Eliminating patients’ tension during dental visits is the key to enhancing the medical experience. The following provides hierarchical solutions by integrating psychology, medical practice and patient needs:
Environment Creation: Reduce anxiety by Starting from the senses
-
Visual relaxation
Use soft lighting instead of cold white light to reduce the “medical feel” in the consultation room; Decorate with natural themes (such as green plants, landscape paintings) or cartoon elements (for children).
Scientific basis: Research shows that visual stimulation from natural elements can reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone).
- Auditory intervention
In the waiting area, light music or white noise is played. During the treatment, noise-canceling headphones are provided for patients to choose the music.
Case: Some clinics introduced “voice therapy”, and the Anxiety scores of patients decreased by 30% (Journal of Dental Anxiety Research).
- Olfactory Management
Use non-irritating aromatherapy (such as lavender) and avoid strong disinfectant odors. Allergy history needs to be inquired about in advance.
Doctor-patient Communication: Building Trust and a sense of Control
-
Empowerment of the right to know
Before the operation: Explain the process in plain language and with visualization tools (such as 3D animations), emphasizing that the patient can raise their hand at any time to stop.
During the operation: Give a brief preview before each step (” There will be a slight vibration next, lasting for 10 seconds “).
-
Empathetic expression
Avoid negative emotions (such as “What’s there to be afraid of?”), and instead say: “Many people get nervous. We can take it slow.”
Psychological technique: Repeat the patient’s words (” It sounds like you’re worried about taking too long “) to enhance the sense of being understood.
-
A sense of control is endowed
Offer options: such as adjusting the Angle of the chair back, choosing the treatment sequence, or having the patient hold a stop signal (such as holding a bell).
Technical Assistance: Distraction and physiological intervention
-
Distract
Children: VR glasses play animations; Adult: The ceiling screen displays nature documentaries.
Innovative case: A clinic in Sweden used AR games, increasing children’s cooperation in treatment by 40%.
- Application of painless technology
Surface anesthetic gel (such as applied to the gums before injection), computerized anesthetic control device (slow administration to reduce stinging).
For those with extreme anxiety: After assessment, use nitrous oxide or oral sedatives.
Process Optimization: Reducing Unknown Sources of Fear
- Reservation stage
Send the video link of the medical visit process and mark the duration of each step. Remind to bring stress-relieving items (such as pressure balls).
- Waiting period
Set up the “Anxiety Self-Assessment Form” (1-10 points), and medical staff adjust communication strategies based on the scores.
- Child-specific strategies
“Role-playing Game” : Let children simulate treatment with toys and toothbrushes. After the game, a “Bravery Certificate” will be awarded.
Long-term Relationship: From a Single treatment to Continuous Trust
- Follow-up after treatment
Send a caring message within 24 hours, along with relaxation tips (such as “Cold compress can relieve swelling”).
- Feedback Mechanism
Add an “anxiety improvement score” to the anonymous questionnaire and continuously optimize the service.
Response to Special Groups
Post-traumatic stress patients: Coordinate the intervention of psychological counselors and adopt stepwise exposure therapy.
Culturally sensitive needs: Some religious patients may refuse sedatives and need to communicate alternative solutions in advance.
Key principles
Individualization: The sources of tension vary from person to person (such as fear of needles, fear of noise, fear of losing control), and need to be addressed specifically.
Medical care training: Regularly conduct “anxiety management” simulation exercises to enhance non-verbal communication skills (such as eye contact and gesture comfort).
Through multi-dimensional intervention, dental visits can be transformed into a “predictable and controllable” experience, significantly reducing the psychological burden of patients. The ultimate goal is not only to complete the treatment, but also to reshape the patient’s positive perception of oral health.
