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Is this a bit weird- dentist related

21 replies

PeggyLeggy · 25/05/2022 21:01

Just looking for opinions before I make myself look like a weirdo.

I have just finished my first lot of treatment on my teeth. I haven’t been to a dentist since I was 14, I am now mid thirties. I can not emphasise enough how terrified of the dentist I am, I had an horrendous dental experience at 14 and that literally put me off for the next 20 years.

over the years I’ve suffered from horrible toothache that has left me in agony but I’ve always waited it out until the nerve died and the pain went. Terrible I know. Totally shameful.

anyway, I finally forced myself into the dentist chair after TWO abscesses at the same time that put me on the brink suicide with pain. I was hysterical at my first appointment, had to be forced into the room, sobbing and shaking. I’m a senior nurse in an intense specialty and to think this is how I behaved was mortifying, but I was terrified and just mortified.

The dentist could not have been nicer. He is so calm and understanding. He put me at such ease, took everything at my pace, explained everything, was not judgemental. Just all round lovely. I have spent £2000 so far (extraction and fillings so far), I have another £2000ish lot of treatment to do but finances mean this won’t be done this year.

I was thinking of dropping in a little card and maybe a costa voucher to say thank you. I know I’ve paid him/the practice for the work but I could not have even sat in the chair if it wasn’t for his kind words and how lovely he has been. I cannot thank him enough.

My dp think this is weird as they ‘have had enough of my money already’ which of course I get that, he hasn’t done the work out of the goodness of his heart but I just think a nice card is the best way to show it and he mentioned he was calling costa for a massive coffee after a particularly long appointment.

is this weird? At work we get cards and little gifts from patients which are always lovely to get but obviously we don’t charge for anything!

any dentists or dental nurses who can tell me if I’ll look like a weirdo 🤣

OP posts:
Footballsundays6777 · 25/05/2022 21:03

Totally not weird and would be really appreciated, do it

Sunshineandrainbow · 25/05/2022 21:03

I think I would just do the card. People love to hear what a difference they have made! It means such a lot.

OuiWeeOui · 25/05/2022 21:05

I think showing your gratitude is lovely. It will mean alot to them. Hope the rest of your treatment goes well

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ElspethBoomingHowsen · 25/05/2022 21:05

I think that is a wonderful idea!

And well done on getting things sorted, it’s really hard when you have a genuine fear.

Bigthicksliceoftoast · 25/05/2022 21:05

I think it’s a lovely idea. You’re not thanking him just for doing the job that you paid for, your thanking him for his patience and understanding, and the reassurance that you have felt as a result.

CraftyGin · 25/05/2022 21:06

A card or letter would be lovely. No need for a Costa voucher.

kateandme · 25/05/2022 21:06

Really not weird.when is being kind and thankful ever bad...Also you find good dentist you keep him ok.
I'm so glad your getting help.well done you.sounds horrific what you've suffered with.
There a lift when the pain goes eh.

PatsyJStone · 25/05/2022 21:06

Not weird. Just not everyone understands how grateful someone can be when they've been shown understanding and patience in a difficult situation. I'm a bit like you. Lots like you on the dentist front. I'd just do a card though.

5zeds · 25/05/2022 21:06

I’m not a dentist/dental nurse, but I would do this. Life is so much nicer when we share the good stiff.

BurbageBrook · 25/05/2022 21:06

Lovely idea to thank him, but I’d stick just with the card. He might feel mortified with a voucher whereas a card is always appreciated.

5zeds · 25/05/2022 21:07

Stuff! Ffs don’t share a stiff with the dentist😱

Basilbrushgotfat · 25/05/2022 21:11

Definitely not weird. I'm so glad he was so lovely and reassuring to you, it'll really make his day to receive a card from you.

Strawberriesaregreat · 25/05/2022 21:12

Just a card would be best. My dentist pre covid had his thank you cards out on display.

AdaColeman · 25/05/2022 21:21

I'm sure he would appreciate a letter or card from you sending him your thanks. No need to send a voucher, your kind thoughts will be enough.

Mrsmorton · 25/05/2022 21:30

Ex dentist and I would have been over the moon. I did it with our vet when I knew she'd had a bad day and if I'm honest, it's repaid me a million times over. She keeps articles and free samples that suit my breed of dog to give to me. It's brilliant and I still have a folder containing cards & compliments from patients which I used to read after a bad day at work.

HollowTalk · 25/05/2022 21:33

A card would be lovely but there's no need for a gift.

BobaTea · 25/05/2022 21:39

I've bought my consultants boxes of chocolates before. Also to one of the consultant's secretary because she was very helpful in getting me last minute appointments. The gifts were much appreciated and I received a lovely email from the secretary thanking me.

smith19784 · 25/05/2022 21:40

I had a horrendous time with a tooth during covid and my dentist was so amazing. It was near to Xmas so I sent them a hotel Chocolat hamper to share with the staff as a thank you. They seemed to appreciate it. I think when you have experienced dental pain, the person who helps resolve it becomes a hero in your eyes! I never want to go through that again

PeggyLeggy · 25/05/2022 21:48

Thank you everyone! @smith19784 you are so right, I feel such gratitude to him (all the staff have been absolutely lovely but I’ve not see the same receptionist/dental nurse twice) for taking my agony away he truly is my hero 🤣.

I think I’ll get him a card and maybe some nice chocolates for the staff room to share as a thanks to everyone?

OP posts:
user1471504747 · 25/05/2022 22:30

Definitely not weird at all OP he sounds amazing.

Another great thing to do for the dentist, but also others starting out in a similar position to you, is to leave reviews of your experience where possible.

I avoided the dentist for years until I couldn’t any longer this year, and deliberately seeked out a dentist with reviews from patients similar to you and I.

Well done on going Flowers

happylittlevegemites · 25/05/2022 22:34

I work in private practice as an allied health professional. I absolutely adore getting cards from patients, it makes my day. Obviously I get pleasure from doing my best to help people, but at the moment we all appreciate a boost.

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