First, watch a video of a person in a similar position as you.
Below is a video showing a real patient who has experienced the barrier of embarrassment around dental visits.
Before you watch:
Listen to what Mike says about how embarrassment had prevented him from visiting a dentist. Whilst watching, notice what stands out for you.
After you’ve watched:
Think about what Mike way saying. Did it make you notice anything about your own experiences or feelings about visiting a dentist?
Next, explore your Embarrassment barrier booklet
The embarrassment barrier booklet has ideas and tips that might help and support you with making your next dental appointment. Take your time and read the sections that feel most relevant to you.
Don’t forget, you are not alone. Many people put off going to the dentist because they feel embarrassed about visiting a dentist. This booklet gives you some information that might help.
To enlarge booklet full screen click this icon above
This is what one patient said about their experience:
Next, make a plan to help you get to a dentist
Going to a dentist can feel like a big step — especially when cost is a barrier.
One way to make it easier is to break it into small, achievable steps. There is a template provided below to help you work this through:
- Print it out – use the printable template.
- Write it down – use a blank piece of paper or even your phone, whatever you have available. Use the template to guide you. Research suggests that if you write it down, you will be more likely to stick to it.
- Think it through – you can also simply think this through in your head using the prompts on the examples below – whatever works best for you.
Step 1: Set your goal
Use the template below to make your goal SMART — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-limited. Think about when, where, and how you will make it happen. This is like a little promise to yourself. Look at the example below for some help with this.
Step 2: Make your action plan
Could you include something you’ve learnt from this toolkit so far in your plan? Look at the example below for some help with this.
Finally, take a look at your Next Appointment Toolkit booklet
The Next Appointment Toolkit booklet can help you get ready for your next dental visit.
It includes tips on finding a dentist, booking your appointment, and feeling prepared when you go. Take your time looking through the pages. Pick out the parts that feel most useful for you.
To enlarge booklet full screen click this icon above
Remember:
- Taking one small step at a time really can make a difference.
- You are not alone, many people have felt nervous or unsure before making their next appointment.
- Preparing can help you feel more confident and in control.
Tips from people who have used the RETURN resources
Getting a dental appointment isn’t always easy, but many people have managed it.
These tips helped them – and they may help you too:
- Prioritise yourself, your dental health matters
- Treat booking and attending a dental appointment as a task: plan it like you would any other important thing
- Be organised when making an appointment, keep track of any calls you make to dental practices so you can follow up if you are asked to call back
- Join waiting lists to be seen where possible
- Be open to appointments outside your local area, you might get seen faster
- Be prepared that it might take some effort, but people have done it, and it’s worth it
- Remember if others can do it, so can you
- Keep trying, don’t give up