Managing patients with dental anxiety or dentophobia can be challenging for any dentist. However, taking steps to alleviate their fears is essential for encouraging them to maintain regular appointments and prioritize their oral health.
Roughly 36 percent of people living in the United States have a fear of dentists. Although dental anxiety is extremely common, it’s something that’s not discussed very often, especially between dentists and their patients.
Open communication about dental anxiety is key in building trust between dentists and patients, helping to create a more comfortable and stress-free experience at every visit.
Reasons people have dental anxiety
Before you can effectively support patients with dental anxiety, it’s essential to understand the root of their fears. Many individuals avoid dental visits due to anxiety, stress, or negative past experiences related to dental care. Recognizing these underlying causes can help dentists create a more compassionate and reassuring environment.
Common reasons for dental anxiety include:
- A negative or traumatic past experience at the dentist office
- Influence from another person who has dental anxiety
- Family history of dental anxiety
- A sense of helplessness
- A sense of embarrassment
Tips for dentists to help patients with dental anxiety
As a dentist, it’s important to educate your patients about the negative effects of skipping appointments and make them feel comfortable and safe during their visit.
Patients can become caught in a cycle of dental fear, where anxiety leads to irregular dental visits, which ultimately results in more serious oral health issues due to prolonged avoidance of care.
Strategies for dentists to help ease dental anxiety:
- Care and communication: One of the best ways to ease patient anxiety is to help them feel comfortable. Asking patients to voice their concerns can help them relax. Remember to continually check on your patient before, during, and after the dental procedure.
- Patient-centered care: Express to your patients that they have control over their oral health care. Be sure to listen to the patient and answer any questions they have completely.
- Play music during the treatment: Research has found that music with a slow tempo “can reduce blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and cardiac output in anxious patients during dental treatment.” Play calming music in the waiting area and treatment rooms to help keep anxious patients remain calm.
- Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy “is the use of essential oils to improve your health or well-being”. A study published in the Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine found that “aromatherapy is one of the most effective non-pharmacological methods for managing dental anxiety.”
Incorporating these strategies can help patients feel more at ease during their visits, creating a positive and comfortable experience. When patients feel relaxed, they are more likely to return for regular checkups, ensuring better long-term oral health.
Easing dental anxiety encourages long-term patient commitment
Creating positive experiences at the dentist is essential for reducing dental anxiety and building patient trust. When patients feel heard, supported, and comfortable, they are more likely to return for regular visits, leading to better oral health outcomes.
Dentists play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of dental fear by treating even the most anxious patients with kindness, compassion, and patience. A welcoming and reassuring approach can transform a fearful patient’s perception of dental care, turning anxiety into confidence and helping them prioritize their oral health without hesitation.
Looking for more information on dental anxiety? Check out “Tips to Help Someone with Dental Anxiety”.
