On February 27, Fox News Digital published an article comparing the stress of air travel to the stress of visiting the dentist. Our reply to this—-Really???
Sadly, this article implies that dental visits are majorly stressful to many Americans.
Here we respond to quotes from the Fox News article to explain why going to the dentist is not at all as stressful as going to the airport for a flight.
A new survey from travel website Expedia has found that air travel is more stressful for many Americans these days than filing taxes or going to the dentist.
First sentence in Fox News Digital Air Travel Article 09/27/2023
Response: Modern Dental Office
Obviously, we wonder, Have these “many Americans” visited a modern dental office? And do they see their dentist and team on a regular basis?
In reality, many dental offices work hard to give patients a comfortable and stress free dental experience. And many of the stressors connected with dental offices from years past have gone away.
At Cranford Dental our goal is a pleasant dental experience for visitors to our office in Rock Hill, South Carolina. And offices across America share this same goal.
In terms of stress levels, booking your next flight shouldn’t be in the same ballpark as getting a cavity filled.
Melanie Fish, head of Expedia Group Brands public relations
Response: Cavity Filled
Melanie Fish (from the quote above) may not have had a cavity filled lately.
Fortunately, fillings in 2023 leave out the sounds and smells of the past. Today, fillings are pain free for the patient due to the following:
- Dentists use high speed handpieces to remove decay.
- These electric handpieces are quieter and quicker than drills of the past.
- The mouth is numb around the tooth being filled. No pain!
- Fillings are tooth colored and look natural in the mouth.
Typically, a filling appointment takes less time than working through the process of booking a flight. And the dentist and assistant handle the details!
With an increasing number of airline delays occurring in recent times, the company also provided tips on how to better the odds of a flight leaving on time — or leaving at all.
Fox News Travel Digital Article 09/27/23
Response: Predictability
Today dental offices use technology to schedule appointments. And the dental team has digital equipment to make them efficient and on task. This includes x-rays, cameras, scanners, printers, and numerous tools to make for successful dental work.
At our office, we use treatment plans to inform the patients what will happen at each appointment. And the patients examines photos and models of the mouth to know why they need work.
Therefore, the patient can predict what the final result will be.
This is in stark contrast to the way fliers feel when a flight is canceled last minute or as the quote above says—leaving on time, or leaving at all. And will your luggage come with you?
Americans may view air travel as stressful, since it’s often compounded with other anxiety-inducing situations, such as the feeling of losing control.
Maryland-based psychologist Dr. Mary Alvord to Fox News Digital
Response: Losing Control
In contrast to flying (as noted in above quote), patients at modern dental offices determine what happens in their mouths. Thanks to dental and digital radiographs, patients see the problems in their mouth before deciding on treatment.
At Cranford Dental, we talk to patients before, during, and after treatment to make sure they are onboard with their dental care.
Dr. Alvord admitted in the Fox article that airline travel is filled with unpredictable aspects, from getting to the airport on time and through security lines, to worries about flights delayed or canceled, many of which are out of our control.
Understandably, airport personnel in the terminal and pilots on the jets are not able to personally reassure and care for their flyers in the same way our dental team cares for our patients at every visit.
Some people are “anxious flyers” — and worry about being uncomfortable during a flight or experiencing a “major mishap in the air or landing. In addition, travel during the holidays brings more potential worries about family gatherings, losses and conflicts. All these uncertainties add up to significant stress and anxiety.
Maryland-based psychologist Dr. Mary Alvord to Fox News Digital
Response: Comfort and Worries
Seats in airplanes are very close together these days. And we hate to recline when the passenger in the seat behind will nearly feel us in their laps.
Our dental chairs today are comfortable and lean back to a comfortable position. And we will give you a blanket, television, and earphones free of charge.
In addition, you will have a dental staff member by your side at all times. Thus if you feel anxious or worried, you will have an experienced, confident person to talk to.
Airport Travel or Dental Visit?
Anyone who has flown from the Charlotte airport recently will admit that the crowds and lines make travel stressful. Often there are not seats at the gate and little room to stand.
In fact, in May, 2023 the International Airport Council named the Charlotte airport one of the busiest in the world.
And who hasn’t been on a flight that was delayed or canceled in the past year?
Certainly many of our patients would prefer walking into our pretty, modern office to arriving at the crowded airport. Not to mention the warm welcome our staff gives to visitors.
We love reading the nice Google reviews that patients write when they leave our office.
If you read the 730+ reviews from patients, you will see that many Americans enjoy visiting the dentist. These reviews do not mention stress of anxiety as they leave the office and write a review.
So—in modern times our dentists hope that people will see that coming to the dentist is not nearly as stressful as going to the airport.
Best wishes to Charlotte Douglas International Airport as they continue improve air travel by adding on and improving the airport!
And to dentists who work hard to make dental visits stress free, keep on improving the dental experience for patients who visit your office.
Visit Cranford Dental in Rock Hill, South Carolina if you would like to see a modern dental office, or make an appointment online.
Love this! Love Cranford Dental! They are the best. Airports and all that is involved in air travel is definitely more stressful in my book. Going to my dentist appointments are not stressful at all.
We always say, “This is a zoo!” but hopefully it will be better when the construction is finished. Great to hear your dental appointments are not stressful. We didn’t like that comparison at all.