I think they are in the same ballpark, and neither of them have to be "cold" - as some are making out dentists to be. My dentist is actually very warm and is a Facebook friend and I am way more 'comfortable' with her than with T. A different kind of comfortable because I'm not open and vulnerable and worried that she knows my deepest secrets. They are in the same ballpark because they offer a professional service and are being paid to do so. Both need to have clear boundaries. I am one who believes Ts should not be making calls and such because it goes beyond their job description and duties. If they do, then that is their personal choice, but I wouldn't expect it. As a professional myself, I have to be very clear with my boundaries and work-time or I know what it is like to get burned-out and taken advantage of. Usually after surgeries and such, it is a nurse or assistant who calls to check how the patient is doing.