One in Five Dentists Has Romantic Involvement with a Patient, Survey Says

There's little doubt that mixing romance with work can be risky at best and a family and career-buster at worst. According to a Nov. 5 press release, most dental professionals advise against getting romantically involved with a patient. However, a recent dental survey conducted by The Wealthy Dentist found that one in five dentists, including both male and female dentists, reports becoming romantically involved with a patient at some point in their career.

Female dentists were more outspoken about the inappropriateness of dating a patient, however. Said one, "I'm in the military - it would be a career ender for me to become involved with my patients." Another said it's "totally inappropriate," while a third cited the fact that "it's wrong according to the Hippocratic Oath." Even a female dentist who involved herself romantically with a patient advises against it. She said that "when I first started as a dentist and was working in a clinic, I had a relationship with a patient. I was young and foolish then. I wouldn't advise it now!"

According to the survey, male dentists were significantly more likely to involve themselves romantically with their patients, citing that "romantic chemistry just happens." A male implantologist said he "became romantically involved with several patients when I was single, young and foolish." Another said it's "not an issue that I should care about if it doesn't affect my work," while a third says he believes "it's okay. There can be chemistry that takes place between a man and a lady irrespective of the patient-doctor thing."