Maximising patient comfort in practice
Featured Products Promotional FeaturesPosted by: Dental Design 1st April 2023
For many patients, visiting the dentist is a source of stress and worry. For some, this may be due to the fear of pain, uncertainty of what to expect, or maybe a lack of education about dental procedures or what they will be required to do during dental examinations. This uncertainty can make patients feel as if they are out of control – which is often a root cause of dental anxiety.[i] It can be challenging for clinicians to make patients comfortable during appointments, particularly if they are already worried about their upcoming examination or treatment. However, there are a number of ways to help make patients feel at ease, particularly if they are struggling to understand what their visit will entail.
Making patients feel comfortable
Add NewDental anxiety is estimated to affect 16% of the UK population. This is having a real impact on attendance with 2009 research suggesting that only 58% of people had attempted to make a dental appointment within the previous three years.[ii] It’s vital that dental teams do all they can to support anxious patients – especially as not attending dental check-ups and treatment is likely to result in poor oral health.
Patients with dental anxiety may experience: sweating, a racing heartbeat, fainting, and visible distress including crying and panicking. If patients show signs of dental anxiety, it’s important to take them seriously, and do all you can to make their appointment comfortable. Reassure them, and communicate clearly at each stage of their appointment to help reduce their fear and uncertainty.i If patients are happy with the treatment and standard of care they receive, they are more likely to return to your practice in the future. A big part of this is ensuring dental appointments are a positive experience.
Boosting understanding
By understanding why patients feel anxious in the run up to appointments, it becomes easier to help them. Clinicians might assume that dental anxiety is sparked purely by a fear of pain, however it is more likely to be caused by a combination of factors. Dental anxiety is likely to depend on how an individual perceives a situation, like treatment feeling uncontrollable, unpredictable, dangerous and disgusting – these strongly correlate with anxious patients.ii
Of those who are anxious or scared about visiting the dentist, 24% say that fear of dental equipment is the reason why.[iii] Things like needles, drills, or the dental practice environment in general can trigger patients’ anxiety.i Research suggests that using more advanced technology makes patients feel more confidentiii – it is important to what the equipment is for, and go through results in detail where possible – keeping patients informed every step of the way. Finding ways to inform patients about what to expect during their appointment may help them feel more in control and confident going into examinations and procedures. Whether that’s a conversation as you begin each appointment, information available to view in the waiting room, or communication prior to appointments (via email or phone) to help reduce the number of failed to attends (FTAs).iii
Clarity to relieve anxiety
When using modern digital dental technology, be sure you are able to offer good explanations of what the equipment is for, and how it works in a way that nervous patients can easily understand. It is important that patients understand what is expected of them during examinations, so that they have a clear idea of the process as it begins. If you choose to invest in a high-quality imaging system, for example, ensure that all dental staff are able to assist patients with questions and concerns when necessary. Choose a system which prioritises patient comfort and makes workflows simple and repeatable, helping to minimise any stress during examinations.
The CS 9600 CBCT system from Carestream Dental is a versatile and scalable 5-in-1 imaging system which offers optimal patient comfort. It features a retractable seat which makes it clear exactly where the patient needs to be during their scan and helps to make the experience more comfortable for the patient. The CS 9600 also uses AI patient positioning allowing you to achieve precise images in every case – it is able to record each patient’s parameters, making follow-up imaging repeatable and consistent.
Making patient comfort a priority in your practice is vital for patient retention. If your patients have positive experiences when they visit your practice, they are less likely to develop dental anxiety, and will feel more confident to return for follow up appointments. Implementing digital dentistry into your practice is a great way to make dental appointments simpler for you and your patients. Digital equipment is a preference for patients, but is most effective when patients feel informed about the equipment that is being used. Implementing simple educational tools in your practice or conversations during appointments to ensure patients have a suitable understanding of processes will lead to increased patient satisfaction, and is likely to lower anxiety levels.
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Author: Nimisha Nariapara is the Trade Marketing Manager at Carestream Dental covering the UK, Middle East, Nordics, South Africa, Russia and CIS regions. She has worked at Carestream Dental for the past 7 years, where she has developed her marketing skills and industry knowledge to bring the core values and philosophy of the company to the market.
[i] Better Health. Dental anxiety and phobia. (Accessed: 08.11.22) https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dental-anxiety-and-phobia#
[ii] Calladine, Hannah, Charlotte C. Currie, and Chris Penlington. “A survey of patients’ concerns about visiting the dentist and how dentists can help.” Journal of Oral Rehabilitation 49.4 (2022): 414-421. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/joor.13305
[iii] Carestream Dental. The need for digital dentistry education – a global evaluation of patients’ awareness, attitudes and behaviours. (Accessed: 08.11.22) https://www.carestreamdental.com/globalassets/microsites/ddd.org/assets/the-need-for-digital-dentistry-education.pdf
