Dental assistants can make all the difference for anxious patients
Many people feel nervous or apprehensive walking into a dental appointment. The thought of what may happen during a visit is enough to make some people avoid going altogether. Dental anxiety is common and can affect patients of all ages. There are many reasons someone can develop dental anxiety, such as traumatic dental experiences, unpleasant childhood memories of the dentist, or fear of potential pain during treatment.
Dental assistants play a crucial role in helping patients feel comfortable by addressing their concerns and educating them on what will happen during treatment. When patients feel more relaxed, they are more likely to open up and trust the dental team — both of which are essential for treatment acceptance.
Melanie Monaco, CDA, often encounters patients with dental anxiety in her role as an orthodontic assistant, and has learned different tactics to relax and reassure them. Here’s what Melanie shared about her experiences and the critical role dental assistants play in comforting patients.
What are some common reasons patients experience anxiety during their visit?
I work with patients of all ages, as young as 6 and all the way to 80, and I think there are a few things that cause dental anxiety in patients. One thing that I find causes anxiety in older patients is the fear of judgment from not visiting the dentist for a long period of time, some due to previous poor experiences. Another thing that I notice causes dental anxiety in younger patients is the fear of not knowing what to expect and parents [or guardians] being nervous themselves, which in turn makes the patient anxious.
What role do dental assistants play in calming patients who are experiencing dental anxiety?
I think dental assistants play a huge role in calming patients. In addition to teaching proper oral hygiene practices, calming patients with anxiety is what I’m most passionate about. Especially in orthodontics, dental assistants are doing the majority of the appointment and play a big part in calming patients.
How do you help patients who are experiencing anxiety?
Most of the time in our adult patients, they may feel a bit of anxiety, but we provide a lot of visual and verbal tools leading up to their appointments to put them at ease. I’ve found the “show and tell” method significantly helps with both pediatric and adult patients, and I also speak softly and reassuringly. Sharing my own experiences as an orthodontic patient also helps them to not feel so alone. Additionally, being honest with them if something is going to hurt is helpful in building trust.
For pediatric patients, having a second assistant stand by to help assist or hold their hand helps. We tend to see larger appointments, such as braces or expanders, in a private room where we can close the door and play whatever music they like. We also have them put sunglasses on or wear a lead apron to provide weighted comfort.
What advice would you give newer dental assistants who are helping patients overcome dental anxiety?
Confidence! Feeling confident in what you do or faking it until you make it will automatically make your patient feel better. If you feel nervous yourself, they will sense it. Even a simple phrase like “I’m not nervous so you shouldn’t be either” or asking what they are worried about can be helpful.
Establishing a baseline with your patient and building rapport can make them feel more comfortable. Ask them about their plans for the weekend, what sports they play, or what they like to do for fun. And in general, just be honest. If you don’t know the answer to something, just say, “I’m actually not quite sure; let’s check with the doctor!”