Now here is an interesting fact. 50% of the population in this country do not go to the dentist. Why ever not? Do they not know that a regular check up means that the dentist may identify tooth decay in its early stages and provide quick and simple treatment before further damage is caused?  I think not. Most people know that. Maybe they do not realise that a pleasing smile is not just a matter of vanity but essential to enhance our communication skills.? We encourage each other with a nice smile. Just imagine giving a warm and friendly smile to a friend or relative only to reveal an irregular row of railing with pegs missing! Rotting teeth are enough to warn off the most hardening misfit and leave children running for cover. Of course you could always smile with lips firmly together and if you do feel inclined to break out into open mouthed laughter just place your hand in front of your face. That should do it. You could even imitate Michael Jackson and wear a surgical mask.  Alternatively just pop in to your local dentist.  

So why do so many people refrain from visiting their dentist. Is it because they think it might hurt? Maybe they believe it is expensive. Perhaps they imagine that their local dentist is not up to date with all the latest techniques and materials like Haynesdental.  Or maybe they are unsure of the dentist’s cleanliness. Imagine going to the dentist and coming out with foot’n’mouth disease or worse! Perhaps they are just plain scared. But scared of what?

Well some years ago a survey was conducted where these very questions were asked of people who do not attend a dentist regularly. The extraordinary fact was revealed that the main reason for non-attendance was that they were afraid that the dentist or a member of his team would ‘tell them off’ for not coming. Can you understand that? Apparently the perceived impression is that we are so fearsome that a high percentage of people would rather have a destroyed dentition than approach us for much needed help. I AM MORTIFIED. What am I to do?

Let us start with the receptionist. Have you met Fay? She is the original people person. She would not say ‘boo to a goose’.  No one is scared of Fay. Except me and that is another story. Fay wants everyone to like her so she is not a problem. Maybe the problem is doctor’s receptionists who can be a bit scary but Fay is not like that. Dental receptionists do not have the same pressures that doctor’s receptionists have. So that is not a problem.

What about us? The dentists. There are three of us; Luke Lucas, Emily Parikh and myself Peter Haynes.  We all love people, we want to see new patients, and we are non-judgemental.  It is much more interesting meeting people for the first time and helping people their dental problem. WE WANT TO SEE YOU. So please come and make us happy. The first visit is just to look and talk. We talk about nice things. Come and find out. Peter Haynes