Ever schedule an appointment with someone specific only for things to quietly shift once you’re actually in the chair? Ever notice how it’s presented like it’s no big deal? Like you’re just supposed to go along with it? For a long time, I did. But, after enough of those moments, you start to pause. You start to question whether what’s being framed as routine is actually something else entirely.
What the “Switcheroo” Looks Like
You do your homework. You research the provider, look into their credentials, read reviews, and make a deliberate decision about who you want handling your care. You book your appointment based on that choice. So, when you show up, you expect that same person to treat you.
But, somewhere between check-in and the start of your appointment, you’re handed off to someone else—less experienced, who you didn’t research, and who you didn’t choose. There’s no meaningful conversation about it, no real opportunity to consent. It’s presented as routine, as though you’ll naturally go along with it. Your preference? Completely dismissed.
To be clear, not every handoff is inappropriate, and not every case is rooted in something deep or nefarious. But, when it happens repeatedly, and when it seems to follow certain patterns, it’s worth paying attention to. For many patients of color, this isn’t a one-off experience. It’s something we’ve encountered enough to be recognizable.
My Experience: Why I No Longer Stay Quiet
I’ve had enough disappointing dental experiences, for instance, over the years to understand that the provider matters. The details matter. The quality of work matters. So, when I decided to switch dentists, I approached it intentionally.
I had just come off a full course of Invisalign that I ultimately didn’t even complete because the experience was that frustrating. I made the decision to stop early, but only after confirming that doing so wouldn’t negatively affect my bite. I then requested my final retainers and decided it was time to start fresh with a new provider.
This time, I did my research. I selected a dentist whose credentials I trusted and, during my initial visit, I was told clearly that he would be handling my treatment. That assurance mattered to me, especially given my past experiences.
However, when I returned for care, my case had been reassigned to a newer, less experienced dentist—someone I had exactly zero prior knowledge of. There was no advance notice, no discussion, no moment of consent. Just a quiet shift in who would be responsible for my care.
And I want to be clear about something: I understand the importance of training and gaining experience. I’ve been in spaces where I’ve shadowed both dentists and physicians at different points in my life while figuring out my own path, so I’ve seen firsthand how critical those learning opportunities are.
But that’s not the issue here.
The issue is transparency.
Why This Isn’t a Small Thing
Under normal circumstances, many patients go along with these changes. It can feel uncomfortable to question a provider or disrupt what’s presented as standard practice. There’s an unspoken pressure to be agreeable, to trust the system, and to avoid being labeled “difficult.” It’s similar to how most people wouldn’t openly berate the wait staff or chefs preparing their food: not because they don’t have a valid concern, but because there’s an underlying fear that their meal could be mishandled or tampered with out of spite.
But, healthcare is not the place to be passive.
When it comes to dentistry in particular, the stakes are permanent. There’s no undo button for teeth. Once drilled into hat structure is altered for life. The quality of that work can determine whether you’ll need more complex procedures later on (e.g., crowns, root canals, or replacements). While factors like genetics, hygiene, and trauma all play a role, the provider’s skill and experience are critical.
So, no, I’m not willing to simply go along with whoever happens to be available in that moment. Not anymore.
Speaking Up: Kindly, Clearly, Without Apology
When it happened, I spoke up. I wasn’t confrontational, but sought clarity with intention.
I let them know that I preferred to be treated by the dentist I had originally selected. I made it clear that this wasn’t a reflection of the other provider’s abilities, but rather my comfort and preference in care before, during, and after the appointment.
There was no need to overexplain or apologize excessively. I’ve learned that advocating for yourself doesn’t require you to make yourself smaller or more palatable. You can be respectful and still be firm. You can acknowledge someone’s role respectfully while still asserting your own preferences.
That balance is something I have had to learn over time…usually the hard way.
For Those “Uncomfortable” With This Conversation
It’s important to say this plainly: I (and other people of color, black people) are not hyperfixated on race. On the contrary, race, in this predominantly white society, has long influenced how people of color are perceived, prioritized, and treated. For those who don’t have to think about that regularly, it can be uncomfortable to hear. But, discomfort doesn’t negate reality.
Speaking about these experiences isn’t about blanketly assigning blame in every instance. It’s about creating awareness and accountability. It’s about saying, in a measured and intentional way, that we are paying attention, and that these dynamics deserve to be affirmed, examined, never dismissed.
The Standard Should Be Simple
At the most basic level, this comes down to transparency and respect.
If there is going to be a change in who provides your care, that change should be communicated in advance. Patients should be given the opportunity to ask questions, express preferences, and make informed decisions about who is performing their treatment.
This isn’t a high standard—it’s a basic expectation that should be consistently upheld for everyone. Every patient deserves this level of transparency and respect, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, or background. Barring disrespect or other reasonable barriers, the expectations should be universal.
Informed consent is not just about procedures. It’s also about the person performing them.
How to Handle a “Switcheroo” When It Happens
If you find yourself in a similar situation, there are ways to navigate it without escalating the interaction.
Start by asking a simple question to clarify who will be handling your care. From there, you can reference your original expectation and express your preference directly. You don’t need to provide a lengthy justification; your comfort and decision-making authority are valid on their own.
It’s also important to remain calm without becoming passive. Tone can help keep the interaction productive, but clarity ensures that your needs are understood. And if something doesn’t feel right, you always have the option to pause, reschedule, or seek care elsewhere.
Your health is not something you should rush through out of discomfort.
Final Thought
I don’t just go with the flow anymore: not when it comes to my health, my body, or any long-term outcomes.
I’ve learned that what seems like a small moment can have lasting effects.
I’ve also learned that speaking up, even briefly, can shift the entire trajectory of your care.
Advocating for yourself is not being difficult. It’s loving yourself and being responsible.
You deserve to know who is treating you.
You deserve to be part of that decision.
And you deserve care that aligns with the intention you brought into the room in the first place.
Lence in Layers 