Ep 23. Confessions of An Orthodontist

Dr. Bob Hartley is back in the second season of The Bob Newhart Show, and in episode 23, titled "Confessions of An Orthodontist," he faces a dilemma when he discovers that his orthodontist has been making a mistake with their patients' braces.

As the episode begins, Bob visits a new orthodontist, Dr. Peter Ritter, for his regular check-up. During the appointment, Dr. Ritter confesses to Bob that he's been making a mistake in his work with braces, which could result in patients having to undergo additional treatment or surgery. Bob is thrown for a loop, especially when Dr. Ritter begs him to keep the mistake confidential and not tell any of his patients or other dentists about his error.

Bob is conflicted, unsure of what he should do. He knows that if he tells anyone about Dr. Ritter's mistake, it could result in a lot of patients experiencing negative consequences. On the other hand, he also feels it's important to be honest and transparent with his patients, especially when it comes to their health.

As Bob tries to figure out what to do, he turns to his wife, Emily, and his friends, Jerry and Howard, for advice. Each of them has a different opinion on the matter, leaving Bob more confused than ever. Eventually, Bob realizes that he needs to do what's right, regardless of the potential consequences. He decides to tell all of his patients about Dr. Ritter's mistake and urges them to get a second opinion on their treatment.

The rest of the episode follows Bob as he deals with the aftermath of his decision. He begins to hear from his patients, some of whom are grateful that he told them about the mistake, while others are angry that he shared the information. Through it all, Bob remains steadfast in his belief that it's better to be honest and upfront, even if it's not the easiest path.

Overall, "Confessions of An Orthodontist" is a thoughtful episode that explores the importance of honesty and transparency in healthcare. It's also a reminder of the challenges healthcare providers face when it comes to dealing with mistakes and potential harm to patients. Through Bob's journey, viewers are left with a poignant message about the importance of doing the right thing, even in the face of adversity.