Take the Time to Find Out if a Practitioner Is a Good Match

By: Loolwa Khazzoom, Founder, Dancing with Pain

August 17th, 2009 • Patient Advocacy • Print

I seriously need some dental work done. Most significantly, I’ve got jaw pain and a moving tooth, as a result of my nightly tooth-grinding and jaw clenching; and I need a night guard ASAP to remedy the situation.

I cancelled a night guard procedure smack in the middle with my previous dentist, however, because I wasn’t feeling safe with her. And I’m taking the time to make sure the next dentist is the right one for me, before moving ahead. I have learned that unless it’s seriously an emergency, I absolutely have to dot my i’s and cross my t’s before working with a new person. Otherwise, it’s just too risky.

So first I did some research on the internet. I found a dentist who uses the wand (an alternative to a novocaine injection) and who has amazing ratings on Yelp. Here’s the letter I sent him, including links to some articles I feel will help him understand my situation and determine if on his end, he feels we’re a good match. Feel free to send the same articles, along with other pieces that might be similarly helpful, when you first approach a health care practitioner.

Hi Dr. M (do you prefer to be called this or to be called by your first name?),

I have a number of dental issues that need to be addressed – including three crowns, a deep dental cleaning in each quadrant of my mouth, and a nightguard. I was impressed with the reviews I saw about your practice, and I am interested in becoming a client.

I live with chronic pain and hypersensitivity, so it is critical that I find a dental practice where the practitioners are welcoming of and conscientious with special needs patients. I would appreciate your taking the time to reading some of my articles on chronic pain management (below) and letting me know if you think we’re a good match. Thanks in advance for your care and your time.