Speaking the Language

English was not my first language…Spanish is.

When I entered kindergarten, at Devonshire Elementary in Skokie, I was behind academically from the other students.

My mom thought that eventually I would catch up if I just kept plugging away.

By the time I got to 3rd grade, it was obvious that I was not going to catch up without some extra help. It was suggested by the school that we hire a private tutor, to help me catch up academically.

The tutor would come to our house and she would give me assignments to work on during the week.

My mom would remind me to do the assignments but I just blew them off.

The tutor would come back and none of my homework was completed. I was showing no progress at school.

The tutor told my mom that she was wasting her money with me and should not spend her money, until I became more serious.

My mom sat me down and told me that it was up to me, if I wanted to improve in school.

She told me that she couldn’t physically put the information into my brain. It was up to me to do the work and put forth the effort, if I wanted to change my situation.

We all want the best thing for our loved ones, but it’s up to them to want to change.

Every week, I’ll have a family member tell me how they’ve been trying to get their loved ones to see me. They’ll confess that their loved one has not seen a dentist in years.

Making someone come see the dentist is very difficult.

You need to remember there are usually 2 barriers, that are keeping them from coming in.

1. They feel that since they haven’t seen the dentist in years, the dentist and staff will judge them. They feel the office will make them feel bad for avoiding their dental care.

Being judged is one of the most degrading feelings a person could feel.

WE’VE ALL BEEN THERE!!!

Everyone is this office has had teeth and gum issues. We all know how it feels for a provider to be critical of our oral home care and other things.

I believe this is why we, at Dente, keep a non judgmental attitude. We’ve all been there and that keeps us grounded.

2. They feel that the dental appointment will cause physical pain.

The very first appointment you will experience at Dente, will mostly be a discussion between you and me, the dentist.

Together we will find out what the your needs and wants are.

If the patient is anxious, we can offer anxiety reducing pills that will help make the appointments more comfortable and relaxing.

If you are ready to see a dentist that listens to your concerns, visit us at mydente.com or call 773-292-1911 to schedule a consultation today!

Floss Like A Madman!

Emilio “Tutoring to Learn” Couret