I have a little stuttering problem. It's not that bad, but I think in my head it's a lot worse than it really is. Sometimes I think too fast and try to rush out my thoughts. I was just recently accepted into dental school, and I'm worried that I'll run my patients off or scare them. I think I am just being paranoid! What would you guys do if your dentist stuttered? I made it past the interview because I was really focused and I knew I couldn't screw up. But when I feel really relaxed and get in that social mood and try to force out a whole bunch of thoughts at once, I stumble over words every now and then. I know everybody stutters now and then, but mine is a little bit more than that, but it's not severe either.
2006-12-28 14:08:26 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
We had a doctor who stuttered where we used to live. As long as a doctor/dentist/other professional does his/her job well, the manner of speech is no problem. I do have a problem with people who are arrogant, bossy, or won't listen whether they are good speakers or not! Check out the web site for The Stuttering Foundation of America at www.stutteringhelp.org and see if your library has "Self Therapy for the Stutterer" and "A Stutterer's Story" as they are great for adults who stutter.
2006-12-29 11:48:06 · answer #1 · answered by Bud B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Stuttering Doctor
2016-12-18 17:28:42 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stuttering will not effect your ability at being a good dentist. If you are concerned how your patients will perceve you then what I would do, is try making it less noticable and more fun for your little patients. Keep a toothbrush in the side of your mouth and when you talk and you do stutter they may think it is the toothbrush interferring. It will also send out a great message to your patients.
Good Luck.
2006-12-28 15:58:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd feel nervous if my dentist stuttered because I'd wonder: "why is he nervous?" By the time you finish Dental School, you'll have had time to work on relaxing. If you're not relaxed (and therefore stuttering) it will be difficult for your patients to relax. Try some breathing techniques. Otherwise, smile through embarassing stuttering and while not being overly-apologetic, explain that you're sorry for thinking faster than your mouth can talk. That fascination with the mouth is what got you interested in dentistry, right? :D
2006-12-28 14:16:06 · answer #4 · answered by AMEWzing 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your stuttering has nothing to do with your academic or professional abilities. I know, I used to stutter too. The concentration you described should assist you as when you are working with patients, you are concentrating on work.
As for their reaction, you can joke about it to normalize the situation. Going to the dentist is a frightening thing for many people. Having a dentist admit that he too has some things that are difficult for him could be a reassuring thing. I don't see anyone seeing you as less for it. Just keep your head about you and you will be fine. Of this I have no doubt.
Good luck with your studies, I am certain you will make a fine professional!
2006-12-28 14:13:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'd probably be turned on by a dentist who stuttered. I think there's just something kinda sweet and sexy about a guy that trips over his words. Just start practicing a sexy smile to go with it and you'll have more women patients than you can handle! ;)
2006-12-28 14:23:59 · answer #6 · answered by TPhi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You'll be fine. You should be worrying more about just getting through the acedemics. That is hard enough without worrying about what people will think in the far future. As you said the problem isn't that bad, probably hardly noticable. Use the time between now and graduation to train yourself to speak slower. you'll do great!
2006-12-28 14:18:12 · answer #7 · answered by PRS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It might bother some people at first but if you can prove you are a good dentist then you shouldn't have to worry.Just take a deep breath and speak slowly,thinking about what you're going to say before you say it.Personally,I think when somebody pauses and thinks something over before they speak,it makes them seem more intelligent.Like they're actually considering whatever they're speaking about. :)
2006-12-28 14:20:08 · answer #8 · answered by rebel_gurl002 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the best thing is to let people know you stutter, you can't hide it and people won't be so surprised. My son stutters because he has tourettes, when he lets people know he stutters due to a tic they listen to him.
2006-12-28 16:04:03 · answer #9 · answered by smurf_punky 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you can live with yourself then by all means accept a shortcoming that only goes to show how human you are too. You just might find that your patients will emphathize with you.
2006-12-28 14:11:55 · answer #10 · answered by enricodiroma 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