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I hate going to the dentist because I always feel like they are judging me and act like I'm a child. I agree, I would have been annoyed.

I think it's rude.

I can say from experience (my grandfather and uncle were dentists) that dentists know 1. people are afraid of them and 2. most people don't like going at all. They should know better than to make a comment like that even if it was a joke.

I've had doctors say this to me before. My chiropractor has, many times. I don't think it's rude necessarily because it's true! Sometimes I need a non-sugarcoated reminder that I need to take better care of myself, lest I find myself seeing them again, and soon! Which...nobody wants to do.

I bet you remember to floss, though

I think it's kind of rude. I've been a twice-a-year dental patient my whole life and have never had a cavity (that's just good genes), but between moving cross country and starting a new job and having a baby, I recently went 3 years without a cleaning.

So when I finally made an appointment, I told them on the phone that I hadn't had a cleaning and it would probably be pretty bad with buildup. And then I told the hygienist again when we started--and STILL, when they took X-rays, the dentist went on and on and on about the plaque build up. I mean, yeah, I get it--she was trying to make sure I go in more often, but I think berating your customers is not going to do it. I still didn't have any cavities, btw.

My poor husband grew up in a developing country and did not have any kind of regular dental care growing up, and he hatttttesssss going to the dentist now because every time he goes, they act shocked over his mouth and suggest so many things that he needs to do (removing wisdom teeth, correcting bite, sealing back teeth, "deep" cleanings, etc. So much that he gets overwhelmed and doesn't do any of it, and then doesn't go back for another 2 years. =(

ETA: I think it's all in how you approach things. Shaming people doesn't generally work to achieve any kind of results--something I had to learn in teaching with my students.

I think it's kind of funny, but I can see how it would irk me a bit. For me, it'd be one of those "don't know to laugh or be mad" kind of situations.

I don't think she was rude!

Eh, I always feel scolded at the dentist and I've been to several different ones. That's one of the reasons I HATE going.

Her comments don't bother me, but it's hard to tell how rude she was being without being able to hear the tone. Sometimes the words themselves aren't insulting, but the tone used to convey them are, and vice-versa!

That being said, I'm also one of those weird people that like going to the dentist. I love how clean my teeth feel after and I look forward to it! I also go four times a year because my teeth have issues, so...

She was probably trying to make a joke, but it really wasn't that funny! I try to be professional at hygiene appointments but I do make jokes sometimes but not really like that.

@aprild: I would have taken that as a joke and probably laughed along. I wouldn't over think it.

@Anagram: I did something similar with moving and skipping out on dentist visits for way too long (I'd had two not-great dentists in a row before we moved and would have had to look for a new one even if we hadn't moved, so I was burnt out on trying to find a good one to start with...and moving was a convenient reason to keep putting it off). I was upfront when I went in and the dentist was actually awesome -- matter-of-fact but completely nonjudgmental. He basically treated me the way I was hoping, which was that I knew I'd been stupid but it was in the past, I was there now, and it was time to just get things fixed up without a fuss (I did have a couple cavities). I'm SO thankful to have found a dentist like that!

Anyway, I think the OP's dentist was kind of rude and I wouldn't have liked it, but if I was otherwise satisfied with their service I'd write it off this once.

I basically feel like this is how every interacting goes for me with a dentist. It's the main reason I hate going to the dentist. So while I'd definitely be annoyed and offended I feel like it's normal for a dentist, which is why I picked other.

I may be biased because I love the dentist but... I think it was just her sense of humour! Dentists are necessary for everyone, so when they say stuff about getting you to come back, I never really take offence. If they were destroying my teeth and giving me bad advice and saying stuff like that, well... then I would find a new dentist.

However, if they're taking care of my teeth and giving me good advice that I just don't listen/adhere to, then I don't mind them making money jokes!

I think I would be irritated by it because it would make me feel like I'm just a paycheck to her, not a real person with feelings (like maybe fear or anxiety?)! I'm not sure I'd call it rude, just insensitive and frankly, kind of stupid.

Same as @MrsHansen82, that is precisely why I hate going to the dentist. I have terrible enamel. I could be perfect with my flossing/brushing, and I would still have issues. But making me feel crappy isn't going to help that.

I don't think it was really rude. It wasn't polite either.. but I wouldn't let it get to me. I would just change dentists if it bothers/bothered you.

I picked other because it sounds like a quirky dental joke that they probably say to lots of people. Dental visits are my least favorite dr visits. I have gone to some shady dentists though that so once I found a good one, I have kept the same guy for 15 years!

@MrsHansen82: just anecdotally I think dentists tend to have way worse bedside manner than doctors overall. I've gotten so many weird/awkward vibes from dentists...

Oh gosh, this seems like a mountain out of a molehill. Not rude at all, but if you feel uncomfortable, find another dentist. There's plenty out there who dial it in and won't make any small talk.