What's more important? Dentist appt. or Work?

I've been on DSHS for a few months while I've been out of work. I finally got dental exams for myself and my kids since I finally got medical coupons from the State. Unfortunaly we weren't able to be seen for our resorative treatment (fillings) for a couple months due to the fact the dentists schedules are overbooked. My family's dentist appointments are scheduled in just a few days, but my problem is I just started a new job.





My new job requires me to work overtime, yet their main concern is that I always show up for work on time, and that I dont miss any days. I didn't tell them I had a dentist appointment because I really wanted the job. It only pays $10 per hour, which keeps me and my kids in poverty, but at least it IS a job.





Should I risk losing my new job to keep our dental appointments? Or should I just let the decay in our teeth get worse and leave it untreated to keep my job?





(BTW: I only worked 3 days at my new job already)

What's more important? Dentist appt. or Work?
Who do you have as a back up in case the kids get sick at school or have an emergency? Is there a dad involved? A cousin? Aunt? Grandparent? I would call that person and see if he/she could take them. Even a family friend would do for now. Oftentimes, schools have people designated to help out in situations like this. In the States it's called a FRYSC worker. They will transport kids to and from appts. and sometimes will help with the cost. I don't know where you live but this could be an option as well. If all else fails, I would talk to your boss/manager and explain the situation. Dental issues never go away on their own. Until then, keep brushing and flossing to help prevent the spread of the decay. Good luck to you.
Reply:That is a hard one. Maybe someone else could take your kids and you can try to reschedule yours. IF not....I would tell your job. They can take it or leave it. Doesn't sound like the best job. Next time, go ahead and tell them up front.
Reply:There is a process. First, talk to your boss. Their response will help you to make the next decision. You may be stressing over nothing.
Reply:not only is a dental/health more important but in the long run it'll be cheaper. if you let it get worse, they might need root canals and those are very painful and super expensive
Reply:no
Reply:You should have told them in the beginning that you had this appointment. Are you willing to risk your children's health by allowing their teeth to rot allowing peridontal disease to set in which can cause heart problems due to the infection being carried throughout the blood stream?
Reply:I would ask your supervisor what the policy is on missing work for taking doctor/dentist appt. It may not be a big deal for you to leave for an hour or two if you make it up. If it is a big hassle see if a friend or neighbor can take your kids to the appt. Everybody has a life outside of work, so I am sure they will understand.
Reply:You should have told them when they hired you that you already had this appointment set up for a couple of months. I have always found in my situations its o.k. they have always excused my appointments. Is it possible for you to work half a day? After your appointments, could you go back to work for the rest of the day? I have done that also. To show them you do care about your job. If you are always on time and a good worker they will want to keep you. Good luck.
Reply:i have been in this postion before and I would recommending that either you have a friend take the kids or rescheldue and then tell your boss about the appointment in advance. The kids wouldn't be under major harm to wait a couple of more months and make sure that they brush real good and floss.


It may not be a great job but it is a way of starting the process of being self supporting, and that is a wonderful feeling.





I wouldnt risk losing it, just rescheldue. they are counting on you and you are proably still in a probation period and it wil show that they maybe can't count on you- I was a store manager for 5 years.


Good luck and congrats on your new job!
Reply:You keep your job and you make an appointment for your day off work, or you make an appointment and you show it to them and ask them can you get a day off to take yourself/or your kids to the dentist!!!! There is a medical law and you have a right to ask for that day off to go to the dentist or your kifd. You just have to ask for it off AHead of time,like 2 weeks before your appointment or What ever the company may require, some companys require a 30 day notice some 2 weeks, just ask them how many days notice do they need from you? in order for you to go to the dentist!!! You work your appointments around your job and some jobs will work with you cause you can't work if you are sick or in bad pain !! And they know that!!
Reply:Ok, first off congrats on your new job =). Secondly, the decay will not spread that fast. It takes years for teeth to decay. now if you are in pain, thats another story and you should go. If not its ok to wait a few weeks or even a month. You can reschedule the appointments for a different time that wont interfere with your new job. There are tons of dental offices that offer saturday and evening appointments because they understand that people cannot miss work for a dental appointment. Call the dental office and tell them you started a new job and will be unable to make the appointments. Try to give them as much notice as possible so that they can find another patient to take your appointment. They will appericiate that you gave them advance notice and Im positive they will understand where you are coming from. Hey, if you dont have a job then you dont have money to pay them!