What a Dentist Should Do When a Patient is Fearful

Fear and dentistry seem to go hand in hand.  Whether the fear comes from childhood experiences or is solely psychological, fear is a real thing that patients often bring with them to their appointments.

Here’s what most dentists and their teams fail to remember: people have two biological, automatic reactions when dealing with fear, FLIGHT or FIGHT.

Those patients that are in flight mode often look and sound like this:

• Sound, they don’t make sounds, not even when asked questions. They are struggling internally to keep it together.  They also know the more conversation had during their experience, the longer they will be there.  Their goal is to get out!
• Often show a nervous twitch by moving their feet, bouncing their leg, moving their hands, etc.
• Ask, “How much longer?” or “What’s next?” or even “Are you almost done?”  They can’t wait to get to the door and RUN.
• Avoid talking about same day treatment, say they want to schedule another appointment and then don’t schedule.

For more on this article visit: www.mordernpractice.org – http://www.modernpractice.org/dentist-patient-fearful/.