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I can’t seem to make the call to schedule an appointment

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honeybee91

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Sep 19, 2022
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I’ve made posts in the past and I’m embarrassed to admit I still haven’t seen a dentist. It’s mostly because of lack of time now (trucking job) and getting time off is extremely difficult. Well I am thrilled to say I have dental insurance now and in September the wait period is over and I’ll get help on extensive treatment.

Yesterday I found a dentist close to my house that sounds wonderful, they understand anxious patients and have great google reviews. I requested an appointment and when they called me a few hours later I let it go to voicemail..I’m so ashamed I want to cry. When they called I felt such intense fear I wanted to throw my phone. The insane thing is I NEED to go. I KNOW it logically. Why can’t I make the appointment!? My gingivitis seems to get worse never better and my front teeth are crooked and chipped. I want to fix my issues.

I don’t know what to do to force myself to make the call. I wish I wasn’t so scared of the dentist. I guess I wanted to get this off my mind and into the internet void. If you have advice and similar experiences please share!
 
Hey honeybee91,

first of all congratulations on finding a dentist who sounds wonderful! That's the most important thing and often the most difficult one. Now it's about being patient with yourself and making sure to do things at your own pace. That's what the dentist will hopefuly want to do and that's what you should do as well.

There is no need to feel embarrassed. You may not have seen a dentist yet, but you've been moving forward continuously, by searching for dentists, making that decision to see one and even requesting an appointment! These are all super difficult things and an important part of the process. I bet it wasn't easy to even look at the website of dental practices and I totally see how actually talking to a receptionist is a huge milestone!

So first thing to do is to stay kind to yourself and be happy with the progress you've made so far. Most people need years or even decades to see a dentist. Second thing to do is to ask yourself: what would be a next step that wouldn't be as scary as the call but would still move you forward? That may be just sending them an email letting them know that you've been having difficulties takling on the phone and that you'll get back soon. Or you may want to call them outside of their practice hours to listen to their mailbox and get used to that. Or any other step that would feel scary but achievable. Everything has it's right time and you are doing great. You absolutely will get to that call in your own time! :thumbsup:

All the best wishes and keep us posted :grouphug:
 
Agree 100% with Enarete - you should be so proud of the progress you’ve made!

If you find it too difficult to arrange an appointment on the phone, you could maybe do it via email?

We also have a patient form in our downloads section which you could use to let your potential dentist know about your fears - you can find it here:


Best of luck and let us know how you get on 🤗
 
Hi I just wanted to let everyone know I did it! I called and scheduled. Then after I hung up I realized I have them the wrong number so I emailed them. lol only me I swear!! I’m just relieved I called. Next step is going! At least I have until September to get myself mentally ready
 
Agree 100% with Enarete - you should be so proud of the progress you’ve made!

If you find it too difficult to arrange an appointment on the phone, you could maybe do it via email?

We also have a patient form in our downloads section which you could use to let your potential dentist know about your fears - you can find it here:


Best of luck and let us know how you get on 🤗
Thank you! I finally did it. I’m relieved 😅 now just making myself go when the time comes is the biggest step! lol
 
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