For people who suffer from dental anxiety, going to the dentist for a check-up or treatment can be a particularly daunting experience.

In recent years, dentists have been introducing anxiety busting techniques for before, during and after dental treatments for their patients.

From the moment that the patient steps through the door of the surgery, a welcoming environment aids in the process of reducing patient anxiety. Soft, calming music, open space and certain scents assist patients in feeling less worried. In addition to this, some dental surgeries have been introducing new features to their receptions. Such as, relaxation rooms, massage chairs and offering pampering treatments such as manicures, reflexology and massages in an attempt to create a salon-like environment for patients. Maybe going to the dentist isn’t so bad after all!

While a welcoming and relaxing reception environment can aid in relaxing patients prior to their appointment, it is possible for dentists to employ techniques that will help patients to feel more relaxed during their dental treatment.
Some popular methods used by dentists to help relax patients are hypnotherapy and guided meditation. Hypnotherapy and guided meditation are non-invasive methods of relaxation allowing the patient to enter into a state of mind in which they feel relaxed and willing to let the dentist perform treatment. The more relaxed the patient, the more able the dentist is to carry out the necessary procedures quickly and with minimal pain.

Some dental practices offer Gentle dentistry.

This is an approach to dentistry that is minimally invasive and focuses on the patient feeling relaxed and comfortable throughout their entire treatment. The dentist will often take time to explain to the patient each step of the procedure before starting. Then, throughout the treatment, the dentist will reassure the patient and check that they are alright and allow the patient to have a break if they need to. In some surgeries that practice gentle dentistry, patients also have access to blankets, pillows and relaxing music.

Other methods that a dentist could suggest to a patient with dental anxiety may be the use of numbing gels to prevent the feeling of pain during procedures or using air abrasion technology, an alternative to dental drills, as this technique is less painful, less noisy and less intimidating, particularly to younger patients.

It is crucial to remember that dentists have a duty of care and they are there to help you care for your teeth and gums.

Explaining to your dentist about any anxiety or concerns you may have prior to treatment will help them to help you.

If you or someone you know is suffering from dental anxiety, there are surgeries specifically for people who do struggle with going to the dentist. Check out our website where you can find one near you.

While a dentist may not be able to cure root cause of the phobia completely, they are able to assist in relieving the anxiety and make the fear of being in the dentist’s chair a thing of the past!

Author – Leigh McLintock

Jo Jo

Golden Retriever employed as dog nurse to help school children at the dentist

Six-year-old dog nurse Jo Jo works at Pediatric Dentistry in Northbrook and is considered a valued team member.

Jo Jo is a trained comfort dog. Comfort dogs or therapy dogs are trained in a manner to give people affection; they are used a lot in hospitals, retirement homes and with people who have autism. Jo Jo was one of the first responders to provide school children with comfort at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut in 2012, when 20-year-old Adam Lanza fatally shot 20 children aged between 6 and 7 years old, as well as six adult staff members.

She has been working regular shift patterns as a dental nurse for the last few years at a practice run by Dr Paul Egger and Dr. Thomas Resnick. Jo Jo is considered a member of staff, so much so, that she is listed on the practice’s website. Lynne Ryan of Arlington Heights, Illinois is Jo Jo’s handler and she originally came up with the idea. She believed that the dog could comfort many people while they underwent treatment at the practice. Lynne is cited to have said:

“I’ve been working as a handler for five years, and I thought Jo Jo could really do some good here,”
“Jo Jo had to be trained to get used to all the different noises in a dental office, like the sound of the drill and the suction, but now, she gets up on the chair and reclines on children’s laps.”

Jo Jo comforting a patient

According to staff and patients at the practice, Jo Jo has made a huge difference. It has been said that previously the patients would need nitrous oxide or another sedative to help them relax and get through the treatment. But now Jo Jo will come up and sit with them and they’re comforted. They can pet her while they get their teeth cleaned. She is described as ‘an asset’ to the practice.

Therapy and comfort dogs have a proven record in helping people through difficulties, whether it be a disability or just explaining a traumatic experience.Would you like to have a dog to help you get through your dental procedure?

