I Haven’t Been to the Dentist in Years – Will I Be Judged?

christy446
2 days ago
3 min read

If you’ve been putting off a dental visit for a long time, you’re not alone. One of the most common things we hear from new patients at Hermitage Dental Practice is:

“I’m embarrassed… I haven’t been to the dentist in years and I’m worried I’ll be judged.”

We want to reassure you straight away — you will not be judged.

Many people delay dental visits for all sorts of reasons: anxiety, busy lives, financial concerns, previous bad experiences, or simply not knowing where to start. Whatever the reason, what matters to us is helping you move forward comfortably and confidently.

You’re not the only one feeling this way

Dental anxiety is far more common than most people realise. Research shows that over a third of patients feel anxious before a dental appointment, especially if it’s been a long time since their last visit.

At Hermitage Dental Practice, we understand this completely. That’s why we focus on creating a calm, supportive, and unhurried experience, from the moment you get in touch, right through to your appointment and beyond.

What to expect from your first visit (step by step)

Sometimes anxiety comes from the fear of the unknown. Knowing exactly what will happen can make all the difference.

Prior to your visit

Before your first appointment with one of our private dentists, we’ll send you some forms via email using our Patient Bridge software (please check your junk folder just in case). These forms ask about your medical and social history, including any medical conditions, medications, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

Completing these at home helps your appointment run smoothly and avoids feeling rushed when you arrive.

We also recommend allowing plenty of time off work if you feel anxious. As a private practice, we allocate longer appointment times and generally run on time, so you won’t feel hurried or left waiting.

If you’re unable to complete the forms beforehand, please try to arrive a little early. Our friendly reception team can help you complete them on a tablet — there’s no pressure and no judgement.

Meeting our Treatment Co-ordinators

The first stage of your Dental Assessment is with one of our experienced and approachable treatment co-ordinators.

They’ll:

Offer you a drink
Take time to chat and get to know you
Talk through any worries or concerns you may have
Carry out a 3D scan of your mouth
Take photographs inside and outside the mouth

This is a great opportunity to tell us if you feel nervous or if there’s anything you’re worried about — we’re here to listen.

Your Dental Assessment

You’ll then be guided through to see the dentist, who will take time to speak with you in detail about your dental history and any concerns you have.

The assessment includes:

A full examination of your teeth
A detailed gum health assessment
Oral cancer screening (including tongue, floor of the mouth, palate and soft tissues)
Checks of the jaw joints, lips, cheeks and neck
X-rays where appropriate

The dentist will explain everything they see and answer any questions you have. If there’s anything about your smile you’re unhappy with or would like to change, this can also be discussed — only if and when you feel ready.

Understanding your treatment options

After your Dental Assessment, your treatment co-ordinator will spend time going through the dentist’s findings and proposed treatment plan.

They will:

Explain all available treatment options
Discuss costs, time frames, and pros and cons
Take your preferences and concerns into account
Talk through payment options and finance options if required

This is never a rushed conversation. We believe it’s essential that patients feel informed, supported, and in control of their decisions.

You’ll also be given your treatment co-ordinator’s contact details, so you can ask questions later if anything comes to mind.

What happens next?

Once everything has been discussed, our reception team will guide you through booking any follow-up appointments, whether that’s further treatment or routine dental reviews. You’ll leave knowing exactly what the next steps are — no pressure, no surprises.

Our approach: kindness, time, and understanding

We truly believe that taking time to get to know our patients is the key to building trust. Many of our patients once felt nervous or embarrassed — and now feel completely at ease visiting us.

We’d encourage you to read our 5-star Google reviews, where patients regularly mention our empathetic manner and calming approach.