When asked, the most common concerns about going to the dentist were scheduling problems, fear, and cost. But by far, the biggest concern is fear. Fear is a discomfort to some and an absolutely disabling emotion to others. As a dentist, I often get to see people at their emotional weak point as they relive bad experiences. Often, these experiences are a repeat of childhood anxieties, pain, or dental visits with unsympathetic practitioners. People will refer to extreme fear of needles, gagging, or just plain being out of control. The history of dentistry has been full of examples of unpleasantness. What has been done about it in recent years?
In the world of modern dentistry, education of the dentist and the staff has helped people overcome their fears. More importantly, learning how to minimize those behaviors that induce fear has enabled even the most frightened person to have dental care comfortably. In the sophisticated office, the doctor and staff get to know our patients so that they are not just another number or procedure. The patient is treated as a responsible human being and not just another insurance headache. By establishing a relationship and rapport with our patient/clients, we establish what I consider to be the most important aspect of doctor/patient care: trust. This most important quality is hard won and easily lost, but it is essential in the helping professions. When a patient feels in control, when their opinion is sought, and when they become involved in the planning and execution of their treatment, fear dissolves. In future articles, I will discuss how we manage making the uncomfortable comfortable, and the uneasy easy.
Today’s modern dental care can help you get the health, comfort and beauty you deserve. No longer is going to the dentist a thing to be feared. It can be a place to go to take care of yourself.
Watch this space in this publication. Over the next several months, other topics will be discussed to help you be all that you can be.
If you have an immediate need or would like to discover a new way of solving dental issues, we would like to welcome you to a new dental home.
Yours for beautiful smiles,
Sander White, DDS
and Team
