Get Excited to See the Dentist

Why it matters who you’ll interact with at your next Dental Visit

Fill in the blank:  “No one likes to go to the ____________”.  

What’s the first word that came to mind? You likely said “Dentist”.  “No one likes to go the dentist” is a well-used mantra, and perhaps well-earned over time.  Dentist visits are considered uncomfortable for obvious reasons.

While there aren’t too many people who like having their mouths opened and their teeth and gums examined, it doesn’t have to be the worst experience.  Caring and experienced dental service providers have learned to be gentle and compassionate.  And healthy teeth and life practices have made the need for additional procedures less likely.  

But there is one extremely important piece to ensuring your next visit to the dentist is one you might even look forward to.  That is the relationships you have with the people you see there.  A highly trained staff that is also personal, friendly, and empathic with their customers can make visiting the dentist not just something you have to do, but something you are genuinely excited about.

If you or your family is not looking forward to the next dental visit, perhaps something is missing at your current dental office.  It seems strange to say, but the right office environment can make you more excited than worried about visiting.

Here’s who you’ll meet at a dentist visit, along with what their roles and responsibilities are. We’ve even added some pictures of the people who fill those roles at our offices, just so you can see why we’re proud of our staff, and what kinds of friendly faces you should look for, wherever you go to visit the dentist.

Receptionist/Office Manager:

The receptionist or office manager is the first person you see.  You should expect a big smile and a friendly face.  They’ll help to make sure your visit is trouble-free, and schedule your next one.  

Dental Hygienist:  

People think of the “dentist” when they think of going to the dentist.  But a lot of the most impactful moments are spent with the Dental Hygienist.  The initial overview, cleaning, x-rays, and helpful info happen here.  A dental hygienist should make you comfortable, calm, and at ease, all while getting your appointment well underway.   

Dental Assistant:

Here is another key player who isn’t the dentist.  If you have a good dentist, it’s likely because your dentist has a great assistant.  A good dental assistant doesn’t just help the dentist.  A good dental assistant will keep you in the know and will communicate what is happening every step of the way.  

Dentist:

Finally, we get to the main event.  The dentist shouldn’t just know his or her job.  They should know you and your children.  They should want you to feel confident in their care, and friendly with your relationship.  A good dentist has a manner that doesn’t just inspire confidence.  It inspires trust. 

At a local dental care provider, the people you meet should be a part of your community.  A team of people who care for you as if you were their own family.  You should learn their names, remember their smiles, and want to regularly come back to see them.  

And yes, want to come back to see the Dentist!