Visiting the dentist can be anxiety-inducing, leading people to avoid seeking care. The common fear of the unknown, financial concerns, and past negative experiences can intensify these worries. Luckily, there are many ways to address dental anxieties and help improve access to oral health care.
Trust and Communication
Whether stories come from family and friends or social media, adverse experiences at the dentist are easy to find. This reality is important for providers to understand. There will be patients who come to an appointment afraid of what may happen. There will also be people who never seek out care due to dental anxiety, fear, and shame about the condition of their oral health.
A provider who actively builds patient relationships can create a more comfortable environment that puts people at ease. Through genuine, trusting relationships, dentists can better understand patient concerns, answer questions with kindness and compassion, and clearly explain dental terminology. This dialogue and information exchange can help people weigh the pros and cons of proposed treatments.
Individuals who trust their dentist will also feel more comfortable sharing personal information without fear of judgment. These additional details can give the provider a better idea of which treatments to recommend and identify any potential obstacles. Establishing a relationship will increase the patient’s willingness to seek help from their provider to improve any conditions that may develop and keep existing ones in check.
Understanding Treatments
Quality patient-centered care is paramount. Not everyone knows why fluoride is beneficial, why teeth become sensitive, how a cavity gets filled, or the root canal process. However, understanding these procedures can help people feel safe when receiving care.
Dentists, hygienists, and assistants can often explain these treatments. Clear explanations can help patients build trust with the entire dental team by ensuring they have a positive experience throughout the ongoing process of receiving care.
When thinking of ways to develop positive relationships with patients, providers should consider the following:
- Make sure to thoroughly explain procedures before the appointment day, if possible.
- Allow adequate time for patients to ask any follow-up questions.
- Offer guidance on at-home hygiene practices and product recommendations.
- Discuss key ingredients to look for in toothpaste and mouthwash to equip patients with the information they need to look for the best products.
- Learn about, seek training in, and incorporate trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing practices.
Over time, as treated conditions improve, patients will feel more confident in their provider, encouraging them to follow any routine adjustments they recommend.
A trusting, collaborative patient-provider relationship is essential for positive outcomes. The role of a health care provider is to educate patients while providing high-quality care aimed at improving overall quality of life in the short- and long-term.
NCOHC, a Foundation for Health Leadership & Innovation program, works to advance systems-level changes, improving the overall health and well-being of all North Carolinians by increasing access and equity in care. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to join the network and get involved!
Related Content & Resources
- Dental Anxiety and The Role of Providers in Facilitating Approachable Care
- Oral Health Care Integration Case Study Part I: Social Work in Dentistry
- Oral Health Care Integration Case Study Part 2: Social Work in Dentistry
- NCIOM Task Force: 14 Recommendations for Patient-Centered Oral Health
- Trauma-Informed Care in Oral Health Care: The role of dental hygienists
- Using Motivational Interviewing in Dentistry Video Series
