I can confirm nearly everything you say, and I'd like to add that it's a cultural phenomenon. We don't seem to value competence anymore. I cannot recall when I've heard someone say something positive about another person's competence. Be it a craftsman, industry worker, knowledge worker, or even a teacher. There doesn't seem to be any value in doing a good job.
He's a periodontist, I've only seen him for the two gum transplants I had. It's a delicate procedure and the results were great both times, so to me he is competent.
