To think it's not acceptable to dental receptionists to sit there loudly bitching about patients?

[MrsMangelFanciedPaulRobinson]

I've just been to the dentist. She was running late so I had to sit in the waiting room for half an hour.

At the practice I go to, each day the receptionists phone up the people that have appointments booked the following day to check that they are still ok to attend their appointment, and to jog their memory that they've booked it. And that's what the receptionists were doing today.

One receptionist phoned someone, I heard their name as she asked for them when they answered the phone (and this is a small town, everyone know everyone else). Admittedly it was a long phone call, and the receptionist had to explain a lot about why they were calling; I think the person on the other end was perhaps hard of hearing. There was then a bit of faffing whilst the other person decided whether or not they wanted the appointment, turned out they did, and the receptionist put the phone down. I'd say the call was no longer than maybe three minutes.

The two receptionists then spent about 5 minutes bitching about this customer. The woman who had phoned them was mimicking them and was huffing and puffing about how indecisive they'd been and basically what a pain in the arse they were.

AIBU to think this isn't acceptable. We all moan about work/clients/customers at times, I know that, but to do it on a reception desk in front of other customers isn't appropriate IMO. They are both very miserable rude receptionists and it seems that they don't like customers very much.

Don't know if this makes any difference but it's a combined NHS and Private practice.

[YourMaNoBraBackOfMyCar]

Clique?! Riiiight... I Don't know the OP from Adam but you're only allowed to stick up for friends on MN yes?

[FattyMcChubster]

Overpowered? Stop being dramatic.

There's actually a whole section for flouncers if you have a look...

[loopylou6]

Nomadicsneer, you must have issues, the OP wasn't even rude to you, never mind aggressive.

[loopylou6]

Overpowered?

Stop being such a drama llama

[loopylou6]

Atrocities? Really? I'd hate to see your reaction if someone was actually rude to you.

[FattyMcChubster]

I thought you were going already?

[Startail]

OP YANBU, I have spent my life in rural communities and bitching in public is extremely unprofessional as their cousin, aunt, BFs sister is likely to over hear.

Nordic you are being a prat.

[C999875]

No abasolutly. You are not being unreasonable in your thinking. They acted very unprofessional. I have to be honest and wonder how do these people get these jobs. xx

[arethereanyleftatall]

It is rude of the receptionists, but.... they are right to be upset. There are hundreds of people who cannot find an NHS dentist, and yet there are hundreds of failed appointments. NHS now have to waste money phoning people to remind them of appointments as many are incapable of organising their own lives. This job falls to the receptionist. They then call someone about an appt tomorrow and this person doesn't know what they are talking about?!? Sorry, but this would irritate me too. Especially if I have work to do which I have had to put aside to be everyone's personal secretary.

[arethereanyleftatall]

Agree with ATrust, i liked Nomadics comment too.

[fanjoforthemammaries7850]

Have reported the nonsense posts

[MoonlightandRoses]

So, how many puppets does it take to fill a thread?

YANBU MrsM - extremely unprofessional and definitely something worth raising if you can. I'd be taking my business elsewhere (and telling them why) were I a private patient overhearing that.

[fanjoforthemammaries7850]

Fill yer boots nomadic

[samandi]

YADNBU. Unprofessional behaviour like this really annoys me. There are people out there who would love those jobs and would be far more professional and efficient at them. Personally I would definitely raise it with the practice manager, but I guess it depends whether you have any options to go elsewhere for treatment.

[QuintessentialOHara]

Sockloads it would seem!

[andubelievedthat]

Best bit of all this ?(imo) the " I'm reporting you " gawd ,a.k.a. "you wait ,I" m telling the teacher you said that and you"ll get into trouble " adults ,? I think not ,nanananana.i keep repeating that to myself "I'm reporting you" and thinking of an adult(kidult)feeling righteous.Good stuff, oh and re original post ,my 2p worth ? I would have said something ,their conduct was less than I would hope for ,a.k.a. I "d report them (oh no ,now I am at it !)what happens when someone is reported? does mnhq keep 5 bar gate charts on naughty people?

[QuintessentialOHara]

Yanbu - the receptionists were very rude and unprofessional.

Like the sneery one.

[QuintessentialOHara]

NomadicSneer you are making a total tit of yourself with your odd comments on this forum today.

But welcome to Mumsnet!