The Controversy Surrounding Dr. Harleen Grewal: A Dentist’s Viral Words
A California dentist, Dr. Harleen Grewal, has recently found herself embroiled in controversy after a video from a 2021 speech resurfaced on social media. In the footage, Dr. Grewal, who brands herself as a “MAGA Dentist,” casually admits to altering her level of care based on her patients’ political views. This admission has sparked widespread outrage and raised pressing ethical questions in the healthcare community.
The Resurfacing of the Video
The controversial remarks were made at the Republican Liberty Gala, where clips of Dr. Grewal’s speech began circulating online, igniting intense discussions across social media platforms. The video features Dr. Grewal jokingly stating, “So I have a secret hat I use sometimes. It says, Make your smile great again. So I wear that when I work on my patients, and when they look horrified or complain, I quietly cut back on the laughing gas and say, ‘You got this. It’s not as bad as you think.’” While her comments drew laughter from the gala’s attendees, they were met with disbelief and condemnation online.
Reactions to the Comments
Social media users reacted vehemently to Dr. Grewal’s comments, leading many to file complaints with the California Dental Board. Critics argued that her admission could reflect a dangerous precedent where political affiliation might influence medical care. The initial intent of the video was reportedly to showcase Dr. Grewal’s personality, but after the backlash, it was quickly deleted, highlighting the unexpected consequences of her spoken words.
Statements and Defense
In response to the uproar, Dr. Grewal provided a statement on her social media, though it was later deleted. She claimed, “At Skyline Smiles, every patient is family. We treat all of our patients with the same level of care, compassion, and respect because that’s what you deserve!” However, her defense did not quell the storm surrounding her, as many questioned the authenticity of her claims.
In a follow-up interview with ABC 7, Dr. Grewal acknowledged the ongoing investigation by the California Dental Board. She stated, “They asked me if I had said that, and I said, ‘Yes, I said it in one of my roasting speeches at a women’s Republican group.’ Just like the Democrats, they make jokes, too. We make jokes as well. Why can’t we just take a joke light-heartedly?” This perspective underscores her belief that the backlash stems from a broader cultural context about “cancel culture” in today’s society.
Broader Implications in Healthcare
As the discourse around Dr. Grewal’s comments continues, it has also sparked a more significant conversation regarding the attitudes and experiences of Black healthcare providers. Multiple Black dentists and health professionals have stepped forward to critique Dr. Grewal’s stance and highlight their own realities in the healthcare system.
Dr. Aierress Davis, a licensed general dentist, articulated this sentiment in a TikTok video. She reflected on her experiences treating patients with discriminatory attitudes, stating, “I have been in several situations where I’m treating patients who are discriminatory against me, who have even called me colored, and I still proceeded to treat [them].”
Dr. Davis emphasized that healthcare professionals have a duty to treat all patients regardless of their beliefs and that Dr. Grewal’s remarks represent a harmful deviation from this standard. She stated, “To have somebody out there representing our profession, saying that proudly, that she does those kinds of things… That is ridiculous. That’s harmful, that’s shameful, it’s unethical.”
The Dental Board’s Response
The California Dental Board, following the surge of complaints, has stated that investigations are confidential and does not disclose whether or not specific complaints have been formally lodged. The implications of this lack of transparent communication raise additional questions about accountability within the healthcare system.
As the conversation unfolds, it is evident that Dr. Grewal’s situation is not merely a standalone incident but rather part of a larger narrative about professionalism, ethics, and the intersection of personal beliefs in healthcare provision. The continued backlash and discourse around her statements illuminate the challenges faced not just by Dr. Grewal, but by many professionals navigating their roles in a polarized society.