Making It Happen
2020 is all about setting goals and achieving those goals. Visiting the dentist is a common pursuit when the new year begins. However, as we move further into the year with no action taken, the goal can quickly transform into a distant memory. Sometimes this means that a dental visit will get pushed out to the next year, then the next year, then the next year – you see where we’re going with this. This year, make 2020 the year you visit the dentist with our tips to motivate.
Identify What Holds You Back
The truth: if you’re motivating yourself to do something, then there is at least one reason why you might not want to do it in the first place. Identify this reason. Is it an issue with time? Cost? dental anxiety? When you know the reason, or reasons, as to why there’s resistance, you’ll be better prepared to find a solution.
Feel free to call the dental office of your choosing and ask questions about your concerns. The individual that you speak with should be able to frame the situation in a realistic way. You might even be pleasantly surprised by what they have to say, making you feel welcomed before the first visit. From here, you can get more excited (and motivated) to see the dentist.
Visualize the Best Scenario
Once you identify what holds you back, motivate yourself by imagining the potential for positives in the situation. For example, visualize what your healthier teeth will look like after visiting the dentist. You might see yourself smiling and enjoying your next meal without that pesky toothache. Ultimately, think of the visit in a positive light such as how you get to meet the doctor and their team who are friendly and dedicated to your oral health. Imagining the positive can really help you along your journey as it sets the tone for the entire visit.
Use Logic to Motivate
When problems arise with our teeth, they rarely resolve on their own. Unfortunately, cavities can worsen into root canals and infections can spread to other areas of the mouth. Understand that we can only help you at the time you arrive at our office. Time travel is impossible, at least, as of 2020. Preventing problems or preventing problems from worsening can save precious time and money in the long run. Use this logic as a reminder that you’re doing yourself a big favor.
Pick a Reward
If you’re anything like us, you like a good treat. Plan a reward after your dental visit, such as going to your favorite restaurant or watching your favorite TV show afterward. Anything that brings you happiness counts as a way to treat yourself. You’ll also find that it helps you pick up the phone and make that first appointment.
Visit the Website
Many of our patients don’t realize the kind of personable experience they’ll have at our office. Of course, we’re not mind readers, but we imagine some people think of drills and over-the-top serious employees who simply cannot take a joke. We wouldn’t want to go there either! Before you schedule with an office, scope out their website and reviews. Find their Meet the Team page to familiarize yourself with the team members. More often than not, you’ll find at least one office that makes you feel at least a little excited to go there. With newfound excitement, you’ll also have newfound motivation.
New Patient Specials
In times that cost is a concern, keep a lookout for specials run by offices. Many dental offices have a new patient special but remember that this could change at any time. Specials often expire after a certain time frame, so utilize that sense of urgency to motivate. We have quarterly specials that might be of interest to any locals out there!
2020 is a time for positive change, so make an appointment with us today. We would love to meet you.
If you need more time to familiarize yourself with us, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
I loved what you said about picking a reward for going to the dentist. I’m terrified of the dentist so I haven’t been in several years. I think it’s time that I go again, so I’ll definitely use these methods to help me maintain my cool!
This post was truly worthwhile to read. I wanted to say thank you for the key points you have pointed out as they are enlightening.