Is it rude to request for a specific dentist every time if I have a dental phobia?

Hi,

Haha, lets put it this way. When I go for my haircut, I will sometimes request for a specific barber or stylist. I definitely don't think I'm being rude by asking for that. =)

It's just a personal preference..and it makes for better conversations too as it's like catching up with an old friend every now and then.

Similarly, I definitely do not think it is considered rude for you to request for a specific dentist to treat you.

In fact, at my practise we also have several different dentists working on specific days. Patients always prefer to be seen by the same dentist unless there is a dental emergency, or if the patient's and Dr's schedules cannot coincide after trying very hard.

Our receptionists also always make it a point to schedule the patient to see the same dentist as before, unless the patient requests otherwise.

So, go on..don't worry about it. Find a dentist you are most comfortable with and develop a long term relationship with him/ her.

All the best!

Regards

Dr Chris Mak

Thank you for having the courage to honestly share with us about your fear of dentists. Dental Anxiety and Phobia is an area that I am very passionate about, and I can feel your frustration!

I would like to reassure you that there is absolutely nothing rude about requesting to see a specific dentist that you have come to trust, and feel comfortable with.

Different dentists have different skillsets.

Different dentists have different strengths and weaknesses.

And different dentists have different abilities to connect with their patients to make them feel comforted and cared for.

When you have found a dentist that you can fully trust to reduce your dental fear, it's not rude at all to always request to see him/her.

Perhaps you can be his/her patient for many more years to come, and you will have a problem only when he/she finally retires!

I hope this answer helps and I wish you every success in overcoming your fear of seeing the dentist.

Kind Regards,

Dr Gerald Tan

The most important thing is your comfort. If you go to the same dentist in a group practice, it shows that you are comfortable and have a good working relationship with that dentist in particular.

It is not rude especially if you have a dental phobia which your dentist already knows about and thus can also manage and treat you in a way that you feel most at ease with. So the answer is no, it is not rude.

Whenever I have patients who request for me in particular, I feel honoured because it makes me feel like as a dentist, I am doing something right to allow that patient to trust me.

There is nothing to feel bad about and keep up the good work! You have a dental phobia but you still go to the dentist, that is definitely commendable!

Have a good day ahead!

Cheers,

Dr Beth