{"id":231,"date":"2026-10-21T03:11:47","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T03:11:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.woodsidedental.com\/blog\/2026\/10\/21\/the-one-question-i-wish-more-patients-would-ask\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T03:11:47","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T03:11:47","slug":"the-one-question-i-wish-more-patients-would-ask","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.woodsidedental.com\/blog\/2026\/10\/21\/the-one-question-i-wish-more-patients-would-ask\/","title":{"rendered":"The One Question Your Dentist Wishes You Would Ask"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\"Female<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

When visiting the dentist<\/a>, do you tend to ask what you\u2019re doing wrong more than what you\u2019re doing right? In the moment, you may not think about all the ways you are taking proper care of your smile and instead focus only on what is likely going wrong. If you\u2019re like most people, you may lean toward the negative instead of the positive, but failing to ask what you\u2019re doing right is a missed opportunity! What do I mean? Keep reading to find out!<\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Focus Remains on Problems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When you have a painful toothache, or something appears \u201coff,\u201d you\u2019ll naturally focus on the problem. It\u2019s normal. As a dentist, I completely understand. But what you may forget is that your dental visits are opportunities to receive positive feedback from your dental team on what you\u2019re doing right to keep your oral health in check!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Question Do I Wish Patients Would Ask More?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It may not be top of mind when you visit your dentist, but I wish more patients like you would ask, \u201cWhat am I doing right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Believe it or not, the answer can change how a person approaches their oral health. Sharing positive feedback, such as \u201cyour flossing technique has improved\u201d or \u201cthe new habit you\u2019ve started is making a big difference,\u201d can give someone the hope they need about their smile and overall health. Positivity is a wonderful thing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients have told me they view dental visits differently after receiving praise. Needless to say, I never imagined something I said during an appointment could make such a big impact on how they now perceive and experience the dentist\u2019s office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why This Positive Mindset Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It may not be new, but positive reinforcement works. Kids are not the only ones who benefit from this method of reframing. Grown adults who receive praise from their dentist are more likely to keep up the good work. Think of it this way: You started a new job, but no one told you what you\u2019re supposed to do. You\u2019d probably feel unsure; you might even consider quitting, especially if your boss or colleagues keep reminding you that you\u2019re not doing your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Similarly, patients who only hear what they\u2019re doing wrong can feel like all hope is lost and that nothing they do will make a difference. This can be depressing over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How a Small Shift Can Make a Big Difference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As a dentist, I want my patients to feel good about their smile, so I now volunteer this information and provide praise more often. Patients often don\u2019t even ask, but I wish they would. Why? Because it’s powerful and confidence-boosting to have your dentist answer an important question like this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next time you visit the dentist, don\u2019t hesitate to ask, \u201cWhat am I doing right?\u201d You may just be surprised by what they say and how it changes your outlook on your own dental care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About the Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Woodside Dental Care opened its doors in 1994 and is currently led by a team of dentists with decades of experience and a compassionate approach to care. Dr. Cornetta owns Woodside Dental Care and earned his dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He is currently on track to earn his Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. Prioritizing patients\u2019 preventive care and oral health, he encourages individuals to ask questions and become more informed about their overall wellness. If you would like to learn more about the care you can expect to receive at our office, visit our website<\/a> or call us at (718) 898-6010<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"When visiting the dentist, do you tend to ask what you\u2019re doing wrong more than what you\u2019re doing right? In the moment, you may not think about all the ways you are taking proper care of your smile and instead focus only on what is likely going wrong. If you\u2019re like most people, you may lean toward the negative instead of the positive, but failing to ask what you\u2019re doing right is a missed opportunity! 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