Whoa would you look at that?
January has FLOWN by!
A lot of people resolve to be more diligent when it comes to their 6 monthly dental check-ups in the new year. But like any well-made plan, our best intentions can be derailed and we can put our oral health on the backburner (again). A lot of it comes down to one simple thing: avoiding the dentist.
Unpopular opinion: Going to the dentist should be a pain-free, judgement-free enjoyable visit - not something to procrastinate or dread.
You might be thinking, how is that even possible Safinah?
I hear you.
The Problem:
A lot of people avoid the dentist for many different reasons. But ultimately these boil down to feeling:
1. Confused about dental health status and treatment needs
2. Disempowered and feelings of loss of control when receiving treatment
3. Anxious about the dental experience, what it may involve, and afraid of judgement (Beaton, Freeman, and Humphries, 2014). So then it’s no wonder that people aren’t excited about the dentist!
The short answer: remember that your dentist cares (a lot), remember to share what’s on your mind and have a say, and remember to ask about your options – for anything!
This way you take charge of your health and your dental visits and show up as a more empowered you. When you are actively taking control of making decisions about your health, longevity and wellness, you are much more likely to experience greater feelings of positivity associated with your dental visit i.e what we call: The Absolute Best.
The Solution:
Tip #1: Remember that your dentist cares (a lot)
Your dentist feels happy
Sometimes, it is easy to forget this small fact. Especially when you see your dentist in and you cannot see their welcoming smile.
Your dentist is not here to judge you for your oral health. They’re just happy to see you in the clinic and excited to support you to optimal oral health -
Your dentist has dreams and goals
We are driven by our desire to help people and keep improving our skills every day so we can do whatever simple or complex procedure you need with the highest level of proficiency.
You can trust that you are getting the highest quality service - backed by nearly a decade of study and hard work. And we only plan to up-skill and get even better at what we do – for you.
Your dentist has a deep and profound reason why they do what they do
For me, his name is Ahmad Hafiy – may he rest in peace.
When Ahmad Hafiy was born to my parents, I was only 7 years old. He had a rare genetic condition that I did not understand. He was with us for only a short 6 months but that was the biggest turning point of my life. I felt confused and sad and powerless about the hospital visits, why he couldn't come home, and mostly why the doctors couldn’t make him better. In his short 6 month life he had the greatest impact on me and defined my purpose in life: I knew I had to do something to help people.
Already a curious kid at seven, playing with microscopes, Ahmad’s birth and death convinced me that providing healthcare was where I could make the biggest impact. And so fast forward two decades plus of study, hard work, practical training and working with different mentors: Northvale Dental is born.
Named after our childhood home, Northvale is all heart and soul - the perfect ambience for a place to truly help people, one smile at a time.
TIP#2: Remember to Share
Share your expectations
What are you hoping to achieve from this dental visit? What are you hoping to achieve with your dental health? What are you looking for in a dentist and a dental clinic?
This will help you and your dental team be on the same page about your needs and whether they can meet your needs.
A good time to do this is during your first cleaning and examination appointment.
Share your fears
With fear and anxiety being the biggest deterrent (Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health, 2012) from people attending the dentist, it’s really important that you openly share this with your dental team.
Your dental team can support you in many different ways to manage your fears - we talk about this more, later in the blog!
Share your past dental experiences
What was going to the dentist like for you growing up? How did your parents feel about going to the dentist? How about your partner and friends?
The attitudes of our loved ones and caregivers can influence our perception of the dentist without us being consciously aware of it.
It’s important to share this with your dental team so they can support you in having an enjoyable experience at the dentist that is unique to you.
Share why you’re here now
What has prompted you to visit the dentist after all this time? Share this. Do you have an event coming up? Are you finally “adulting”? Is it a new years resolution? Do you have a problem area that you’re finally paying attention to?
A good dentist will pay attention to what you say and work with you to meet your treatment goals.
The best place to start is to take charge and book your initial appointment with your dentist and share your expectations, past experiences and plans for the future with your dental team.
TIP#3: Remember to Ask
Ask about treatment options
Dentistry has come so far with the advancement of technology and new materials that look like “natural” teeth that there are always many treatment options to suit different treatment needs and budgets. Ask your dentist.
Ask about payment options
Your dentist should have different payment options available for you because we’re here to support you on your journey to health and wellness and having payment plans in place can help you access the best care sooner rather than later.
Ask for clarification
There is no need for there to be EVER any confusion about your current state of health, what options you have to improve your state of health and what the potential outcome will be for each of these options.
I encourage you to ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable and have clarity surrounding your oral health.
If you forget to ask something when you’re in the clinic, feel free to contact your dentist even between appointments to clarify.
Ask for pain and anxiety management options
With so many options for pain and anxiety management in the dentist’s toolkit, there is no reason to avoid the dentist for fear of pain.
You can ask your dentist for pain management options for any procedure and they will guide you about the most appropriate option for you ranging from: minimally invasive non-pharmacological options, stronger pharmacological options and even sleep dentistry.
Ask for breaks and your favourite entertainment!
Your dental team is here to support you to make your dental visit as enjoyable as possible.
From relaxing in the well-lit waiting room before your appointment, with unique Australian artworks lining the walls or helping yourself to fresh water laid out for you, we have curated the perfectly calming ambience that is the Northvale Dental difference.
We also have state of the art rooms and equipment with ceiling mounted TV to play your favourite Netflix shows for you in-chair while you receive your treatment.
Conclusion:
· Remember your dentist cares (a lot). Have a chat!
· Remember to share as much about your dental journey, your preferences and your expectations so your dental team can support you.
· Remember to ask about your options.
Following these steps as outlined you will go from:
- Confusion to clarity about your dental health status and treatment needs
- Feeling disempowered to taking charge and making INFORMED decisions about your health
- Feeling anxiety and fear of judgement to feeling calm and even looking forward to the dentist (very bold claim i know!)