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1. Tell the patient what you will do.
You might also include what they
might feel and why you are doing
it.
2. Show the patient what instruments
you’ll use or anything else that
might help them understand what
to expect.
3. Do what you told the patient you
would do. If you have to change
the plan, let them know.
Depending on the patient, you can use
this technique for every small detail or
to go over the entire plan all at once.
Give T em Control
When possible, give your worried
patient choices. Th is can help the
patient gain some feelings of control
over the situation, which can reduce
anxiety. Some ways you can provide
control include:
•
Giving the patient a way to tell
you that they are in pain
•
Letting the patient tell you when
they are ready to begin
•
Giving them hand signals for
“stop” and “go ahead.”
Even these small adjustments can go a
long way toward calming the person in
your care.
Breathing Techniques
Lead the patient through calming
breathing exercises. You can even
participate as well. Th ere are many
breathing techniques that can
work. For example, you can try box
breathing. Have the patient breathe in
for four seconds, hold for four, exhale
for four, and then hold again for four.
Try a few rounds of this and see how
you both feel.
Create a Calming Environment
Your offi ce environment and
procedures can change the patient
experience. Th ink through the patient’s
full experience from the moment they
schedule through check-out. You can
likely fi nd ways to create a peaceful
environment at every step.
Here are just a few ways to create a
calming dental offi ce:
•
Ensure offi ce staff are kind and
empathetic
•
Play calming music in the lobby
•
Consider ways to make the
practice smell good
•
Install televisions that can distract
patients from their fears
•
Have comfortable seating in the
waiting room
•
Use natural lighting where possible
Each of these adjustments can help
your patients feel better about visiting
your offi ce. Th en, they can be more
likely to attend their cleanings and get
additional care. Th ey may even tell
their friends and family how much
better your practice is than previous
experiences. How will you help your
patients feel calm in your practice?
You can take steps today to improve
dentistry for everyone.