What we do to make patients comfortable and less anxious

Patients have had various experiences growing up and going to the dentist. Some are positive but unfortunately there are many who have had negative experiences and as a result of that are traumatised. As dental nurses we try to make the person feel as comfortable as possible and change the memories to more pleasant ones. The dentist also plays a huge part in making the patient feel secure and not intimidated. He does this by calmly speaking to the patient of what will take place so as not to catch them unaware, and reassuring them that everything will be fine. My part is to support the dentist in any way I can. Usually we find out what interest the patient has if we can before their procedure and carry out a conversation that the patient can listen to, this takes their mind of what is happening and we can even see them giggling and trying not to laugh.

Obviously we don’t want our patients drowning so we try to keep the jokes to a minimum. We have had very positive feedback and the patient will let us know how they enjoyed listening to us and that many times they even forgotten they were at the dentist!!! Some have even said that they felt we were friends having a coffee and sharing. The dentist also is more than happy to listen to what the patient has had experienced in the past and answer any questions they may still be apprehensive of. We keep an eye on their body posture and the dentist will tell them to slow their breathing if they are really anxious or if we see them trembling.

Our patients wellbeing is our first and foremost priority, they are reassured that that we will look after them and take into consideration everything that they mention. We do this by hearing them and acknowledging their needs, they are not just a number at Seymour Dental. Listening is what the dentist and nurse do so we can cater to their needs, every person has had different experiences and so we try to respond to the individuals need. We have had patients so nervous that holding their hand where possible gave them comfort, or holding on to one of our very fluffy toys also helped!!! Sometimes a hug or a smile makes all the difference, in the end being kind and considerate and understanding goes a long way to making a person feel they are in a safe environment.

Some patients that are nervous are the opposite they prefer no talking or music in the background and want the Dentist to solely work without any conversations. We take every request seriously and make it a point to accommodate these patients in the way that suits them. There is not one way to do all things. Technology and the way things are done are improved tremendously from the past. As Dr Seymour has mentioned to the patients in the past, he would like them to leave the practice with more information than when they came in.

I hope this puts any person at ease and we are always open to suggestions!

– Sue

Next week: Item Numbers Series Finally Ends – Item 986-999