Hello, dentist. Welcome to SR!
Originally Posted by
AAdentistAA 
I don't want to be seen as a "problem drinker" by virtue of avoiding the stuff!
People will not assume that. Most will leave you alone if you don't drink...your reasons are your own--you do not need to explain or justify your actions to anyone. It's not their business if you don't drink for health reasons, religious reasons, or 'fill in the blank'. Anyone offers you something, you can always simply say "No, thank you." Any further explaination isn't necessary.
When I was drinking, I encouraged people who weren't drinking to drink...I was such an @ss...the reason I did that was because
I was the one with a problem. That being said, chances are pretty good that you'll be left alone.
Welcome again.