If you understand what patients fear most about dentistry, you’ll be better equipped to help them cope. 

This article is a shortened version of content published in the latest issue of AGD Impact. Read the full article, then earn one CE credit (750 Special Patient Care) by completing the Self-Instruction quiz.

Robert F. Perler, DDS, MS, FAGD, recalled the story of a memorable patient, “Chuck,” a Vietnam War veteran in his mid-60s. During the war, Chuck had to traverse a ravine using a rope bridge. He fell through the bridge and broke his jaw and many teeth. Chuck couldn’t access proper dental care where he was, so he endured the excruciating process of having his jaw set and teeth extracted without any anesthetic. 

The incident led to him avoiding a dentist’s office for 30 years. 

Not all dentists will encounter a patient with a debilitating dental phobia like Chuck’s, but most, at some point in their careers, will serve the dual role of dentist and psychologist. Learning how to relieve your patients’ anxieties, which can range from mild to severe, involves understanding the problem and the treatment options. 

General Tips for Easing Dental Anxiety 

• Hire friendly, well-trained front desk staff who understand how to calm an anxious patient’s fears and can share examples of patients treated in the office who have overcome their dental fears. 
• Have ample time for each procedure. 
• Be prepared to perform treatment, such as an extraction or root canal treatment, on the day the problem is diagnosed. Otherwise, a patient may worry or obsess about it until their next appointment. 
• Use humor. Melvin Benson Jr., DDS, FAGD, shared: “I tell my patients, ‘Dental health is serious enough, why do I need to make it any more serious? Let’s do what needs to be done. You will be comfortable, and, in the end, you may even have a good time.’” 
• Keep surprises out of the equation: Give fees in advance, and walk patients to the front of the office after each procedure so that they can understand the financial aspect of the treatment. 
• Recognize what it took for the patient to arrive at their appointment. Conquering a fear is a big deal, so support your patient by telling them they did a good job. 

Sources: Robert F. Perler, DDS, MS, FAGD, and Melvin Benson Jr., DDS, FAGD.