In this podcast episode, DrBicuspid.com Editor-in-Chief Kevin Henry speaks with Dr. Kelly Daly about how pervasive dental fear and anxiety are among patients. Daly, a research scientist and clinical psychologist, discusses the Dental Fearless Project at New York University. The program seeks to provide patients with effective mental health treatments for their dental anxiety using technology and telehealth.
Additionally, the conversation emphasizes the importance of strong communication skills among dental teams so patients feel validated and understood, as well as strategies they can coach to help patients manage their anxiety during appointments. As this episode highlights, clinicians and team members must acknowledge and address their patients' fears to improve the overall patient experience and care.
Note: This podcast is brought to you by the American Heart Association’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative in collaboration with Delta Dental. Your patients want you involved in their overall health -- and you can be! By offering blood pressure screenings at every visit, dentists can help detect the early signs of heart disease. The American Heart Association’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts initiative, partnering with Delta Dental, gives you the tools to do just that. Learn more.
Podcast takeaways
- Dental fear is often invisible and affects many people.
- Effective treatments for dental fear are necessary and should be accessible.
- Communication skills are crucial for dental teams to help anxious patients.
- Patients need repeated positive experiences to overcome their dental fear.
- The Dental Fearless Project leverages technology to assist patients.
- Normalizing dental fear helps patients feel validated.
- Dentists should actively ask their patients about their fears to effectively address them.
- Telehealth is a valuable tool for managing dental anxiety.
- Taking extra time for anxious patients enhances their experience.
- Emphasizing in your marketing that you use a caring approach can attract and retain patients.
