Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

progressoid

(50,747 posts)
Mon Apr 11, 2016, 12:22 PM Apr 2016

A dental doula?

Suzy Flanders had always dreamed of having a natural tooth extraction without pain medications, sedation, or local anesthesia, just like in the Bible or on an episode of Keeping Up With Kardashians. “When the day finally came on April 1st 2011, and my dentist recommended the removal of an impacted third molar, I almost couldn’t believe it,” Flanders explained. “After reading everything I could find online and talking to a few trusted friends and family members, the right choice became clear. I had to do what was best for me and for my precious tooth.”

What she found in her research was the consistent recommendation to have someone present during the procedure that had been through the experience themselves. Many proponents of natural dental care endorse this practice because there is evidence that it helps to reduce the need for harmful medications that might prevent a quick return to normal activity. They also argue that a dental procedure is about more than just the removal of an abscessed tooth or the correction of malocclusion, it’s about experiencing what the procedure feels like and discovering what you are capable of achieving. Natural dental care patients learn to manage their pain and remain open to the excitement and exhilaration of the process, and often report feeling higher levels of satisfaction. After all, modern humans have been experiencing the beauty of natural dental pain for 250,000 years.

After discussing the idea with her husband Daniel, Flanders decided to seek out the services of a dental doula.

What is a dental doula?

Similar to doulas that attend the birthing of children or farm animals, the specific focus of a dental doula involves being present prior to and during a procedure in order to provide reassurance, support, and information. The dental doula that Flanders found served as a calming presence and a firm voice of support and encouragement throughout the extraction. “We really connected. She had been through it all herself after a rollerblading accident resulted in a fractured maxillary central incisor, so she knew the pain that I was feeling. I was able to focus on her voice and cling to it like a piece of floating driftwood during a powerful storm.”

Introspective data from across the nation has shown an increasing utilization of dental doula services over the past decade. According to the American College of Dental Doulas spokesdoula Kate Orberton, people are realizing that dental doulas empower patients and ease communication with dentists, orthodontists, and their support staff without giving dental advice. Orberton stressed that dental doulas are not a replacement for licensed oral health professionals.

...https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/hiring-a-doula-for-dental-procedures/


My brother is a dentist. Next time I see him, I gotta ask about this. His practice is in a small town with mostly middle and lower income patients. I doubt he'd ever see this.
6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
A dental doula? (Original Post) progressoid Apr 2016 OP
"...discovering what you are capable of achieving." Adsos Letter Apr 2016 #1
Hoe Lee Shit. Warpy Apr 2016 #2
Gimme Novocaine and nitrous, please. trotsky Apr 2016 #3
Of all the things that stand out in this article Lordquinton Apr 2016 #4
Little Shop of Horrors maybe? progressoid Apr 2016 #5
I'm pretty sure that this is satire. drm604 Apr 2016 #6

Adsos Letter

(19,459 posts)
1. "...discovering what you are capable of achieving."
Mon Apr 11, 2016, 12:28 PM
Apr 2016

Think I'll pass on that one when it comes to dentistry or surgery.

Warpy

(113,130 posts)
2. Hoe Lee Shit.
Mon Apr 11, 2016, 12:30 PM
Apr 2016

Those rich people sure know how to spend their money stupidly. I hope Flanders felt like a total twit afterward.

Shoot, I'd rather get them pulled than drilled. It's over faster. Just numb the jaw, give me a little nitrous, and yank.

trotsky

(49,533 posts)
3. Gimme Novocaine and nitrous, please.
Mon Apr 11, 2016, 12:59 PM
Apr 2016

I'm sure my auras have suffered harm but fuck that noise, I don't like pain.

Lordquinton

(7,886 posts)
4. Of all the things that stand out in this article
Mon Apr 11, 2016, 02:19 PM
Apr 2016

the one line that really struck me was "beauty of natural dental pain"

drm604

(16,230 posts)
6. I'm pretty sure that this is satire.
Fri Apr 22, 2016, 12:34 AM
Apr 2016
“When the day finally came on April 1st 2011, and my dentist recommended the removal of an impacted third molar, I almost couldn’t believe it,” Flanders explained.
Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Skepticism, Science & Pseudoscience»A dental doula?