For most dental phobics, they originate from a bad experience in their past. Lets face it. Many people come to the dentist at a time when they are in pain. Patients in this state need to be treated with kindness, compassion, and, most of all, a total focus on the elimination of their pain. Unfortunately, some of these patients may have been made to feel guilty, to feel as if it is their “fault” for the condition of their mouth, This accomplishes nothing except to make it even more difficult for the patient to imagine going back to the dentist again. We as professionals need to focus on the positive of the situation. That patient is there, in our office, and we have the opportunity to alter their lives and lead them on a road to optimal dental health.

The best way to treat dental phobia is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Every patient, whether phobic or not, must be treated with respect, kindness, and understanding.

Most of all, however, they must be made to understand the road to good dental health is made up of many small steps and they have made the most important step of all by picking up the phone and calling their dentist. For the phobic patient, this is the most difficult step of all. Fear of humiliation, fear of pain, guilt, and many other emotions make it very difficult to do.

In my office we have treated literally hundreds of dental phobics over the past 16 years and their treatment begins with that first phone call. My staff is trained to ask the appropriate questions and provide the patient with reassurance that we are there to help them make the next big step, their first visit to the office. In our morning staff meetings patients who require that little bit of extra “TLC” are identified. We assure them that this visit will be focused strictly on eliminating whatever problem has brought them to us. We listen to learn more about the root of the patient’s fear. We make them understand that we are there to help, not to criticize or chastise.

After the patient’s immediate problem has been addressed we encourage them to come back for a comprehensive examination and treatment plan, Once again, we stress the positive. The first steps have been made and now we can identify the rest on the path to optimal dental health. Granted, words and reassurances are not always enough. Some patients may require pre-medication with oral sedatives prior to dental treatment. Some more severe cases may even require IV sedation initially. We have found, however, that these are usually only temporary requirements. Most patients, having developed trust and faith in their dentist, do not require medication for treatment to be rendered.

I would encourage you, if fear prevents you from seeking dental treatment, to talk to your family, friends and co-workers. Ask them about their dentist. Chances are, you will find one who will fit your needs. There are many wonderful professionals out there waiting to help you on the path to optimal dental health. So pick up the phone, make that call, and take that first step. Remember, the first step is always the hardest, but once made, the rest will come much easier.