For adults · Health and appointments
At the dentist
You are in the dentist's chair. It has been twenty minutes and you need a pause. Their hands are in your mouth.
What could you do?
Three things you could say. None of them is the one right answer; each note says why it fits the moment, or why it may not.
Raise your hand. When they stop, say: "I need a short break."
A strong fit
A raised hand is the signal dentists use. Then the words.
Before they start, say: "I may need a pause. If I raise my hand, please stop."
Also works here
This sets up the break in advance. It works best said at the start.
Hold still and wait for it to end.
Worth a second look
You can. Dentists expect pauses, and waiting does not get you one.
What people here usually expect
- Dentists expect patients to signal for a pause. A raised hand is the usual signal.
- You can agree the signal before treatment starts.
- Asking for a break is not a problem for the appointment. It is part of it.
Your words
Write the one sentence you would say to a dentist before they start.
In the app you write one line here and it lands in your lines. Nothing is graded.
The move this moment practises: Ask for a break.
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