Why Do We Talk When Our Hands Are in Your Mouth?

Believe it or not, it’s not because we like to hear ourselves talk! It’s about trying to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. Every member of our staff wants to make you more comfortable during your visit. In fact, our offices – from the reception area to the exam rooms – were also specially designed to help you feel relaxed during your visit.

And yes, we’ll probably start a conversation while you’re in the chair. The main reason is that talking is a distraction.  (That’s why using a cell phone while driving can be hazardous!)  It is our hope that our talking to you will help the time you spend in our office pass quickly. We know it can help because we receive specialized training in dental school that helps us be very sensitive to the patient’s experience and point of view while we’re working.

Part of a dentist’s training is to learn and practice different techniques that can help you relax during routine exams and specific procedures. We’ve been trained well in the science of dentistry, as well as in the art of combining both psychological and pharmacological approaches (sedation dentistry) to keep each unique individual comfortable.

Learning to make you feel comfortable and at ease during your visits is a whole art unto itself, and one that must be learned along with a tremendous body of medicine and science that supports your safe and effective treatment. We sometimes jokingly refer to surgeons and some types of physicians as “lucky” in this regard – because they often put patients completely “out” before performing any procedure on them. That means they don’t have to worry about learning and practicing this special art like dentists do.

There’s also one more strategy behind our striking up a conversation. If you’re relaxed, we also find it may be easier for you to share with us any dental concerns and needs that may have come up since your last visit. Remember, we’re not here to practice our oratory skills. We’re here to help you maintain good oral health and give you a smile you can be proud of. Our goal is to make your experience with us as pleasant as possible. The more we can help you relax while you’re here, the more likely you’ll feel good about coming back and being proactive about maintaining your oral health.