Think dentists are like the scary movie villains of healthcare? We get it! For years, dentists and dental assistants have been cast as the villains of the healthcare world—wielding sharp tools, delivering painful procedures, and handing out floss with a knowing smirk. On the other hand, there are assumptions that dentists aren’t real doctors or that dental care is an easy industry to work in.
We want to debunk a few of the most common myths we hear about, which will hopefully reduce some of the anxiety and stigma surrounding dental care. At Dee for Dentist, we strive to counter these harmful and scary misconceptions in everything we do. To learn more about how we dispel these myths, contact us and schedule an appointment with our compassionate and accomplished team.
Common Myths About Dentistry
Dentists, dental assistants, and the dental industry are all misunderstood by many patients. By bringing clarity, we hope to make patients feel more comfortable seeking the care they need.
Myth #1: Dentists Aren’t Real Doctors
While dentists cannot provide support in the traditional medical field, they are still doctors. A doctor is someone who has completed a doctoral degree, which a dentist is required to do to practice legally. Medical providers typically earn a degree like a Doctor of Medicine (MD), and dentists earn either a degree for a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS).
Dentists go through extensive academic and clinical training, making us experts in oral heath, airways, and the sinuses. Our diagnostics can catch oral cancers and the effects of other systemic diseases based on how they manifest in the mouth. For example, we can detect diabetes in the gums, acid reflux in the teeth, and heart issues when we take blood pressures during appointments. Many patients see us more often than their primary care doctors, so we can help provide the early intervention needed for a wide range of health concerns.
Myth #2: Dental Assistants Don’t Do Much
Some people have incorrectly assumed that dental assistants are not essential to the dental team. On the contrary, dental teams would not be able to function nearly as efficiently or seamlessly without help from our dental assistants.
At Dee for Dentist, we empower dental assistants and rely on them to handle everything that doesn’t require a dentist but is critical for appointments, such as scanning for restorations, designing and polishing restorations, and submitting cases to labs to ensure restorations arrive on time. Dental assistants also set up necessary equipment for appointments, maintain expensive machinery, and keep our office stocked with supplies, which is crucial as a lot of products have a short shelf life.
Myth #3: Dentists Will Judge You
If your dentist ever gives you tips to improve your oral hygiene, we want you to know that this isn’t because they’re judging you. Dental providers have seen teeth in beautiful shape, needing immediate care, and everything in between. When one of our team members tells you you need to floss more or pay attention to a particular area, we’re not trying to say you’re a failure.
Our responsibility as your dentist is to recommend solutions that will help your oral health’s longevity. Just like you may not feel excited when your doctor tells you to eat healthier or cut back on alcohol, when we suggest ways to improve your oral health, we only have your best interest in mind. In addition to our tips and advice, we also have the direct ability to provide an effective solution to your issues.
Myth #4: Going to the Dentist Will Always be Painful
We understand pain is subjective, so we offer many ways to manage your discomfort and anxiety during your dental treatment. From laser therapy that eliminates the need for shots to virtual reality to calm your nerves, we have a wide variety of options to make your visit more comfortable.
Myth #5: You Won’t Be in Control
Do you worry that sitting down in the dentist’s chair automatically means you give up control? Maybe you think that every recommendation your dentist makes is suddenly required of you. At Dee for Dentist, we always make recommendations for what would give you optimal oral health and longevity because we know a healthy mouth costs you less in the long run.
Like many situations in life, the longer you put off care, the less options you have and the more expensive they become. Regular care and maintenance allows us to catch issues when they’re small to preserve your natural teeth.
Breaking the Myths About Dental Care
At Dee for Dentist, we know how common these misconceptions are—and we’re here to change the narrative. Our approach is built on trust, technology, and patient-first care, ensuring that every visit is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Whether you’ve been avoiding the dentist due to fear, uncertainty, or misinformation, we’re here to help you take control of your oral health with confidence. Reach out today to schedule an appointment with our dedicated team: (702) 586-7800 for Silverado Ranch or (702) 870-3818 for the Medical District. You can also connect with us through our contact form.
