“Things I Really HATE About Dentists”
What do you hate about dentists?
What do you HATE about dentists? What part of it bugs you the most?
“Everything!”
If you’re a Dentist Hater, I’m sure you have your reasons, and yet I’ll bet it’s not actually dentists you hate. It’s all the stuff a dentist does that creeps you out – the drilling, filling, and billing parts.
Who can blame you for that? A dental chair can combine the sum of all fears… with pain, needles, doctors, confined-spaces, loud noises.
It’s no big surprise so many people hate going to the dentist.
Yet, dentists aren’t such bad people. We’re just the ones doing the work and stuck with the bad-guy label.
Here’s a list I put together of the Top 10 Reasons People Hate Dentists based on my years of observation. It was easy. I just listen to people’s stories.
Perfect strangers, once they know I’m a dentist, are willing to tell me why they hate “our kind.” ( a little Anti-Dentite Seinfeld humor there)
See Kramer’s Anti-Dentite skit –>
Besides, if you came to see me as a new patient, one of the first things I would want to know is what you like and dislike about going to dentists. I want to do more of what you like and less of what you don’t like.
What is it about going to the dentist that you hate more than anything else? I tried to organize these Top 10 Reasons based on this question… “What is the one thing you hate the most about dentists?”
Participate in the poll to indicate which of the Top 10 Reasons you hate most. Read more about the Top 10 Reasons below and decide which ones apply to you. Thank you!
Top 10 Reasons Why People HATE Dentists
Why People HATE Dentists #1 – The Needle!
In picking #1 for this Top 10 list, I gave the nod to the biggest phobia. Fear of needles and injections is HUGE for some people. It’s one of the Top 10 Adult Phobias, and children are even more fearful.
I didn’t dare show a picture of a needle here, because even the image will upset a phobic person.
“I hate pain and I hate the dentist!
Dentistry without anesthetic is an option… “Dear lord, you must be kidding!” is what you might be thinking. I actually do a lot of Minimally-Invasive Dentistry with no anesthetic. It’s nice to avoid the freezing (that’s what we call it here in Canada) when it isn’t needed.
On the other hand, proper Pain Management is absolutely essential for more invasive dentistry. I can hardly imagine the brutality of old-style dentistry.
Delivery of Local Anesthetic is often the make-or-break “Moment of Truth” in the entire patient-doctor relationship. That’s the reason I use a Comfort-Driven System to ensure patients are as comfortable as possible.
Being a little sneaky about it also helps. Nobody should have to look at it.
Why People HATE Dentists #2 – The Pain!
“Is it going to hurt?” That’s the question on everybody’s mind whenever they sit in a dental chair. This was a strong choice for #1 on this Top10 list and is easily the most common reason that people hate dentists.
Everyone hates pain, and if you’ve ever endured dental pain, you know how excruciating it can be. That’s the reason why so many people associate dentists with pain.
Your teeth are a vulnerable, sensitive area of your body, so the threat of dental pain is very real. Many people have felt jolts of pain at the dentist in the past, and they never want to feel anything like that again.
That’s why proper Pain Management is so vitally important. Otherwise dentistry becomes brutality and the dentists are despised for it. Modern dentistry should be comfortable and easy.
Why People HATE Dentists #3 – The Anxiety!
This has to be the worst part. Anxiety is that sense of dread and general apprehension before and during an appointment.
Anxiety puts you on edge, compounds the ordeal and you’re left completely drained by it. Even if there isn’t any pain involved, it’s the threat of pain and other triggers of fear that build up the anxiety and make for a miserable experience.
Some people can’t sleep properly the night before their appointment. They hate feeling so anxious but they can’t shake it. Sedation Dentistry is a great option to reduce anxiety.
I wrote more about this issue in a previous 2-part post about Fear and Anxiety.
Why People HATE Dentists #4 – The Drill!
Old-style dental drill.
Some people are OK with everything, except for the dreaded dental drill. This weapon of destruction – with all the noise vibration and spray – becomes a focus for their anxiety. When they hear that sound, their sweat starts to pour.
