Holiday parties are supposed to be fun—good food, good music, good company. But if you’re a dentist, you know how it really goes:
You walk in the door, grab a drink, and within five minutes someone is pointing at a molar and saying, “Since you’re here… can I ask you something?”
Suddenly, you’re explaining root canals beside the charcuterie board.
If you’re tired of giving free consultations during holiday gatherings, here’s how to gracefully avoid being the unofficial party dentist while still being friendly, warm, and social.
1. Have a Light, Pre-Prepared Response Ready
When someone starts with, “Okay, quick question…,” you don’t have to launch into clinician mode. Try:
- “Oh gosh, I promised myself I’m off duty tonight! But I’d be happy to look at it in the office.”
- “That sounds like something I should see in person—otherwise I’ll accidentally diagnose you next to the Christmas cookies.”
It’s gentle, funny, and sets a boundary.
2. Redirect the Conversation Smoothly
Most people aren’t trying to take advantage—they just know you’re a dentist and forget you’re also a human. A quick redirection works wonders:
- “Teeth talk aside… how’s your holiday season going?”
- “Enough about molars—tell me your best holiday plan this year.”
You acknowledge their question and guide the chat back to normal conversation.
3. Use Humor to Defuse Awkward Moments
Humor is your best friend at holiday parties. When someone opens their mouth mid-party to show you a “weird spot,” try:
- “I left my gloves and dental light at home. You do not want me diagnosing anything in this lighting.”
- “If I start talking teeth, I’ll accidentally invoice you. Let’s spare us both.”
People laugh—and move on.
4. Set a Personal Rule: No Mouth Talk After a Certain Hour
If it’s a work party or you know you’ll run into patients, set an internal limit.
Something like: “After 7 PM, I’m just Sable, not Dr. Sable.”
It’s a mindset shift that makes it easier to say no without guilt.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Gently Change the Subject
If someone insists on tooth talk:
- Compliment their sweater
- Ask about their family
- Mention a holiday movie you love
- Point out the dessert table like it’s an emergency
Redirection doesn’t have to feel rude—it can feel natural and warm.
6. Lean Into Being a Person, Not a Profession
Dentists often feel defined by their job. Use parties as a reminder that you’re more than enamel and occlusion.
Talk about:
- Hobbies
- Travel plans
- Family traditions
- Favorite holiday recipes
- Literally anything that isn’t incisors
Sometimes people keep talking about teeth because dentists keep talking about dentistry. You’re allowed to shift gears.
7. Give Yourself Permission to Step Away
If someone corners you with a full-on dental lecture request, excuse yourself kindly:
- “I’m going to grab another drink—let’s catch up later.”
- “I just saw a friend I need to say hi to!”
Parties are social, not clinical.
8. And Finally… Accept That One Person Will Still Ask Anyway
You’ll still get that one guest who leans in close and whispers, “Do you think this tooth is infected?”
When it happens:
- Smile
- Redirect
- Protect your peace
You’re not obligated to provide free exams on your night off.
Holiday parties should leave you feeling lighter—not like you worked an unpaid shift. With a few boundaries, a little humor, and some practiced redirects, you can enjoy the season as a person first and a dentist second.
Here’s to fewer molar conversations and more merry ones.
