The article examines cultural differences between France and the US regarding dental care, particularly the practice of flossing. Sarah Diligenti, director of the Alliance Francaise in Washington DC, shares her experiences moving to the US and discovering flossing, an unfamiliar concept in her native France. French dental care often prioritizes treatment over prevention, due in part to social security coverage, as explained by Dr. Adriana Agachi. Conversely, US dentistry emphasizes prevention, illustrated by the concern dentists show for patients' flossing habits, as noted by Dr. Sally J. Cram.
As Sarah Diligenti reflects, 'Being French, we didn't know what flossing was. Absolutely nobody mentioned it – certainly not my cousin.' This illustrates cultural gaps in dental care practices.
Dr. Adriana Agachi notes that in France, 'preventative care has not traditionally been a priority,' attributing this difference to how dental care is covered by social security.
In contrast to America, Dr. Sally J. Cram emphasizes that US dentistry is 'very focused on preventative care,' highlighting essential cultural differences around dental hygiene.
Reflecting on her first American dental experience, Diligenti recalls, 'The dentist looked at us like we were freak shows,' underscoring the unfamiliarity with flossing.
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