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Reply to "Trauma-Informed Training for Dentistry"

Dear Marlene:

I know of one person, who didn't have insurance, and so the dentist experience was painful because there wasn't enough numbing and so an adult he didn't want to go back. But many of us don't like any medical appts. where there's an invasion in the body of tools or hands. Or where we can't speak. Or where there's partial loss of control because of laughing gas.

So there's all the stuff about being exposed and vulnerable. But also, for me at least, as a kid, when we were sent into the dentist from the car, and were asked "Where's your mother?" or told the bill was overdue or we couldn't have our appt. until a payment was made, while kids and other people are in the waiting room and can hear - that was the most embarrassing, awkward and shameful part.

On a lighter note, a dentist came to school in first grade and said:
"Be true to your teeth and they won't be false to you" and to brush EVERY morning and night no matter what.

I never forget either. I took his words so seriously and took good care of my teeth which were pretty healthy overall despite not too many dentist appointments, cleanings, etc. 

Cissy

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