Dental Anxiety
We understand dental anxiety can be crippling.
Well done for getting this far!
We understand that if you are feeling nervous about going to the dentist or have had a bad dental experience, it can be difficult to take the first step of making an appointment.
We’ve outlined 5 steps to beating dental anxiety, and how our kind and understanding team will help.
We’d love to have the chance to chat with you and discuss how we can help make your next dental visit manageable and comfortable, so that visiting the dentist is less stressful.
At Sherwood Dental, we pride ourselves on helping nervous and very anxious patients, who often ‘hate the dentist’ to begin with! It’s our mission to give these patients consistently positive dental experiences, and gradually change their opinion of the dental industry. Some of these anxious patients are now our most loyal and raving fans!
Handle Me with Extra Care
We’ll take things at your pace and will be guided by you throughout the process, so that know what to expect and feel in control at every stage.
5 Simple Steps to Help Beat Your Anxiety
Through these 5 simple steps we can help make your next visit much more pleasant than your past experiences and customisable to your individual needs. Read through the list and add your own ideas. We’d like to hear how we can make your next visit, your most positive dental experience ever.
- Over the phone, or email, we will work together to assess the level of your dental anxiety.
- Determine which parts of the dental visit cause you anxiety (triggers).
- Together we will workshop (on the phone or in-person, away from the dental chair) coping strategies and adaptations we can make for you.
- An easy, non-invasive initial appointment where we take things at your pace.
- Review and forward planning for your future dental care.
Our Promise to you
- We will ask how you are feeling when you come in.
- We will listen to you and take you seriously if you say you are anxious.
- We understand that a visit can be difficult for you and will work with you to assess and causes and levels of anxiety.
- Your visits with us will be tailored to you based on your concerns, fears and dental goals.
- At your visit we will not only discuss your teeth but can also the best way your care can be provided while helping reduce your anxiety.
- We can discuss relaxation techniques and possibly sedation for your visits.
- If needed, you will be given treatment options as well as choices for your timeframe and budget.
- It is our role to provide the best care and advice in plain English, and without judgement.
- We will support your choices and guarantee NO lectures.
- If future treatment is needed, it will be carried out at a pace that suits you.
- We will take care to record what works best for you, and remember your preferences each and every time you see us.
- We will be prepared for your visit and any special needs you may have.
- We will focus on making every visit a dental experience.
- You will receive the highest standard of clinical care, while still being HANDLED with EXTRA care.
In Return we ask
- Please keep us informed of how you’re coping, at every stage. We rely on your guidance and feedback. Let us know if you’re feeling anxious, or if there’s something we can change.
- Attend your appointment on time.
- If you cannot attend your appointment, let us know with sufficient notice (two working days). We can find another time to suit you.
- Tell us if something makes you concerned or if you’re not happy and help us find ways of improving.
- If you have had a positive dental experience, recommend us to your family and friends.
Ask Dr Craig Duval
Have a question about dental anxiety?
Our friendly team is here to help!