Thankfully the newer ones are much quieter and smoother than those old brain-rattling ones of yesteryear. Inside your mouth, sounds tend to be amplified. Sedation Dentistry can help you relax if the dental drill is intolerable. Earphones help block out the sound so you can almost pretend you’re laying back on the beach.
Why People HATE Dentists #5 – The Invasiveness!
Dentistry is invasive. We’re right inside your mouth performing our gum-gardening and tooth-carpentry. This can definitely feel like an invasion of your personal space. If the dentist is not graceful, gentle and respectful about your care, you could feel almost violated by the invasiveness of most dental procedures.
Why People HATE Dentists #6 – The Sounds & Smells!
With any measure of anxiety or fear, your senses are put on high-alert. You become hyper-aware of sights, sounds and smells.
Some people hate the antiseptic smell of medical and dental offices. We do our best to keep our office sensually attractive within a spa-like atmosphere. You’ll feel our warm ambiance with light jazz in the background, our soothing warterwall, and medical-grade air purifiers to maintain a fresh clean smell.
Why People HATE Dentists #7 – The Cost!
This can be a deal-breaker. Everyone appreciates exceptional care, but for some people, even basic dental care isn’t affordable.
There’s 2 issues here. One is affordability. What is pocket change to one is an astronomical fee to another. People have their budget limitations and I certainly respect that. Sometimes “good enough” has to be the way when “the best” is not within reach.
The other issue is value. Not everyone places high value on their dental health. It can be a lot to spend if you need major work, and some people absolutely HATE spending hard-earned dollars on dentistry. It makes them furious because they don’t get to spend it on stuff they like. Even if they have the money, they would rather be spending it on things that bring them more pleasure.
Personally, I look upon general health and dental health as necessities. Staying healthy and keeping my teeth is a high priority.
Others have different priorities, such as the young woman in The Lost Starfish.
Money is one of the biggest sources of Dental Drama. Not being able to afford decent care can be very upsetting.
You need solutions without the scolding
Why People HATE Dentists #8 – The Lectures!
If you already feel guilty or embarrassed about your situation, the last thing you want is reasons to feel worse. You don’t need to be scolded into submission, admonished like you’re a helpless child or assaulted by irrelevant factoids until your eyes glaze over.
Going to the dentist is stressful enough without the people who are supposed to help you piling on more guilt and blame. Who needs that? Why pay good money and be made to feel like crap?
My advice to dentists: Bombarding people with information shows professional knowledge, but demonstrates a selfish vie for attention and a disconnect from the relationship aspect. We are people taking care of people. Never forget your humanity and compromise that bond by indulging in lectures or overplaying the SMART card. People already assume you’re smart, so you don’t have to prove anything. Keep that card tucked in your pocket and use it sparingly. Play the WARM card to the hilt because what people really want is more caring in your care.
What you want as a patient are solutions and positive emotional outcomes - to feel the security of good health and the confidence of looking and feeling your best. You need a fresh new start with the hope and promise of a better tomorrow. What you want from a dentist is leadership.
Here’s the bottom line: Find a dental team dedicated to making YOU healthy and happy instead of posturing to make themselves look more knowledgeable and superior. Never forget that you’re the boss, so tell them you prefer a NO LECTURES approach.
Why People HATE Dentists #9 – The Poor Service!
Everybody promises better service. When you step in the front door, you find out the truth. Do they have brand integrity and a great reputation, or is it just song and dance?
Indifference is the big relationship killer in healthcare. Every member of the team represents your brand, and any time one of them drops the ball on service, the magic you were trying to convey vanishes in a puff of smoke.
Here’s a secret. Where you find great service, you’re likely to find superior quality. They go hand in hand. It’s all about dedication to excellence, and that dedication extends to all aspects. Everything matters.
Look for prompt courteous care where you’re always treated with grace and respect. You want an uplifting experience in which you walk out healthier, happier and smiling more beautifully than when you walked in.
Why People HATE Dentists #10 – The Bad Memories!
