Going to the dentist can be stressful, especially if you have an already-busy schedule to contend with. Between finding the time, making childcare arrangements, and even making sure that your teeth are ready to go when your appointment starts, there’s a lot to remember. If you’ll be heading in for a visit soon, here are some tips for proper etiquette at the dentist’s office that will help make your time there a breeze!
Brush Up
While your exam and cleaning are designed to evaluate your oral health and clear away any stubborn tartar from your teeth, it helps to arrive with clean teeth. This way, your dental technician can have a blank slate to work with and can get right to the buildup, saving you time.
Honesty is the Best Policy
When it comes to your oral health, your dentist can usually tell when you’re not being completely forthcoming. If you haven’t been flossing or brushing as much as you should be, even a little white lie can cause big trouble. Your dentist needs to know if your teeth and gums have been damaged due to poor habits or if there is another issue that could be causing problems. There’s no need to worry about being scolded or getting in trouble for not being perfect about your oral health. Just be honest, and your dentist can help you make better decisions.
Practice Mindfulness
It’s important to remember that when you’re at the dentist’s office, you’re likely not the only patient there. Thus, be mindful of those around you. Speak softly, don’t peek in other rooms, and if you can, leave small children at home or in the waiting room. If your child cannot be left unattended, bring along another adult to help you supervise them, or consider rescheduling your appointment for a time when childcare is more readily available. This is for the safety of you, your children, and the other patients and dental staff.
Give Proper Notice
Sometimes emergencies come up and you may need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. If this happens, be sure to do so as soon as possible so your dentist can use your time to help another patient.
Furthermore, if you are running behind schedule, contact your dental team as soon as possible. Your dentist may have a grace period where you can still be seen even if you’ll be late, but sometimes it’s best to reschedule. Don’t waste your own time by coming too far past your appointment. Call your dentist as soon as you know you won’t be on time, and they can help determine if you should still try to come in.
Remember, your dentist knows your time is valuable, which is why they work so hard to make sure you’re seen on schedule. If you have any issues arriving when you’re supposed to, or if you’re unprepared for your appointment, it could take longer to complete. Thus, follow these etiquette tips for a smoother visit, and you’ll be back to your day in no time!
About Windermere Dentistry
At Windermere Dentistry, we work hard to deliver a personalized experience to each patient that walks through our door. When you’re here, you’re never just another number, and we will never recommend any treatment you don’t need. We use the latest in technology to make your appointments a breeze, keeping you safe, healthy, and right on schedule.
To book an appointment with one of the highly skilled dentists at Windermere Dentistry, please visit our website or call us today at 407-909-1099.
