Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Dear Patients

Dear Patients,

I love you.  I really do.  Generally.  However, there are a few things that I think you ought to know.

1 - When I am flossing your teeth, just keep your mouth open and jaw still.  You are NOT helping me floss by moving your jaw all around.  Maybe that helps you when you floss yourself.  Fine, do it for you, but it just irritates me when you do it.

2 - Stop feeling guilty.  I'm not asking how often you floss so I can yell at you and make you feel like a bad person.  I honestly want to know, because some people NEVER floss and NEVER get plaque/calculus/tartar on their teeth.  Other people THINK they are great flossers, but are doing a craptacular job, and other people floss all day every day but it still isn't enough.  I'm not trying to make you feel bad.

3 - Yes, I like to talk to you, but when I have my instruments ready and posed at your ever-moving lips that is my sign that it is time to put them IN your mouth.  Take note.

4 - I don't know what your insurance covers.  That is your job.  I am proud of you, if you know and can make me aware that they only cover Fluoride once a year, or BWX, or whatever.  You be in charge of that.

Um . . . that is all I can think of right now.

Thanks for coming in!  Nice to meet you! 

Marianne Moody, RDH