Did you have a bad childhood experience? Join the club. So many of us endured nightmare scenarios by today’s standards.
It’s hard to let go of that. Every time you enter a dental office it can feel like you’re reliving those childhood events.
Your brain is wired for fear. Emotionally-intense memories are very powerful and long-lasting. Sedation Dentistry can be a great option to reduce the anxiety brought on by bad memories. Trust also goes a long ways to helping you finally let go of that past.
Getting Past the Hate:
There you have it, the Top 10 Reasons Why People Hate Dentists. Was there anything on the list with your name all over it?
The good news is that dentistry is more advanced and more comfortable than ever. So these days, most people don’t mind going to the dentist.
Sure, everyone wishes dentistry was more affordable. And as pleasant as we can make things, dental offices won’t be anyone’s favorite place to visit. Until we have a magic wand, the dentistry still has to get done. The big change is that visiting the dentist doesn’t tend to ruin your day as much, and that’s a world of difference from the bad old days.
The bad news is that in a weird way, people LOVE bad news and scary stories. Dental horror stories are retold like spooky campfire tales. Those I-HATE-the-dentist rants are more interesting than any I-LOVE-my-dentist stories.
Things like Root Canal Therapy have such a bad rep because of all the friend-of-a-friend stories that circulate. People are amazed and relieved once they discover how laughably easy most things really are.
Good news is warm and fuzzy, but not buzz-worthy. A juicy horror story has legs. You can milk a harrowing tale for years of attention and sympathy if you’re so inclined.
So in the end, you can keep hanging on to your I-Hate-the-Dentist story, or get on with things and find a dentist that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable.
Stay healthy and keep smiling!
Dr. Joe 
| About the Author: Joe Bulger is a successful dentist in Toronto, Canada. Visit his blog on Dental Secrets Guide to learn more about dental services and opportunities. |
More Resources:
- Why I HATE the Dentist – Hubpages post on an unpleasant hygiene experience.
- Book: “I Hate Dentists!” – Helpful well-written book on why people don’t like dentists.
- I Hate Dentists – Forum for dentist haters. Personal stories and comedic rants.
{ 50 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree with the “lecturing” point # 8 in this article, wherein people don’t want to go to the dentist because they are already guilty and do not want a reason to feel worse. I would try to avoid dental visits for that same reason… If I didn’t floss, I didn’t want to go to the visit for fear of my hygienist making me feel like a child.
Raquelle, it’s amazing the transformational powers of putting on a white coat. It can turn people into pompous windbags that won’t stop posturing as experts long enough to have a normal conversation. It’s called Exalted Professional Syndrome.
If Lecturing is a problem at your dentist, please do them a favor by speaking up. Otherwise you can look for a place that will put you on a pedestal instead of themselves.
Nicely written Dr. Joe. For me, the number one fear I have about dentists is the bad experience. Lucky for me the worst experience I had is not enough novocaine… was easily fixed but I still had to yelp first to let him know that I needed more. But have heard stories of wrong tooth being pulled out or dentists couldn’t stop the bleeding.
Mike, wrong tooth – that is scary!
Not enough freezing can pretty uncomfortable. No point in suffering. Like you said, once you feel that pain you never want to feel it again. The memory of it can hang over you like a dark cloud. That’s how people start dreading the dentist.
Reminds me of the bit by Steve Martin in “Little Shop of Horrors” very funny part where he sings “I want to be a Dentist!”
Michael, thanks for participating here at the Toronto Dentist Smile Blog.
I put that exact movie clip into one of my earlier posts – Why I Hate the Dentist? (People Who Hate Dentists Part I)
Check it out!
One of the many things that I love about the dentists at RYD is that each dentist explains what may be expected whether it be good or bad for each procedure to help patients understand their course of treatment much better. I appreciate the honesty because it does calm patients down prior to treatment and dispells any mystery they may think is involved. Many pain management options are discussed and prehaps if treatment may not work what can be another plan of action. By preparing patients before treatment it does relieve anxiety and makes a patient feel more comfortable which makes future dental visits a breeze a a better relationship with the dentists at RYD.
