What Should You Never Say to a Dentist?

Communicating effectively with your dentist is crucial for the best possible outcomes. However, some phrases can unintentionally hinder the conversation and lead to misunderstandings. Here are some things you might want to avoid saying to your dentist:

1. Focusing on Costs

- Consultation fees: Why is there a consultation fee if you haven’t done anything?

- Bargaining or asking for discounts: It is not appropriate to negotiate prices during a consultation. Treatments are not commodities and carrying the same price tag across different providers, and every dentist deserves to justify their charges based on their skill, experience, and clinic standards.

2. Misleading Statements

- Self-assessment: "I have a perfect set of teeth. Please let your dentist see my oral hygiene and complement me." - Pre-judging your dental health can lead to underestimation of necessary treatments.

- Family anecdotes: "My great-grandparents never had tooth disease, never brushed their teeth, and never visited any dentists and still had a full set of teeth their entire lifetime." - While family history is important, it does not guarantee good dental health.

3. Expressing Irrational Fears

- Ignoring dental hygiene: "I don’t floss" - Admitting to not flossing can prompt a lecture about the importance of good dental hygiene.

- Unrealistic expectations: "I don’t have any pain, so my dental issue is fine." - Many dental problems do not cause pain until they are advanced, making regular check-ups crucial.

4. Bringing Up Previous Dentists

- Speaking ill of previous dentists: "My previous dentist was terrible, so I chose you." - Dissuading your current dentist from addressing your specific needs can be counterproductive.

- Relying on relationships: "XYZ dentist is my close relative, but I chose you because you are nearby." - Treatment success should not be influenced by personal relationships.

5. Requiring Guarantees

- Ensuring longevity: "How long would this filling or tooth last?" - Dental treatments have varying lifespans, and guarantees are rarely provided due to individual factors and lifestyle.

- Asking for money back: "If my treatment fails, will I get a refund?" - The success of dental treatments depends on a variety of factors, and financial indemnity is not always a reliable guarantee.

Conclusion

Being open and honest about your dental health is important, but it is also crucial to be mindful of how your statements may be perceived. Focusing on costs, misrepresenting your health status, expressing irrational fears, or bringing up unrelated issues can all affect the quality of care you receive. Adopting a cooperative and informed approach is key to a successful dental experience.