A
female
age
26-29,
anonymous
writes:I won't go into much detail about my childhood but I wasn't the best for dental hygiene and due to other circumstances which I won't discuss, it's gotten really bad and my mouth is horrible.I want to get it all sorted out and have a winning smile back because I'm ashamed of even meeting new people.I feel as soon as I speak and they see, they will be repulsed and go off me. It's having a really bad impact on my life. I'm just really afraid of what the dentist will say to me...I'm super sensitive in terms of feelings and will burst out crying if I'm scolded in any way.... Are dentists like this? Will they make rude or comments about me? Reply to this Question
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Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, aunt honesty  +, writes (24 January 2017):
 I bet you think it is worse than it actually is. Honestly don't worry about this, as you will find you have nothing to worry about. A dentist is not going to give out to you like you have been a naughty child. They may guide you and tell you what needs to be done, but they should not talk down to you.
A
male
reader, N91 +, writes (23 January 2017):
 Not at all. This is their job and they will be professional at all times.
Would you expect a personal trainer at a gym to openly call you fat? Of course not, so the same should apply for all professions.
Your dentist will have seen some very bad sets of teeth and will be very unlikely to be surprised by anything. Don't worry about it, just look forward to getting your dental hygiene back to where you want it.
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A
female
reader, Andie's Thoughts +, writes (22 January 2017):
 A dentist should only make professional comments about it, as they've seen it all before.
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A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (22 January 2017): I can only go by my own experiences as a dentist. In general a dentist will be professional and shouldn't degrade you or talk down to you, regardless of the condition of your mouth.
Having said that we all have bad days from time to time! In the UK you may get different responses from NHS or private dentists. If you need a lot of work, the NHS doesn't fund it adequately and the dentist may be reluctant to do advanced restorative work (they would literally lose money treating you) or do it all in one course of treatment. I'd suggest doing a bit of homework on exactly what you are entitled to have done and how many courses it should be split into. Ask your dentist for clarification of anything that doesn't seem right, ideally get it in writing.
Privately you'll generally get more time spent on the work and it will be to a higher standard (though not always!). You'll also get more say in the work and there will be more choices of treatment. If you do go private, make sure that you are given a written estimate before you start.
Personally I enjoy treating someone who is keen to fix their teeth and is willing to put in the time and the effort that it will take (from both sides). From my perspective it's incredibly rewarding to see someone come in who is ashamed of their appearance and when we're all done they walk out smiling. Best feeling that I can get in my line of work.
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