Just HOW do you START A JOURNEY TOWARDS FINDING THE RIGHT DENTIST?

guest blog by Nikoleta Gehrmann

Hopefully this helps you in finding the right dentist.

Has it been a while since you have seen a dentist? You know it’s time to change that, but you are not sure where to start. Here are some small steps that allow you to gradually warm to the idea of seeing a (new) dentist.

 

Think about what it is that worries you

Need help in finding the right dentist? Your very own fears and needs will play a big role when it comes to the way you go about your treatment. If you struggle with even walking past a dental practice, you might need a different approach than if it’s “just” one particular thing or procedure that you are afraid of. You can also think of things you feel might help you cope with the treatment. This will serve you in the future when you will discuss your fears with your new dentist.

 

Take a look at practices in your area to help in finding the right dentist

There is no need to get in touch straight away, but checking whether there is any dental practice in your area that looks friendly and trustworthy will be a huge step forward. A great resource is the dentist listing site DefactoDentists.com.

Here you can take a look at the pictures of staff and read reviews from patients, You can also see if they specialise in treating anxious patients.

A good dentist is not much different than a good barber – (okay, maybe just a bit different) -and the right chemistry is a huge part of it so pay attention to your gut feeling. Why not make a list of a few practices you feel might be a good fit for you?

 

finding the right dentist – Get in touch from a distance that you feel comfortable with

A lot of practices that work with nervous patients will be happy to have a chat with you via email before you even commit to making an appointment, so why not reach out and share a few words about your situation? This is a good opportunity for you to get to know the practice and learn about what they can do to help you. If you are particularly courageous, you might even consider giving them a call straight away.

 

once you feel ready: schedule an appointment

Scheduling the first appointment can seem like the hardest part on your journey towards beating dental fear. Hopefully at this point you already got some reassurance and information from your new practice. Some people find that their dental anxiety gets worse during this time, so don’t be alarmed if this is the case for you. It simply means that you are about to do something brave.

People differ when it comes to the level of their dental fear, its causes and the pace at which they feel comfortable moving forward, but no matter where you are at right now, the most important thing is to keep going. If you focus on moving forward in small steps, you will eventually get to a place of feeling happy with your dental health.

 

 

Nikoleta Gehrmann is a psychology student with a particular interest in dental phobia. She currently works in a dental practice which specialises in treating nervous patients and spends a lot of time volunteering for Dental Fear Central (www.dentalfearcentral.org), a site providing information and peer support for people suffering with severe dental anxiety.