Dental fear is real. But is it treatable in just 3 hours?
What if dental anxiety isn't just something patients have to live with? What if we could actually help them overcome it—in as little as three hours?
Is dental fear the result of a bad experience, or is it something patients learn long before they ever sit in the dental chair? Can dentists really recognize an anxious patient? And are sedation and anti-anxiety medications helping patients overcome their fears—or simply helping them get through another appointment?
Dr. Kelly Daly challenges some long-held assumptions about dental anxiety and explains how exposure therapy, behavioral strategies, and emerging technologies like virtual reality and telehealth could change the way we care for fearful patients.
Perhaps most importantly, she reveals why the most anxious patient in your practice might be the one you'd least expect—and why simply asking about fear could be one of the most powerful things you do.
This conversation might change the way you talk to patients, structure your appointments, and think about the role of psychology in dentistry.
Want to help your fearful patients? Learn more about Dr. Daly's research and patient referral opportunities at dentalfearless.org.
And don't miss next week's episode, when Pam, Brian, and Dr. Daly continue this eye-opening conversation!
More episodes of Dentistry Unmasked:
About the Author
Pamela Maragliano, DMDPamela Maragliano, DMD
Chief Editor of Dental Economics
Pamela Maragliano, DMD, is the chief editor of Dental Economics. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].
Brian B. Nový, DDSBrian B. Nový, DDS
Brian B. Nový, DDS, is the chief dental officer of the Alliance Dental Center, Massachusetts Public Employees Fund. He served as president of the National CAMBRA Coalition and is currently the consumer representative to the United States Food & Drug Administration Dental Products Panel. His awards include the American Dental Association (ADA) Adult Preventive Care Practice of the Year, the Academy of General Dentistry Weclew Award, the Dugoni Award, and the ADA Evidence-Based Dentistry Practice Award.
