G
Georgiamoo
Junior member
- Joined
- Apr 20, 2016
- Messages
- 2
So, in September of 2015 I visited my dentist after 8 years of avoiding them. I really plucked p the courage to go and making the appointment in the first place was a massive feat in itself - to me anyway.
Anywho, when I called to make the appointment I explained to the receptionist that I'm a nervous patient etc. She made me feel good about finally taking the step - which was fantastic. I arrived feeling a little less anxious and apprehensive as I thought I would. When I went in for my appointment, I explained to the dentist that I think my biggest fear was being judged and scored for the poor condition of my teeth. I also said that I'd rather her just crack on with what she has to do and just let me know when I should return for further treatment etc. She was very reassuring at this point.
The dentist did her examination and began to recite specific abbreviations for each tooth to the nurse. Me, trying to make light of the situation said "I've heard XLA a few times, doesn't sound good." I was expecting the response which I had requested and she went into FULL detail. I felt ashamed. Embarrassed.
At this point, I'm fighting tears. She basically scolded me for having horrendous teeth at 24 years old. She told me that I should return the following week to do some fillings and then I would be referred to a dental hospital. She also then said that dentures would be my only option (by the way the problem is with my back teeth) and that implants would be the best option. However...funds. I explained that I've come as an NHS patient and have expected to pay the top band only. Obviously she wanted to sell her private dentistry - which is fine. However given her knowledge of me being nervous, the money chat could have come at another point.
She made it sound so catastrophic and apocalyptic that she basically scared me way. Needless to say I haven't returned.
Anywho, when I called to make the appointment I explained to the receptionist that I'm a nervous patient etc. She made me feel good about finally taking the step - which was fantastic. I arrived feeling a little less anxious and apprehensive as I thought I would. When I went in for my appointment, I explained to the dentist that I think my biggest fear was being judged and scored for the poor condition of my teeth. I also said that I'd rather her just crack on with what she has to do and just let me know when I should return for further treatment etc. She was very reassuring at this point.
The dentist did her examination and began to recite specific abbreviations for each tooth to the nurse. Me, trying to make light of the situation said "I've heard XLA a few times, doesn't sound good." I was expecting the response which I had requested and she went into FULL detail. I felt ashamed. Embarrassed.
At this point, I'm fighting tears. She basically scolded me for having horrendous teeth at 24 years old. She told me that I should return the following week to do some fillings and then I would be referred to a dental hospital. She also then said that dentures would be my only option (by the way the problem is with my back teeth) and that implants would be the best option. However...funds. I explained that I've come as an NHS patient and have expected to pay the top band only. Obviously she wanted to sell her private dentistry - which is fine. However given her knowledge of me being nervous, the money chat could have come at another point.
She made it sound so catastrophic and apocalyptic that she basically scared me way. Needless to say I haven't returned.