Thanks Shelley! We really do try to help people through the ordeal of dentistry as comfortable as possible. From your kind words, the one that jumps out at me is honesty. That’s the key isn’t it. I like how you said it “dispels the mystery.”
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and very broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post.
It is the reasons why people hate dentists.
Hilarious Seinfeld episode, and nice Steve Martin reference, Michael. I’m reminded of a comedian who joked about wanting “universal” anesthetic instead of general.
The Needle is rightfully at the top, though I might have put the The Drill at #2.
Hi Bill!
Yes, it was tough deciding which should be the top three. The Drill is a pretty common choice, and I had it #2 when I first made this list. In asking people who hate the drill, it’s usually the pain or the anticipation of pain that they really hate.
Probably I’m just analyzing things way too much.
Super site, and nice text.
Thanks for the thumbs up from a fellow dental site!
I am a proud anti-dentite. I have never had a good experience at any of the 7 I have been to. You committ federal crimes everyday by impersonating real doctors who actually completed medical school and get your sick kicks by charging people outrageous amounts of money to put them in unnessicary amounts of pain. Go back to medical school and finish you lazy schmucks!!!
Ahh… the old doctors are gods and dentists are crooks routine.
Fortunately for dentists, the majority of the population now puts us and pharmacists well ahead of doctors in terms of trust.
7 dentists and they were all bad? Sounds like you’re on the Path of Pain. That’s where every dental experience is a big crisis situation with big fees.
Of course it’s always easier to blame the dentist, or all 7 of them.
Good luck with that anti-dentite philosophy.
Joe
To be honest, I trust Vets more then I do doctors. When they walk into work every morning they have to be prepared to treat a dog, a cat, a cockatiel, a frog, a snake, etc. To be familiar with the anatomy of mammals, reptiles, birds, or amphibians AND be able to identify symptoms takes more training then any doctor.
I agree. Most vets are great at what they do and people sure love their pets.
If only they loved their teeth that much!
Joe
I may be late to comment but I might say this is a very well written article! For me, the reason why I did not want to visit a particular dentist anymore was because of the bad memories I had there. I had a bad tooth when I was a teenager (there was some pus inside, he says, that’s why it hurt so bad) and it needed to be pulled out, but it was very hard to do so because my mouth was small and the bad tooth is, I think, a large molar (near my wisdom tooth). The dentist reassured me that it won’t hurt because he’ll inject some anesthesia for me. Sadly, he seemed to be inexperienced with my situation. Even if he injected some anesthesia in my gums, I can still feel the pain whenever he tries to yank out my bad tooth. My tooth suddenly broke in half, and he ended up injecting more anesthesia in my gums. The worst thing is that my gums may be so swelled up that I ended up drinking some of the anesthesia he was giving me (he wasn’t aware of it)(I was crying that time, and he only thinks it’s because my tooth hurt so much). After about 3 hours, the remaining half of my tooth was out. My tears are still falling after that, while my mom talked to the dentist about the payment and aftercare. Even after all that, I’m not afraid to visit the dentist. Just need to find a better one.
Felicia, sometimes a dentist means well but “bites off more than they can chew.” That’s an expression that means the situation is a much bigger challenge than expected.
I’m glad you didn’t start avoiding dentists after that incident. Some people do that – avoiding dentists and remaining stuck in a bad memory where they continue hanging on to that victim story as a reason for avoiding.
That’s the Path of Pain. They focus on pain from the distant past and keep avoiding the dentist. That almost guarantees more future pain.
Joe
Wow, you must be well brave! I’m happy with that.
Hi Dr. Joe, I’m glad too that I do not dwell much on the painful experiences in my life. I know there are things that a dentist does that hurt but as long as I sit on the dentist’s chair, I do not back out, thinking “It’s best to get this done and over with!” If I avoid dentists, then who would help me take care of my teeth? I certainly do not want my teeth to fall off one by one (I have a sweet tooth I don’t want to disappoint
) in the future just because of that one painful incident at the dentist’s.
