Monday, January 04, 2010

no thanks, i'm good

A conversation took place not too long ago that I think really sums up the mentality of a lot of people. The husband of a patient of mine is with his wife visisting my office. Also, he has dental insurance but noone else in his family does.

Him: "Omar you have a great office, I may have to come visit you"
Me: "That would be great, we'd love to see you"
Him: "You know, I have never had a cavity! (fifty something years old I assume)
Me: "Really, that's great, when was the last time you went to the dentist"
Him: "Oh, I've never been"
Me: speechless.

So, your family goes to the dentist regularly but they don't have dental insurance. You do have insurance but have never been? Also, the astute clinician that you are have self-diagnosed yourself as decay and cavity free. Well done sir, well done I say.

So many people I think live by the creed: If its not hurting or bothering me, it must be okay. Oh well, I can only hope to educate the importance of screening, and preventive measures.

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