For most people, going to the dentist isn’t their idea of a good time, but it’s not anything to be worried about. If they need a cleaning, or even a procedure, it’s simply something they have to go through to keep their teeth in good shape. For others, a trip to the dentist can create real anxiety, and explaining that this isn’t rational isn’t going to help them get over it. These patients may be unavoidable, but there are steps you can take to mitigate their anxiety and provide a better experience for both of you.
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Many anxious patients are waiting for something to confirm their fears. So do what you can to make the process smooth, from the waiting room to the chair. Making sure you’re on time for an anxiety-prone patient is important. We all get backed up from time to time, but try to schedule that patient for the beginning of the day or right after lunch—times when you don’t have prior patients to slow you down.
Do your best to be the one who comes into the waiting room, and make some polite conversation. It seems simple, but establishing that connection in the beginning is important for relieving stress and anxiety.
Listen To Them
It can be hard to use time listening to a patient go on about an irrational fear of the dentist, but it’s a good idea to let them get their worries across. If you can, try not to jump in and begin to reassure them before they’ve finished. Ask them questions about what you can do to make them more comfortable, and what might trigger some of their fears. Being positive and easygoing will go a long way towards easing your patient’s anxiety about their visit.
You should also be upfront with them about what you are going to have to do during their procedure. Your patient may have plenty of anxiety, but they have to know that you have to do your job, and that you need their cooperation.
Distract Them
One of the best ways to ensure your patient isn’t panicking about their procedure is by distracting them. You could do this by chatting the entire time, but you probably also need to concentrate on the job at hand. It would be great if you could show them a movie or show, but that would mean installing a TV. Until now, that is. The Molar Media Mount attaches to your dental light, and uses your iPad Mini or any other tablet under 16 oz. So now you can stream movies and television to distract even your most anxious patients during their appointments.
And best of all, the Molar Media Mount is relatively inexpensive compared to the cost of installing a television on your wall. Simply clip in your tablet, and you’re ready to go.
Contact us today if you’d like to learn more about the Molar Media Mount and what it can do for your practice. And if you’re someone that suffers from anxiety at the dentist’s office, send this to your dentist--maybe you’ll give them a few ideas!