How do you actually surface and eliminate a specific patient's dental fears? By asking, not assuming. Dental fear comes in many shapes and a patient's fear is rarely the one the doctor expects. One patient fears the needle. Another fears the sound of the drill. Another fears losing control while reclined. Another fears being judged for the current state of their mouth. Another fears the financial conversation more than any clinical procedure. A blanket reassurance that the practice is gentle does not address any of these specifically. A structured intake conversation that asks open-ended fear questions surfaces the actual concern. The [...]

How do you actually surface and eliminate a specific patient's dental fears? By asking, not assuming. Dental fear comes in many shapes and a patient's fear is rarely the one the doctor expects. One patient fears the needle. Another fears the sound of the drill. Another fears losing control while reclined. Another fears being judged for the current state of their mouth. Another fears the financial conversation more than any clinical procedure. A blanket reassurance that the practice is gentle does not address any of these specifically. A structured intake conversation that asks open-ended fear questions surfaces the actual concern. The [...]

How do you actually surface and eliminate a specific patient's dental fears? By asking, not assuming. Dental fear comes in many shapes and a patient's fear is rarely the one the doctor expects. One patient fears the needle. Another fears the sound of the drill. Another fears losing control while reclined. Another fears being judged for the current state of their mouth. Another fears the financial conversation more than any clinical procedure. A blanket reassurance that the practice is gentle does not address any of these specifically. A structured intake conversation that asks open-ended fear questions surfaces the actual concern. The [...]