Sorry this is a little long...
DS 15 went to see an orthodontist who advised that DS would need a brace but needed a tooth removed so a return visit booked. DS had the tooth removed and we arrived for the return visit yesterday and it was awful.
We hadn't realised the brace was actually going to be fitted - there was no chat, no discussion - didn't' know what type of brace was being fitted, how long for nothing - the whole conversation was
hello, sit down
did you have the tooth out? (yes)
when? (July)
Good it will be well healed.
Then she started fitting the brace before we had even realised what was happening, chatted with the assistant about another colleague and other gossipy chat - not a single word to DS or me.
I nervously said something like - 'Oh you're fitting the brace now, I thought this was a chat about it' to which she said
I've got to do it now, next appointment isn't until December
They then asked what colour he wanted - he asked what they had and was told everything except gold and brown. Bearing in mind no one has ever explained braces to him (other than me in a very broad concept way) - nor any idea what colours there are etc, he simply said 'erm red?' and this was the only time she spoke to DS the whole time other than to tell him to 'hold still'
when she was done she said 'bye you can go now' - I sais 'is that it?' and she said yes, come back in 12 weeks... no aftercare advice, not even suggesting taking a paracetamol.
We were both a little shellshocked and went to book the appointment and I spoke to Reception an said - do you have an advice/aftercare sheet? The receptionist was nice and we bought £10 kit and we're given a link to a website.
DS was in tears when we left - said that he'd had tears running down his cheeks the whole time (I couldn't see from where I was sitting) - he violated and ignored and was really upset by the whole experience.
DD had braces from the practice (different orthodontist_ and her experience couldn't have been more different, chatty friendly and shown aftercare etc).
I really feels violated and TBH that is right as DS was given no chance to consent - no one asked him or discussed it with him - she just did it to him. I should have seen how upset he was but I couldn't see from where I was.
So I am going to complain and ask that he see a different orthodontist in future - but I aim not sure what they are supposed to so - only what I think is right.
Do any of you have any advice about what standard practice is etc - what they are expected to do when fitting braces to minors etc - anything I can add to the complaint and I don't want it to come across as 'you upset my precious' because TBH we feel it was appalling treatment.