.