Much appriciated it was indeed really a good post
i like when the dentist pokes me
Then you’re the only one Matt, the only one…
Joe
I’ll get past the hate of dentists when dentists quit scamming my family. I’m so sick of these scumbags who do it with a smile and then hide in their office while they stick you with some bull bill that was inflated for insurance purposes. Oh, and love the doube billing. Our son had his general anesthesia covered by a state agency serving disabled persons, and then the dentist office charged us for the anesthesia, thinking they’d get paid twice. Then acted ‘surprised” and said it was clerical error when confronted.
I can appreciate the challenges you face in raising a disabled child. All I can say is there are plenty of high-integrity dentists out there, and that billing mistakes can happen.
There are 2 kinds of upset people in a dental office – Pain People and Money People. I’m pretty sure you fit into the ladder group. Take the money issues away and you would probably be much happier about dentists.
Joe
What you have mentioned are also my reasons why I lack the motivation to go to the dentists, since I don’t know a dentist to whom I will trust. Nowadays that dental services becomes a business not a profession with the goal to give remedy to the teeth not to destroy it. I have friends who encountered dentists like that, that’s why going to the dentist is really not a good idea for me.
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!
I appreciate the honesty because it does calm patients down prior to treatment and dispells any mystery they may think is involved. Many pain management options are discussed and prehaps if treatment may not work what can be another plan of action.
I trust Vets more then I do doctors. When they walk into work every morning they have to be prepared to treat a dog, a cat, a cockatiel, a frog, a snake, etc.
I despise the dentist(female), especially the one my friend is so in love with. Too many bad experiences. I have plenty if you would like to hear!
Those were very true! Actually,while reading your list, I feel like, “oh I’m one of them” lol! But of all those things that you mention, its the number 10 that affects me the most. Yes, I know I can endure the pain but whenever that bad memory from childhood occurs, I feel really scared hat the same thing might happen again, but thanks that as I aged, i learn not to fear dentists anymore and realize that not all are like the one made a really bad service on me back then. Anyway, I like your blog, I can relate to it.
hi Dr. Joe!
I must say that its a great list! lol! Those were the things that I often hear why they hate going to the dentists. How I wish there will be more cooperative and concern dentist like you who would want to do what their patients likes more…and not just doing a procedure like they don’t care. You know, sad to say there are few these days who’s working just for the money…and they are also the ones who makes really bad service and give a dentist a bad name…
im only a kid but im fine with the dentist, except i hate going in the morning and have to walk in during the middle of class. i dont really enjoy it all but i would much rather do it than go sit on santa claus’ lap (im scared of him) i just dont like it when they put a movie on and you cant see cuz their heads in the way
What I hate about my current dentist is I like him, hes very nice, but his assitant is belittling and rude, she reminds me of that crazy woman in Steven Kings “misery”..I got the feeling she got a kick out of seeing me with stuff in my mouth asking me all these questions and knowing I can’t speak. For this reason i have to find a new dentist.. She was rude to me in front him, he said nothing.. Not sure why he would hire someone like that. I actually have to go back to get some work done i paid for and im dreading seeing her and her being near me.
I think that is disgusting. It’s bullying in a way and dental appointments are there to help your oral health, not make you stressed. I don’t like the dentist and I understand your concerns, even though I’m only 13
Great list.. Now if I could just find on that listed ways to get more affordable dental care…
I remember the old days where my parents paid for my dentistry, I liked my dentists! I had one that had this monitor where you could watch was was going on while he worked, somehow that made it more comforting because I knew exactly what he was doing.
The lecturing though… It’s gotten a little better since I’m older (They really laid it on when I was in my teens) but I usually know by the time I go to the dentist that I’m not taking care of my teeth the way I should be.
God I hate going to the dentist. I have to go to the dreaded place in a couple of weeks. I’ve seen their drills, needles (aaarrrrggghhh) and other instruments of torture. I HATE THE LOOK OF THOSE NEEDLES!!!!!!!!! To me it seems dentist’s offices are like torture chambers. I hate it so much ’cause of the needles, THE NEEDLES!!!!!!!!!!
