A U.S. dentist has ignited a wide online discussion after posting a tongue-in-cheek video criticizing male patients who show up to dental checkups without knowing why they are there.
Dr. Brady Smith, a dentist who shares content on social media, recently vented his frustration over what he described as a recurring experience in his practice. In the video, Smith jokes that some men arrive for appointments completely unaware of the reason for their visit, often explaining that their wives scheduled it for them.
According to Smith, this confusion is striking because he rarely, if ever, sees female patients who do not know what treatment they are scheduled to receive. Drawing on 16 years of experience, he said the situation occurs frequently with men and is often accompanied by a lack of embarrassment.
In the video, Smith humorously proposes a mock solution: creating a “wheel of services” that would randomly decide the procedure for any patient who cannot explain why they are at the office. The imaginary options range from routine treatments like teeth whitening to more serious procedures such as root canals or full dentures. He jokes that he would then call the patient’s wife to explain the outcome.
While Smith’s comments were clearly intended as satire, the video struck a chord with other medical professionals. Several doctors responded online, saying they encounter similar situations in their own practices. One dermatologist confirmed seeing the same pattern, while another physician said many male patients struggle to answer basic questions about their medical history or medications, often relying on their spouses to respond.
Not everyone agreed that the issue applies broadly to all men. Some women noted that their husbands manage their own healthcare appointments without difficulty. Others added their own jokes, suggesting additional procedures that could be placed on Smith’s fictional wheel.
Beyond the humor, the discussion also raised more serious concerns. Some commenters described the behavior as “weaponized incompetence,” arguing that it places an unfair mental and emotional burden on women. They said these dynamics can contribute to imbalance and burnout in relationships.
Although framed as comedy, Smith’s video has fueled a larger conversation about personal responsibility, gender expectations, and shared effort in managing everyday tasks, including healthcare.
