Here is a little story told to me by a friend who blogs elsewhere. I think it has great relevance to the world of dentistry.
Seth wrote:
At the farmer's market the other day, not one but three people (perfect strangers) asked me what sort of apple to buy. What do I look like, some sort of apple expert? Apparently.
In our industrialized world, people are now afraid of apples. Afraid of buying the wrong kind. Afraid of making a purchasing mistake or some sort of pie mistake.
There are two big reasons people don't buy something:
1. They don't know about it.
2. They're afraid of it.
If we can get our patients (and potential patients) past those two, then we get the chance to prove that they need what we dentists do for them and that it is a very good value. But as long as people are afraid of what dentists do, we're stuck -- and so are they.
People are afraid of tax accountants, iPods, chiropractors, non-profits, insurance brokers and fancy hotels. They're afraid of anything with too many choices, too many opportunities to look foolish or to waste time or money.
Hey, they're even afraid of apples. :-)
Maybe your experiences with dentistry have been not too pleasant. Maybe you find dentistry confusing, too high tech, or maybe you do not think you need to have any dentistry because you're OK.
I gotta tell you right here, right now: If your dental experiences are unpleasant, you are in the wrong office. If you are still scared at the dentist, you're in the wrong office.
Dentistry can be and should be comfortable and you should be feeling cared about and cared for and confident in your dentist's office. If you are not, you should look elsewhere. Dentistry is very important, not only for your teeth but also for your general health.
In other blogs I'll talk much more about the relationship between dental health and serious illnesses like cancer, heart disease and other disasters.
But right now I want to say that it should be the goal of your dental office to make your visits pleasant and even (gasp) fun. Yes, fun!
We do it. Some of my colleagues know what I'm talking about and my own patients definitely do, too.
Don't let yourself be short changed by an uncaring dental office that doesn't value your need to trust and feel good.
If you are uncomfortable, scared or untrusting at the dentist, move on to an office where you are not.
You do not have to be my patient to talk with us about this. We will be glad to hear you out and give you advice. Just send some e-mail and we will get back you promptly.
You can also leave comments at the bottom of this Blog. I'd love to hear from you. Just click on the word "comments". I'll respond to you.
