Tips for Dentists to Help Patients with Dental Anxiety

Posted on March 13, 2023 in Clinic and Provider Tips

*Updated March 2025

Treating patients with dental anxiety or dentophobia is more common than you may think. Roughly 36 percent of people living in the United States have a fear of dentists.

It’s important for dentists to have open communication about dental anxiety and establish trust early in the visit to help patients alleviate any fear. By creating a comfortable and stress-free experience at every visit, dentists encourage patients to keep up with their regular appointments and prioritize oral health. 

Reasons people have dental anxiety

Before helping a patient with dental anxiety, a good place for dentists to start is to understand the root of the patient’s fears. Reasons to avoid dental visits could include anxiety, stress, or negative past experiences related to dental care. By recognizing these underlying causes, dentists can decide how to provide a more tailored and compassionate experience to meet patients' needs.

The challenges of dental anxiety

Patients with dental anxiety can become caught in a cycle of dental fear, where their anxiety leads to irregular dental visits. Missed dental exams and prolonged avoidance of care could ultimately result in more serious oral health issues.

As a dentist, it’s important to educate patients about the potentially harmful effects of skipping appointments and to work with each patient to determine the best way to make them feel comfortable and safe during their visits.

Strategies for dentists to help ease dental anxiety 

• Care and communication: One of the best ways to ease patient anxiety is to help them feel comfortable. Asking patients to voice their concerns may help them relax.
• Patient-centered care: Remind patients they have control over their oral health care. Be sure to listen to them and answer any questions they have completely.
• Play music during the treatment: Research has found that music with a slow tempo “can reduce blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and cardiac output in anxious patients during dental treatment.” Consider calming music in waiting areas and treatment rooms to help anxious patients remain calm.
• Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy “is the use of essential oils to improve your health or well-being.” A study published in the Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine found that “aromatherapy is one of the most effective non-pharmacological methods for managing dental anxiety.”

Try incorporating these strategies to help patients feel more at ease during their dental visits, creating a more positive and comfortable experience.

Easing dental anxiety encourages long-term patient commitment 

Creating positive experiences at the dentist will help reduce dental anxiety and build patient trust. When patients feel heard, supported, and comfortable, they are more likely to return for regular visits, leading to better oral health outcomes.

Dentists play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of dental fear by treating even the most anxious patients with kindness, compassion, and patience. A welcoming and reassuring approach can transform a fearful patient’s perception of dental care, turning anxiety into confidence and helping them prioritize their oral health without hesitation.

Looking for more information on dental anxiety? Check out “Ease Dental Anxiety With Kids”.