As dentists, we certainly appreciate when patients tell us they love their smile, that a procedure went well, or that they had a positive experience in our office.
But every once in a while, a patient says something that sticks with you.
A patient named Joyce shared her experience with our team. In her video, she said, "Dr. Rice is the most compassionate person who met me where I was with the need I had."
Of everything she said, that particular phrase stayed with me.
Click here to hear her story
The truth is, every patient walks through our doors carrying something different. Some are excited about improving their smile. Some have been dealing with discomfort. Others haven't seen a dentist in years and are nervous about what they might hear.
And many are carrying memories from previous dental experiences that weren't exactly positive.
Joyce shared that she has a very sensitive mouth and a real aversion to dental injections. She was understandably nervous. What meant so much to me was that she felt seen, heard, and understood before we ever talked about treatment.
Because that's how I believe dentistry should work.
Before we discuss solutions, I want to understand your concerns. Before we talk about treatment, I want to know what has brought you here and what you're hoping to accomplish. Sometimes the most important part of an appointment isn't what happens clinically. It's helping someone feel comfortable enough to take the next step.
Over the years, I've learned that many people aren't avoiding the dentist because they don't care about their health. They're avoiding the dentist because they're worried about discomfort, embarrassment, judgment, or simply not knowing what to expect.
That's why we try so hard to create a different experience.
If you've been putting off a visit, I hope you'll know that wherever you are in your dental journey, that's okay. Whether it's been six months or six years, our goal is simply to help you move forward from where you are today.
If you'd like to hear Joyce's story in her own words, click here to watch her video testimonial.
I think you'll understand why her words meant so much to me.