HarryIsFat, today’s dental offices are designed to keep all of the “anxiety-producing” supplies and equipment out of sight, and dentists and staff members should strive to provide relaxing distractions for their patients (headphones & video screens, etc.). Also, the dentist should first discuss with the patient what his or her concerns are, including fears and axieties, and offer an appropriate solution such as various levels of sedation. Today’s dentistry is so incredibly different from even 15 years ago! Maybe you should find another dentist?
Thanks! I can’t change dentists because I’m only 13, but next time I’ll take my iPod. Sedatives will be used in my next appointment, so I don’t have to worry about the needles. My next appointment is a tooth extraction. I’ve been terrified for weeks, but after reading your reply I feel much better!
The extraction was really painful and stressed me out so my parents are changing my dentist, thank God!
Before I became a dental hygienist, I hated the dentist. I didn’t like the feeling of someone scraping a tool against my tooth. Since I had this fear myself, I can better treat my patients because I know what scares them and I can try to remedy the situation.
Hi, I have not been to the dentist all that often in my life and I am 38 years old and soon to be 39 on the 25th of this month. I didn’t have a bad experience at any of the dentists or dental vans I have been to until yesterday which was 11-16-2011. I know I need all my teeth pulled and dentures put in, but I am not working and the state insurance doesn’t cover it. What happened today though is the dentist had to use the ” drill ” and the drill hurt sort of like a headache hurts but more tense than a headache. I had 6 teeth pulled and was given a prescription for pirocek or whatever name that is. I know that spelling is wrong, and I apologize for that. I don’t mind dentists, but I do mind most other doctors, as I was misdiagnosed for my ear for more than a decade. I ended up having a tumor behind my eardrum that came close to bursting but was found in time even though it was misdiagnosed for over a decade. I don’t feel much of my tooth pain in my mouth, I feel it in my ear I guess because that is just where I get pain most of the time. Anyway, why does the drill hurt so in my forehead? I went to the dentist pretty much 14 hours ago and have yet to take the meds he prescribed because my mouth isn’t hurting me at all, and I had 6 teeth pulled. Thank you for your time and sorry for such a long post.
Billy.
Hi Billy, hope you’re feeling OK after having those teeth out. The vibration of the drill is probably what triggered the sensation in your forehead. Sort of like those ice-cream headaches some people get from eating cold things.
I used to get shivers down my back all the way down to my toes from those old, rickety rope-driven drills dentists had back in the 60′s. I don’t miss that experience!
The BEST reason far as i’m concerned about hating on dentist is the fact you can no longer set up a payment plan with any of them and they’re charging way to much to pull teeth. I can understand paying a high price if your getting braces to straighten out teeth or other procedures, but a $150 to $300 in rural poor areas come get real! I’d be willing to set up a recurring payment plan with a local dentist through my bank but nooo they won’t do a payment plan. bastards
Brush your damn teeth and then you should not have to worry about half of the shi* written here.
Dirty people
I understand why you would think that way. That people who avoid dentists must be taking poor care of their teeth.
I find it’s not the case. Most people who hate dentists take very good care of their teeth because that helps them stay away from any trouble.
The highly anxious people I see are widely varied. Many had a bad childhood experience along the way that left them emotionally imprinted with a powerful fear response. They don’t want to feel that way, but that imprinting remains and is difficult to overcome. Not impossible, but difficult.
Another style of dentist-hater I see is the drama king/queen. These people love to hang onto negative stories and retell them over and over. They tightly hold onto their stories so they can continue maintaining their blameless victim position.
With any new dental experience, they seek to verify their story, not replace it with a happier one. They use drama as a distraction from responsibility or uncomfortable truths, and don’t want to let go of their old stories.
They’re stuck by choice.
Until they can move past the drama and let go of the old stories, they can’t move on.
I just love dentist. Try to practice seeing your doctor every now and then, then see the difference.
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to mention that I’ve really loved browsing your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing on your feed and I’m hoping you write again very soon!
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