“90% percent of my patients have dental anxiety. I find it best to ease their minds by being as comforting as possible: I try to get them to open up to me by just communicating about everyday life. Talking about my pets always seems to break the ice and allows the patient to become more relaxed, and I never ignore their anxiety–every few teeth, I check with them to make sure they are doing okay or to see if they need a break. Having a caring and compassionate dentist who works alongside you sets up a positive experience for patients, too!
One patient I had recently came in as a new patient and was absolutely terrified. He had not been to the dentist in over 10 years due to the overwhelming fear of the dentist he’s had since he was a child. After taking X-rays and getting to know this patient more, he became comfortable enough for me to start the cleaning. He had gum disease, tartar buildup, stains, and rampant tooth decay. When I handed the patient the mirror at the end of the visit, he was almost in tears–good tears. He could not stop thanking me for giving him a fresh start. Before he left, I provided him with proper home care instructions in order to maintain a healthy mouth. I can’t wait to see him back at his next visit once all of his cavities are taken care of. It’s patients like these who allow me to continue to live what I do: saving one smile at a time!
Dental hygiene school was the MOST stressful three years of my life–our teachers told us we should buckle in, quit our jobs, forgo social lives, and get ready to basically live in class and clinics, and they weren’t exaggerating! But, I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything because it allowed me to gain confidence and become the person I am today. I think it really taught me to work hard, be understanding and kind, and most importantly, to NEVER give up. Life will knock you down many times, but you will come back each time better than before. I know now that I can do anything I set my mind to. Mind over matter, always!”
Morgan Elmy Balderrama, 2015
Registered Dental Hygienist
