The Things Patients Apologize For
☕ Notes Between Patients
The Things Patients Apologize For
Sometimes, between one patient and the next, someone says something that stays with me long after the office closes.
Today was one of those days.
There are a few sentences I hear almost every day.
“I’m sorry my teeth are so bad.”
“I know… I should floss more.”
“I should’ve come sooner.”
And every time I hear those words, my heart sinks a little.
Not because of someone’s teeth.
Because of how many people carry guilt before they even sit in the chair.
I wish every patient knew what I’m actually thinking.
I’m not counting cavities.
I’m not judging how long it’s been since your last cleaning.
I’m not wondering why you didn’t floss yesterday.
I’m thinking…
“How can I help this person feel comfortable?”
Working in dentistry has taught me something I never expected.
People don’t just bring their teeth to an appointment.
They bring embarrassment.
-Fear.
-Past experiences.
-Financial worries.
-Stories they rarely tell anyone.
Sometimes, the hardest part of a dental visit isn’t opening your mouth.
It’s walking through the front door.
That takes courage.
More courage than most people realize.
One of my favorite parts of this job is watching someone leave with a little less fear than they walked in with.
Not because we made everything perfect.
But because they realized they didn’t have to be ashamed.
Dentistry isn’t about perfection.
It’s about progress.
-One appointment.
-One conversation.
-One step at a time.
If you’re reading this and you’ve been putting off seeing the dentist because you’re embarrassed…
Please know this.
You don’t have to apologize.
Not to me.
Not to your dental team.
We’re not waiting to judge you.
We’re waiting to help you.
And sometimes, showing up is already the biggest victory.
💬 Before we meet again next Friday…
Have you ever felt embarrassed or anxious before going to the dentist?
What helped you take that first step?
I’d love to hear your story in the comments. You never know who you might encourage. 💛
📚 Missed the beginning?
If this is your first Notes Between Patients, I’d love for you to start with the first note:
☕ Why I Started Writing This
👉
Thank you for spending a few quiet minutes with me today. 💛
If you enjoyed this note, I’d love for you to stay.
Every week we share:
🪥 Wednesday — SmileSnack Tips
☕ Friday — Notes Between Patients
💛 Sunday — Stories from the Chair
I’d love to have you along for the journey.
— Mar ☕🪥
I'm always anxious when I go to the dentist, but I know it's only a short period of time and I'm doing what I need to care for my smile. :)