It has been said that manners are in short supply these days. While that topic is up for debate, the only person you can control is yourself. If you want to demonstrate respect at your next visit to the dentist, you’ll need to know the best practices to follow.
Continue reading to learn the five best etiquette tips that will get your dentist and their staff to breathe a sigh of relief when you come back for follow-ups.
1. Brush Your Teeth Before You Come If You Had Lunch
While the dental profession comes with certain…hazards like bad breath, it can sometimes be necessary for your dentist to take in some of your natural odor to determine your health. This doesn’t mean that they need to smell the garlic-infused pasta you had for lunch.
If you eat before your appointment, it’s courteous to brush and floss before you make it in. Your dentist will smell your breath, they just won’t call you out on it unless it pertains to your health.
2. Make it to Your Appointment on Time
The staff at a dentist’s office are some of the busiest people in business. They make appointments, organize schedules, and generally ensure that everything at the practice is running smoothly so the dentist can focus on treating patients.
Running late isn’t the end of the world, but it does complicate things for everyone involved as they have to communicate with other patients if there’s a delay, taking time out of their day they need to perform other tasks.
3. Be Communicative when You Can
Communication is key in any relationship, even professional ones. If you’re going to be late, if you’ve got dental anxieties, or if you’re experiencing an issue during the appointment, speak up. Offering more information is always better than keeping it to yourself.
4. Unplug from Your Cell Phone During Your Appointment
While the information age requires connectivity at all times, it’s courteous to put your phone away during your visit. Instead of seeing this as a negative, think of it as an opportunity to unplug and relax. Your dentist will give you their full attention during your appointment, so you should give them yours.
5. If You Need to Cancel, Be Respectful
Cancellations happen. Someone gets sick, you get stuck in traffic a bit too long, or your work calls you in unexpectedly. When unforeseen circumstances arise, call immediately. The faster you cancel your appointment, the easier it will be for the office to find someone to fill the slot.
These are all great ways you can show respect and give your dentist and their staff a bit of a break from the stress of their jobs. They love what they do, but unruly patients can make their jobs much harder to perform. With this knowledge, you’ll bring a smile to their faces while they work to restore yours.
About the Practice
Dr. Julie Young is a skilled and passionate dentist who has practiced for over 23 years. She earned her dental degree from the University of the Pacific, School of Dentistry and has trained with some of the best minds in the field. Dr. Young continues to expand her education and the number of services she provides through multiple professional organizations. She was even voted “Best of Marin” in a 2020 Pacific Sun reader’s poll. To schedule an appointment at Corte Madera Dentist – Dr. Julie Young, DDS, call (415) 924-53004 or visit the website to learn more.
