Bupa Dental Care shares the results of its survey into dental anxiety and how dental professionals help their patients through it.
- One in five (19%) dental professionals want patients to know they genuinely understand dental fear and are here to help them feel more comfortable to overcome it
- This comes as one in three (33%) patients avoid the dentist due to fear
- Bupa Dental Care is supporting practice teams and patients through its Feel at Ease campaign to promote confidence and comfort in the dental setting.
Dental professionals across the UK have shared insights they feel could help patients feel more at ease during dental visits – with almost one in five (19%) saying they want patients to know they understand dental fear and are here to support them through it.
New research also shows that one in three people (33%) avoid visiting the dentist due to fears or negative past experiences. Encouragingly, four in five dental professionals (79%) say their patients do talk to them about their dental anxiety or fears, with 79% saying it’s a frequent topic of conversation.
To help patients feel more at ease in the dental chair, professionals say they take a range of proactive steps, including:
- Taking extra time to explain procedures – 72%
- Inviting patients to ask questions or express concerns – 72%
- Speaking in a calm and reassuring tone – 71%
- Allowing breaks during treatment – 58%
- Offering sedation or relaxation options – 51%
- Playing music of the patient’s choice – 46%
- Encouraging them to wear headphones – 45%.
Dental fear is one of the biggest barriers to people getting the care they need. We know it can take many different forms – from anxiety about treatment, to discomfort in the waiting room, or worries about cost. Our research shows that dental professionals understand how this fear can lead to missed appointments and poorer oral and overall health. They’re also very committed to helping patients manage it through reassuring practical and personalised steps and by creating a safe, supportive environment. At Bupa Dental Care, our practice teams are at the heart of patient care, and we’re equally committed to making sure they feel supported, valued and cared for too.
Mark Allan
General manager, Bupa Dental Care
Bupa Dental Care launched its Feel at Ease campaign to help dental professionals feel more confident and at ease in their careers, while also encouraging patients to feel calm and reassured in the dentist chair.
Learn more about careers with Bupa Dental Care.
This article is sponsored by Bupa Dental Care.
