Jawad Abbas explains why anxieties might not just be felt by patients, but dental clinicians themselves, and offers tips for alleviating the worry.
No one wakes up eagerly awaiting a trip to the dentist, not even dentists ourselves. Despite modern advancements in restorative techniques, white fillings, all-on-four full mouth implants and the latest digital scanners, dental anxiety is like an old phantom – silently neglected and brushed to the corner of the room, leaving patients to wrestle with their fears.
What’s less talked about is the anxiety dentists themselves may feel, especially when it comes to discussing treatment costs.
Let’s anaesthetise both nerves and discuss how to ease them for a more comfortable dental experience.
Dental anxiety: still lurking in the shadows
Despite the rise of minimally invasive procedures, patients often walk into the practice with sweaty palms and a sense of dread. The irony? We’ve come so far in technology, but dental anxiety seems to be an ever-persistent companion.
Dental school equips us with the knowledge of every restorative material under the sun, but implementing behaviour management techniques? Not so much. How do we manage a patient who’s practically bolting out the door, so that we can address that missing gap we’re dying to restore.
Building a calming atmosphere: the power of vibe
Transforming the typical blinding white lights and sterile walls into a more spa-like environment could completely change how patients perceive their dental visits. Instead of dreadfully awaiting the appointment out of fear, patients may begin to see it as an opportunity to rejuvenate and refresh their smiles – much like how an early morning 7:30am spa session rejuvenates us for the day. The environment speaks to the patient before we do.
Communication is key: patients want to feel heard and in control
Anxiety often stems from uncertainty and a lack of control over the outcome. By using the tell-show-do method and communicating in a clear, confident, yet gentle tone – whether explaining procedural steps or recommending a treatment – you help patients understand what to expect. This approach keeps them informed, easing their fears of the unknown and allowing them to set and manage their expectations more effectively.
Dentistry is very much a two way communication pathway and therefore it’s important to not talk at or down to your patients but rather ask for permission to explain to them and hold their hand in this journey of theirs. Ask for their opinions and preferences where appropriate, and make them feel involved when making decisions for their oral treatments. Not only does this involvement build trust with the patient, it also allows them to hop into the all important driving seat and feel in control, which reduces their anxiety.
Furthermore, keeping waiting times to a minimum can instantly reduce the pressure as extended waits allow time for fears to simmer – so respect for your patients’ time is essential.
Relaxation techniques: a slow descent into calm
Relaxation therapy isn’t just for the yoga classes – it’s something we should embrace in dentistry. In scuba diving, when descending, it’s important to take things slowly to avoid sudden pressure changes which may cause complications. Similarly, taking your time during treatment and patient discussions can help reduce your patient’s stress; giving them time to acknowledge each step and the potential risks providing them with a sense of control.
For patients who need more than words, sedation options are also available. Inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide can help reduce anxiety and muscle tension. For deeper relaxation, intravenous sedation with midazolam is another option, or general anaesthesia for more complex cases.
The dentist’s anxiety: charging for treatments
Just as our patients may dread the chair, many dentists experience a pang of anxiety when it’s time to discuss the bill. Charging for treatment, especially in today’s economic climate, can feel uncomfortable during the initial years of practice, but it’s an essential part of our profession that again is sidelined in dental school.
So, how do you overcome it? The key is transparency. Just as you explain each step of a procedure to reduce patient anxiety, the same approach should be taken when discussing fees. Breaking down costs clearly, explaining the value behind the treatment, justifying your own skill and thereby chances of success and offering flexible payment options when necessary are all aspects that should be discussed with the patient.
By treating the financial conversation with the same empathy and openness as the clinical conversation, you ease both your own nerves and those of your patient.
Conclusion
In the end, managing anxiety – whether it’s in the patient’s seat or on the clinician’s side of the chair – is all about communication, transparency and empathy. It leads to an open and trusting relationship with your patient that ultimately will help them in addressing their oral health.
By creating a calming atmosphere, explaining procedures, managing expectations, and being transparent about fees, both sides can breathe a little easier and reduce the chances of being sued, which can intensify the clinician’s anxiety.
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