The Dental Appointment I Didn’t Dread
I used to think finding a dentist that I actually liked was basically impossible. Between work, travel, and the general chaos of living here, going to the dentist was always one of those things I’d put off until I absolutely couldn’t anymore.
Then I found Tend.
And honestly, I wasn’t expecting much. I’ve been to plenty of healthcare spaces where “welcoming” feels like something they put on a website rather than something you actually experience.
Tend felt different from the second I walked in.
A Dental Office Where I Actually Felt Comfortable
First of all, the space doesn’t feel like a traditional dentist at all. It’s bright, modern, calming - much more boutique hotel than fluorescent-lit waiting room.
But what really stood out to me was the people.
As a queer man, I’ve definitely had experiences in healthcare where you can feel like you’re being treated differently, or like you have to explain yourself or your relationship before you can just focus on getting care.
I didn’t feel any of that at Tend.
There were no assumptions, no awkward questions, no weird energy. Just people treating me like a person.
And honestly, that shouldn’t feel remarkable…but it does.
Finally, A Healthcare Experience That Feels Inclusive
I think there’s a difference between a company saying it’s inclusive and actually creating an environment where you feel comfortable being yourself.
Tend feels like the latter.
It’s in the little things - how the staff talks to you, how they ask questions, how comfortable the space feels, and how they make you feel like you belong there without making a big deal about it.
As someone who’s spent plenty of time navigating spaces that weren’t necessarily designed with people like me in mind, I really appreciated that.
And Yes, I Actually Didn’t Feel Judged
The other thing I loved? Zero judgment.
I’m not going to pretend I’ve always been perfect about dental care. And I know I’m not the only person who has avoided making an appointment because they’re embarrassed about how long it’s been.
At Tend, the whole process felt straightforward and genuinely supportive.
They explained what they were doing, answered my questions, and never made me feel bad about anything. It felt more like, “Okay, here’s where you’re at, and here’s how we can help,” rather than a lecture.
That alone made me want to actually stay on top of my dental care.
Why I’m Recommending Tend to Everyone
I came in expecting a dentist appointment.
What I got was a healthcare experience that felt modern, easy, and genuinely inclusive. It’s also so convenient because it takes a few minutes to book and they even take same-day appointments - there’s really no excuse to NOT go to the dentist anymore.
Whether you’re queer, anxious about the dentist, new to a city, overdue for a cleaning, or just looking for a dental office where you don’t feel like a number, Tend is absolutely worth checking out.
Because healthcare shouldn’t make you feel like you have to edit yourself before you walk through the door.
I finally found a dentist where I don’t feel like I have to.
