Korean Job Discussion Forums

alpope23 · Joined: 15 Mar 2006

Howdy folks! I live in sunny Incheon teaching in a public school but under contract from a private company. About 2 months ago I lost a filling so I went to the dentist down the street. He cleaned out the hole and put in a temporary filling without the benefits of any kind of painkiller.

I have made an appointment for this friday in seoul at a dentist that speaks english. Its a little more expensive than the dentist, but the school here will have to juggle my schedule so I can get there on time without missing classes.

My problem lies with my company. They want me to go to a dentist here in Incheon tonight and call them so they can translate over the phone.
1. I am not comfortable with funneling any personal information through the company. Medical records, even dental records, should be private, not a matter of record for my company.
2. Can my employer, under Korean law, dictate which medical professional I can use?
3. I don't want to miss school, but a toothache just gets worse and worse. I think I can keep it at bay untill Friday with OTC pharmacy stuff, but I'd much rather see an English speaking Dentist who went to school in North America, than go to a local dentist again. That really hurt last time.

Any help and advise greatly appreciated!

some waygug-in · Joined: 25 Jan 2003

Tell them thanks but no thanks.

If you want to go to another dentist, go. Don't let them tell you what you can and can not do.

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Ha ha! A newbie! And so literal.

I think they are just offering their Korean services if you happen to need a translator. I'd hafta say your staff is concerned.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

alpope23 · Joined: 15 Mar 2006

poof · Joined: 23 May 2005

Yeah, I like the employers who say that it's fine to be as sick as you want but that you can't possibly miss any classes. Makes it clear how much they care about you. Fortunately, I've had much better luck with any sick leave.

The employer has no legal duress to 'force' a dentist on you. I guess they are worried you are going to do a runner if you escape the catch zone of the airport radar! I'd say do best for your welfare and find a dentist that suits you. I think there is a post on dentists in the General Forum if you need recommendations.

I do notice though, that Koreans come to work or class straight out of operating theaters and dental clinics. I don't know how they do it, but I certainly don't have the iron power to soldier on like this.