This is the latest newspaper article I wrote for the Japanese newspaper:
A few weeks ago, there was a story that made it to the headlines of the internet. A female dentist who was dumped recently by her boyfriend was paid an unexpected visit by him. He was experiencing a severe toothache. The story goes on to say that she agreed to treat him but during treatment, gave him a strong drug and while he was unaware, extracted all his teeth. He woke up all bandaged up, in pain and toothless.
This story eventually proved to be totally false but it still touched a nerve with the public who fear the dentist.
My husband is no exception.
We've been best friends since high school and we started dating when I was in dental school but I never knew his anxiety of being in the dental chair.
The first time I was going to treat him, as the chair went back, he turned to me and said, "I'd like to apologize for anything I've done in the past to upset you. I'd also like to apologize in advance for anything in the future that may upset you. I'd also like to apologize for anything I've done that I'm not aware of that made you upset."
It was only then that I realized that this man in my chair; this man who've I've agreed to share my life with was totally afraid of me! Me, not as his wife, but ME, as the dentist!
Unfortunately, his fear of the dentist is shared by many. Luckily, there are now medications that can ease your anxiety while in the dental chair. You take a small pill when you arrive 1 hour before your appointment. You relax, read a book or take a nap. After you're relaxed enough, your dental treatment will begin. You won't be asleep but you'll still be able to answer my questions and carry on a conversation. It simply takes the edge off your nervousness.
Of course, my husband said that all in fun but it still makes me realize that there are people out there that avoid the dentist. Don't be embarrassed and as my husband can tell you, I'm really not scary at all and you can certainly keep all your teeth!
