Did you know that according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), about 36% of the population suffers dental anxiety? Although your nerves over dental work may seem like a mere inconvenience, it becomes a real problem if your concern keeps you from getting essential care. For example, avoiding routine checkups and cleanings can result in cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath.
Although there are many potential reasons you might have developed this fear, one common culprit is the media. How you’ve seen dentists portrayed over the years can influence your perception of those in this profession. Keep reading to learn about 3 examples of dentists in popular movies that might have contributed to your worry!
Reference #1: Little Shop of Horrors
If you’re a fan of cult classics, you may have seen this 1986 comedy musical featuring Steven Martin. In this film, he portrays a dentist, Dr. Orin Scrivello, who likes to inflict pain on his patients, including his girlfriend, Audrey. She dreams of running off with her co-worker at Mushnik’s Flower Shop, Seymour, to escape the clutches of her sadistic boyfriend. Eventually, he passes away and becomes fertilizer for the monster plant, Audrey II, which grows to enormous proportions and wreaks havoc in their lives. Although it’s not the most realistic depiction of a dentist, this portrayal can still leave you with a bad impression of those in the field!
Reference #2: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Another unfriendly movie dentist who might have influenced your opinion is Wilbur Wonka, the father of the famous Willy Wonka in the 2005 fantasy film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In this remake, the candy-maker has flashbacks about how his dad, a dentist, forbade him to eat any candy one fateful Halloween. Willy runs away in protest, and Wilbur shares that he “won’t be here” when his son returns. He keeps his dark promise when he transports himself and his house to another part of the country once Willy leaves.
Reference #3: Finding Nemo
Not all dentists in the media are evil; some are somewhat inept. Take, for example, Dr. Sherman in the 2003 Disney Pixar animated film Finding Nemo. The small, orange clownfish ends up in his office aquarium after being captured by a fishing boat. Although this dentist isn’t unkind or hurtful, he doesn’t stop his niece, Darla, from interacting destructively with marine life. She gets overexcited and doesn’t treat them gently, which can have detrimental effects on little fish!
Media tends to treat dentists as antagonists who enjoy putting people through long, agonizing procedures or as a comedic relief. The truth is that your dentist is a highly trained professional who can help you build and maintain a happy, healthy smile throughout your entire life. There’s no reason to fear someone whose goal is to help you look and feel like your best self!
About the Practice
At Pioneer Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, you benefit from a team of dentists who work together to offer a full array of services at one convenient location. Each dentist is a board-certified periodontist with a passion for helping patients improve their oral condition. They strive to create a relaxing environment and utilize state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort and the accuracy of treatment results. If you’ve avoided dental visits because of anxiety, they offer sedation that can help keep you calm so you can receive the care you need. To schedule an appointment, you can contact the office on the website or call (402) 382-6282.