Honestly, no one really likes a visit to the dentist’s office. Certainly not me. But as I was lying there on my back, mind wondering, it occurred to me there were a few lessons I was not expecting to find.
 

Trust the Professionals

If you’re going to outsource anything, make sure it’s to someone you can count on. Referrals make this easier. Ask a friend. Find a good review online. Do whatever research it’s going to take for you to have confidence in the person.

If you do this right you’ll stop worrying and quickly get back to more important things. If you don’t, you’ll be micromanaging and distracted the entire time (which defeats the point). Do you’re homework and build trust with the professional, then stand back and let them do their thing. What you’re really paying for is piece of mind.

Dental Wisdom: Find a good dentist that people you trust, trust. You’ll sleep better at night.

 

Make Friends, and Make Them Fast

In almost any situation it’s to your advantage to have a few allies on your side. In a dramatic turn of events these people can be your backstabbers or your saviors. The sooner you build these relationships the sooner you can lean on someone when times get tough. Favors and cooperation come to mind.

Dental Wisdom: Dental hygienist are the keeper of the anesthetic. If you don’t piss them off, they’ll make your visit a breeze.

Be Present or Don’t Be - Your Choice

Sometimes it pays to be in the moment. Whenever you’re with someone you care about, being present means being emotionally available and intellectually sharp. Other times, having your mind somewhere else is just enough of a distraction to remove you for a situation. These are the tools, you decide when to use them.

Dental Wisdom: Since there was pain, I choose “elsewhere”. My mind wondered further in the boring or more painful portions of my visit. I choose to take the time to figure out a particular piece of software code that has been stumping me lately. Pain disappeared.

Free Stuff - Never Gets Old

As a reciever, I get excited just like Christmas morning. Now how long that feeling lasts entirely depends on what the “gift” is, but recieving something for nothing still triggers that psycological joy. Hopfully it’s worth it.

Dental Wisdom: Free toothbrush, floss, toothpaste. Awesome. Nuff said.

Talk Me Through It

Explaining and communicating your actions to someone who isn’t fully informed goes miles toward trust and confidence. If your behavior is justified, the thought process brings in others and allows your good intentions to shine through. People never want to feel in the dark, especially when there’s an impression that they could understand it if they just had the chance. Share everything and leave nothing to the imagination. Above all, don’t set the stage for negative surprises or mistakes.

Dental Wisdom: No matter what’s going on, a dental hygienist who explains what’s happening next puts your mind at ease. No surprises. “Are you ok?”. “Do you need more water?” “This may hurt.”

Teach Me Something New

Empower people. You’ll always be the expert but allow others to learn from your mastery and gain actionable education. It draws others into the process, builds a bond and empowers them to make informed decisions in the future.

Dental Wisdom: I already knew how brush my teeth. But after a few glances at my x-rays and some jaw models I now know the who, what, where, when and why when it comes to my teeth. Hint: it’s not just about brushing anymore.