Berkeley Dental Clinic Glasgow

We are delighted to announce:

“A masterclass on rapid rapport, language and communication” with

Dr Mike Gow BDS (Gla) MFDS RCPS (Gla) MSc Hyp (Lon) PGCert (Edin)

London: Thursday 16th June 2016 or Glasgow: Saturday 25th June 2016

In this seminar, Dr. Gow shares many of the secrets in rapport, communication and language that he has learned following years of studying hypnosis and Neurolinguistic Programming.

Dr. Mike Gow is well known for his work with hypnosis and has even appeared several times on television demonstrating it. He has trained to an advanced level in hypnosis, and regularly teaches on the topic with enthusiasm and energy. His hypnosis talks usually include brief teachings on rapport, language and communication, and often delegates having found great value in learning these, have asked for a standalone workshop on the topic. So here it is and no previous experience is required! The seminar will focus on the essential topics of rapport, language and communication and how with effective use of these you can experience more predictable outcomes in your interactions with others in both your professional and personal life.

Mike’s topics may include:
· Learn how to establish rapid rapport with a few simple techniques.
· Understand verbal and non-verbal communication
· Be able to use effective suggestions and embedded suggestions.
· Understand the importance of positive language and be able to apply it.
· Understand the importance of avoiding emotive language.
· Be able to recognise and avoid ‘verbal eraser’ words.
· Be able to effectively use ‘binds and double binds’
· Understand and be able to use ‘yes sets’.
· Learn how to use ‘anchoring’.
· Understand how to apply these techniques ethically.
· Learn how to use your voice effectively.
· Be able to use basic relaxation techniques.

BOOK NOW TO SECURE YOUR PLACE:
£295 Earlybird rate available until 14th May. £345 standard rate applies thereafter.

London: Thursday 16th June
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/masterclass-on-rapid-rapport-language-communication-dr-mike-gow-london-tickets-20960771231

Masterclass on rapid rapport, language & communication. Dr Mike Gow LONDON
www.eventbrite.co.uk
‘A masterclass on rapid rapport, language and communication’ Dr Mike Gow BDS (Gla) MFDS RCPS (Gla) MSc Hyp (Lon), PGCert (Edin) In this seminar, Dr. Gow shares many of the secrets in rapport, communication and language that he has learned following years of studying hypnosis and Neurolinguistic Programming. Dr. Mike Gow is well known for his work with hypnosis and has even appeared several times on television demonstrating it. He has trained to an advanced level in hypnosis, and regularly teaches on the topic with enthusiasm and energy. His hypnosis talks usually include brief teachings on rapport, language and communication, and often delegates having found great value in learning these, have asked for a standalone workshop on the topic. So here it is and no previous experience is required! The seminar will focus on the essential topics of rapport, language and communication and how with effective use of these you can experience more predictable outcomes in your interactions with others in both your prof
Glasgow: Saturday 25th June
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/masterclass-on-rapid-rapport-language-communication-dr-mike-gow-glasgow-tickets-20960858492

Masterclass on rapid rapport, language & communication. Dr Mike Gow GLASGOW
www.eventbrite.co.uk
‘A masterclass on rapid rapport, language and communication’ Dr Mike Gow BDS (Gla) MFDS RCPS (Gla) MSc Hyp (Lon), PGCert (Edin) In this seminar, Dr. Gow shares many of the secrets in rapport, communication and language that he has learned following years of studying hypnosis and Neurolinguistic Programming. Dr. Mike Gow is well known for his work with hypnosis and has even appeared several times on television demonstrating it. He has trained to an advanced level in hypnosis, and regularly teaches on the topic with enthusiasm and energy. His hypnosis talks usually include brief teachings on rapport, language and communication, and often delegates having found great value in learning these, have asked for a standalone workshop on the topic. So here it is and no previous experience is required! The seminar will focus on the essential topics of rapport, language and communication and how with effective use of these you can experience more predictable outcomes in your interactions with others in both your prof

Contact Janet at MacScotland for more information or for alternative booking/payment options: [email protected]