Dentist Time

[Eastender]

Hi, I went to the dentist yesterday, first time for about 2 years. Anyway, its a dentist I have been to before and had a crown fitted to save one of my front teeth. Now if you are like me? I have a fear of dentist. Anyway after having the crown fitted I did not go back again. But now have decided I better go and get my teeth sorted out and am getting the occansional twinge. So I went back to the usual dentist thinking I would get the same dentist as before, anyway this young girl called me in I thought she was the dentist assistant, it turned out that she was the dentist, well she looked ever so young (am I getting that old!). So she poked about my teeth catching a few nerves on the way, with one of those picks. Well it turns out I do need some work done, so as I was making my appointment there was a news letter on the reception desk which I picked up, turns out to be that this dentist has not long joined the practice and qualified a couple of years ago. Now my problem is this, I know everyone has to start somewhere and to be honest I feel like a bit of a guinea pig with the dentist being so young. And am not really looking forward to going back althouhg I have paid half towards my treatment. Am I being paranoid or what? whats your thoughts please.

[helsbels666]

I think maybe you are worrying unneccesarily. I have been to several long term qualified dentists that i have had little satisafaction from. On the contrary i have been treated by dental students at the local dental hospital and have no complaints what so ever. They are young and cheerful and keen on doing a good job. There is no reason to think that this 'girl' is using you as a guinea pig. Before she even qualified she will have been working (unpaid) seeeing patients at her dental hospital for 3 years. Give the girl a chance, dentists are born not made!

[JKennair]

It takes 5 years to train as a dentist, 3 of which are clinical years i.e. involves treating/performing dentistry on patients whilst under consultant supervision. Prior to this, 2 years has been spent learning anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, neurobiology amongst many other subjects relevant to the practice of clinical dentistry. During the clinical years students undergo training in medicine and surgery, an important part of which involves management of patients in an emergency situation.

After passing extremely difficult exams, the core component being SAFETY TO PRACTICE, the qualified dentist may work outside the confines of a dental hospital, most undergo further training in the form of a VT year which involves learning not so much skills (these have been practiced during the first 5 years!) but how to work in an NHS general practice.

So after this you should be assured that patients are not guinea pigs.

On another matter 'nerves' are NOT 'caught' by 'picks' (dental probes) more likely your teeth have been cavitated by decay due to oral neglect on your part, had you chosen to attend the dentist for regular exams/check-ups its quite likely you wouldn't need further extensive work now.

In the 21st century 2/3rds of the dental profession are female, clearly this is an issue for you.

Another point to note is; there are constant advances in medicine and dentistry, therefore someone more recently qualified will probably have a more modern and scientific aspproach to dental care than an older practioner. Even though dentists are required to attend seminars and courses throughout their working lives as part of continuing professional development.

If none of this reassures you, then don't go back; there are plenty of patients in urgent need of dental care who would be more than happy to take you place.

[Eastender]

To JKennair. I think you must BE a dentist hope your not my one because you would surely give me the Needle. And I have no issues as to what gender fix my teeth either. So what as to me needing dental work Mr Dentist. I've only asked a simple question and dont need a lecture from your sort !!!

[Tinky-Tia]

Hey JKennair someone is having a bad evening!. Eastender is clearly asking a simple question and does not need to be spoken to like that. I reckon she doesn't have a problem with the dentist being male/female, she just had some concerns thats all. I also think you maybe a dentist because of your extensive knowledge on the subject!, it's just lucky your not mine as i don't think you would put anyone at ease. Also the 'picks' sorry 'dental probes' do hurt!.

I think next time if you get so offended by a question then don't answer it because you sound damm right rude!!.

As for you eastender, i understand you are scared - lots of people are (apart from JKenair!). I was also frightened of going to the dentist. Don't go back if you feel uncomfortable and i'm sure there are plenty of other dentists in your area you could try - good luck x

[glenis]

if it is a dental practice there must be other dentists there ,a simple solution would be to ask to be transferred to another dentist ,that way everyone is happy

[JKennair]

Clearly I have been misunderstood, my comprehensive answer was a mere attempt to put Eastender at ease, obviously this is not the case. Might I suggest however that as glenis says if you are unhappy with a particular dentist for whatever reason you ask to be seen by another. Of course you are well within your rights to ask about the credentials of any healthcare professional, and it would seem that this would be a good idea.

Oh and just to clear things up, I am not a dentist

[JKennair]

Oh yeah, just out of interest perhaps Eastender or glenis could explain to me how dental probes (assuming you don't mean the kind used to assess gum health) cause pain. You see the outer part of a tooth is non-vital/not-alive.

I ask this because in todays society I am keen to alleviate fears, pain caused by the dentist has no place in modern practice.

[helsbels666]

LOL. How many people getting upset over this post?! I suggest JKennair is simply being antagonistic to provoke a response. Which appears to have worked!