How to Woo Your Dentist (in 9 Easy Steps)

Find out how to develop a great relationship with your dentist through this instructional video featuring Welwyn Garden City dentist Lincoln Hirst:

© Lincoln Hirst. Runtime: 4 minutes 13 seconds

Transcript

Hi folks, Lincoln here with some quick thoughts on building an extra special relationship with your dentist.

You know, one of King Henry XIII’s wives, Anne Boleyn, was believed to have tipped her executioner to ensure he did a good job. Now, fortunately, dentists being professionals do not require bribes to do a great job.

Having said that, we’re only human. And if someone is pressing the right buttons, well, we’re going to always feel inclined to go the extra mile.

So, here are a few strategies you can employ to ensure you get off on the right footing with your lovely dentist.

#1: Be on time

Number one: be on time. In fact, be a few minutes early. Dentists are often very pressed for time. 2 or 3 minutes can make all the difference between a stressful or stress-free appointment, for both the dentist and the patient. Remember, when you arrive, you’re going to need to check in, and there may be a queue to do that. There may also be medical history forms to update, and this all takes time. If you’re feeling a bit apprehensive, you may have the urge to visit the toilet, so factor that in as well. 

#2: Keep your appointments

We love patients who keep their appointments. If you need to cancel, give plenty of notice, and the longer the appointment, the more notice you want to be giving. So even though most dentists state 24 hours notice, if you have a long appointment, say an hour or more, then you want to give close to a week’s notice if you possibly can.

#3: Don’t wreck the chair

Try to make sure you’re not going to damage or stain the chair. Dental chairs are very expensive. Things like certain coloured jeans when the colour runs can often leave a stain that is near impossible to remove. Also, having sharp objects like keys and pens in your back pocket can cause rips. If your shoes are muddy, ask if you should take them off before getting into the chair.

#4: Remember something personal about them

Now, if you can remember something personal about the dentist, from your last visit for example, say, his pet gerbil Richard was going to the vet for a hip replacement, ask him “How did Richard get on?”. You’ll absolutely melt his heart. Much in the same way as if he remembered something personal about you.

#5: Watch your language

It always helps to try to be mindful how you phrase things. For example, if the dentist is tilting you back in the chair, trying to find the point where it’s not too far back for you, when you stop him, ask him “Is that ok for you?”, rather than “WHOA, that’s too far back!!!” It shows a nice bit of consideration, which again we really appreciate.

#6: Tell a joke

Now, a bit of humour always helps break the ice, but keep them short, and maybe just the one – your best one. 

#7: Use reverse psychology

Use reverse psychology. That can work well. It’s taken me by surprise on more than one occasion. To give you an example: after a long and difficult treatment, a patient once got up and said “Thank you for being so kind to me”. And I was thinking “Do I really deserve a Thank You?”. So in my mind, I resolved that the next time I saw him, I was going to be so careful and so gentle because I really wanted to feel like I’d earned the compliment.

#8: Show appreciation for the dental nurse

It’s a really good idea to greet the dental nurse by name and thank her for her help, because they are often the ones who are really looking after you. And showing that they are recognised and appreciated ensures we realise the kind and considerate person you are, and again, we’ll be motivated to go the extra mile for you.

#9: Leave an online review (preferably a positive one!)

One of the nicest ways to say “Thank You” is to leave an online review. These days, people refer to reviews all the time, and it’s lovely to get positive feedback. It personally makes my day, and it makes me look forward to seeing that person again.

So there you have it – a few quick thoughts which may help you maintain a blissful relationship with your dentist rather than lose your crown like Anne Boleyn.

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