Today I had to go to the dentist to get a cavity filled. Not to be all dramatic about it BUT, I have DREADED this appointment all day (actually make that all week.)
As long as I can remember, I have had this “intense dislike” (my mom told my I should avoid use of the word “hate”) of dentists. It is not that I don’t like them as people. I know several who are fine people. It is that I have no appreciation for their chosen profession.
The following is embarrassing, but unfortunately true.
When I was a little girl, my dentist was more than just a random doctor. He was someone whom my parents saw socially, someone with whom they were friends. He was always very warm and friendly, but he was a dentist so I did not like him one bit. My mom would have to drag me in to my appointments kicking and screaming. I mean that not just as an expression, but as an accurate visual description.
Upon arrival, the fear did not subside and I COULD NOT BE CONSOLED. The screaming and kicking got louder and more violent. (Especially when they tried to get me to brush with fluoride for a whole minute. I am convinced the longest minutes of my life were spent brushing my teeth with fluoride.) Dentists see this type of behavior frequently I assume, but my case was extreme, really extreme. It was SO BAD that said dentist called my parents, his friends, into the office to tell them explicitly that if I could not get it together and stop this disruptive behavior that they’d have to find me a new dentist to torture.
Obviously this experience was mortifying for my parents. And so they laid down the law. And my dad is the type of man that doesn’t lay down the law about much, but when he does I obey. Believe me you would too.
And today, although I still DREAD the dentist, I have learned to grin and bear it. (Actually there is not much smiling involved, but can’t you just be proud of me for not throwing a temper tantrum?)
Make me feel better. Do you hate the dentist too? If it’s not the dentist, what is it that you completely dread?
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