To begin with, let’s make it very clear: our dental office has always been happy to see our patients enjoying taking selfies in the office. As the photo reveals, in fact, we go so far as to share in the pictures when asked to do so. This is not entirely a selfless attitude; in plain terms, it’s very good business when patients are so at ease with us, they want to share images of their experience directly from the office. At the same time, and in all honesty, we find that just the taking of the selfie makes the patients more comfortable, which is helpful for all concerned.
Along those lines, it may be that the best part of the dental office selfie is that it erodes the age-old stereotype of the dentist as something to be avoided. The pictures send messages of comfort all over social media. Then, these are more than just pictures. They are opportunities to get closer to the patient and have a little fun – notice the bunny ears on both the patient and the hygienist? We have more in the way of costume accessories as well, and it’s enjoyable to see the almost childlike sense of fun these simple things bring to the patient, and when we share in the selfie, moods are lightened all around.

Lastly, there’s yet another advantage to the dental office selfie. In a sense, we find that the patient taking it exhibits both a true sense of humor and a complete willingness to reveal themselves in a situation where people generally don’t feel all that attractive. Selfies in general are so often criticized as exercises in narcissism, but we find the opposite to be true. When they are taken in our office, they humanize. They reveal the realistic and lighthearted sense of themselves our patients have and, for all of these reasons, the selfies work to enhance the dental experience for all concerned. So, when you come to see us, bring your phone!