Good manners

(By Dr. Joseph D. Lim and Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI)

GOOD manners and right conduct. This is the rule we have been taught since elementary school.

Good manners also apply when visiting the dental clinic.

Like, is it proper to visit the dentist when you are sick with ailments other than oral health concerns? Yes it is, if you’re just under the weather, so to speak, with a cough or a cold. But not if you have something infectious, and it is best to inform your dentist pronto.

Or if you have symptoms of COVID-19, then go to the nearest medical doctor and/or hospital and not to your dentist.

Otherwise, simple ailments like a sneeze is fine with your friendly neighborhood dentist who have gone the extra mile to put in place hygiene measures in the dental clinic to protect you, the dentist and the dental staff.

Good manners in the dental clinic include turning off your mobile phone. However, if you are already sitting in the dental chair and waiting for and important call or want to make a very important one that couldn’t wait, politely ask the dentist and inform the good doctor. It would be fine, the dentist will understand.

If the text message, call, group chatting, mobile apps, social media, games, Instagram and Tik-Tok could wait, better turn off the cellular phone.

One no-no when it comes to the dental office is not to cancel or rescheduling a dental appointment – well in advance, if possible. Simply not showing up at all is not good manners. We know that this is true in other social situations as well. Not cancelling a dental appointment may also deprive another patient the opportunity to have urgent issues checked and treated.

Pets and children? Yes and no. No pets at the dental clinic – nor at any clinic at all. Children, yes, as long as they behave properly and not be noisy or be a nuisance. That is, as long as children do not cause distraction among other patients and the dentist and dental staff as well.

Smoking of course is forbidden inside any clinics or any enclosed places, for that matter. Smoking is bad, in the first place as it could lead to gum disease, tooth loss, stained teeth – and mouth cancer.

If you have to smoke, do it well before your scheduled dental appointment. If no one has told you yet, we will: smoking causes bad breath.

Asking questions is expected. So it’s not impolite. Indeed, it is proper to ask the dentist any question you want answered.

Dentists believe it is essential for the patient to be aware of dental procedures so that the patient is informed enough to make the right decisions about his or her options. Don’t be embarrassed – doctors and dentists expect you to ask questions, even the seemingly “stupid” queries. 

Honesty is the best policy. So it is good manners not to hide your habits at home or your medical history. This way, the dentist is also able to make informed decisions on your treatment and the management of oral health issues.

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Dr. Joseph D. Lim, Ed. D., is the former Associate Dean of the College of Dentistry, University of the East; former Dean, College of Dentistry, National University; Past President and Honorary Fellow of the Asian Oral Implant Academy; Honorary Fellow of the Japan College of Oral Implantologists;  Honorary Life Member of the Thai Association of Dental Implantology; and Founding Chairman of the Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail jdlim2008@gmail.com or text 0917-8591515.

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Dr. Kenneth Lester Lim, BS-MMG, DDM, MSc-OI, graduated Doctor of Dental Medicine, University of the Philippines, College of Dentistry, Manila, 2011; Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management, De la Salle University, Manila, 2002; and Master of Science (MSc.) in Oral Implantology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany, 2019. He is an Associate Professor; Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists; Member, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and Fellow, Philippine College of Oral Implantologists. For questions on dental health, e-mail limdentalcenter@gmail.com./PN