First, watch a video of a person in a similar position as you.
Below is a video showing a real patient who had experienced the difficulties of finding time to visit a dentist while juggling a busy life.
Before you watch:
Listen to what Kenna says about how struggling with time had prevented him from visiting a dentist. Whilst watching, notice what stands out for you.
After you’ve watched:
Think about what Kenna way saying. Did it make you notice anything about your own experiences or feelings about visiting a dentist?
Next explore your cost barrier booklet
The time 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 struggle to find the time in their busy lives. This booklet gives you some information that might help.
To enlarge booklet full screen click this icon above
This is what one patient said:
Next, make a plan to help you get to a dentist
Going to a dentist can feel like a big step — especially when time 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.
Use one of these three options:
- Print it out – use the printable pages designed to help you set a goal and action plan to make your next dental appointment.
- Write it down – you can write your goal and action plan down using pen and paper or whatever you have available. 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.
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