Anxiety, Dread? Why Choosing the Right Dental Office Matters
“I almost didn’t feel like I was at the dentist,” patient Joellen S told me, smiling, on her way out the door. High praise from someone who had admitted she had been putting off the inevitable because of the queasy feeling at the bottom of her stomach whenever she thought of making the appointment.
Even after making an appointment, meeting a new dentist, going through the mechanics, finding out about everything that needs to be done and starting the process can feel scary and overwhelming in so many ways.
But, it doesn’t have to be so hard! Believe it or not, there are good reasons why judging a book by its cover can be an important key to choosing the dentist and dental practice that can transform your anxiety and fears into a much happier and healthier place.
Let Go of Anxiety at the Door
Many people are used to going into a plain functional dentist office with two or three people behind a high check-in desk. They check in, wait with an old magazine, try to breathe and not get stressed out.
A change in the room and surroundings can have an important visceral and de-stressing effect.
For example, in order to reduce children’s fears of CT scans, designer Doug Dietz at GE redesigned a CT scan with colourful cartoon characters. The goal of this now famous pilot project at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center was to use these friendly designs to reduce fear and anxiety significantly, creating better outcomes.
A sterile unwelcome space sets a person up for negative feelings, but a comfortable more homelike space makes it more likely to want to be in the space, and not just because they have to.
With that in mind, I shaped my plans for my dental office space around creating a space that someone would want to enter regardless of the activity there. Creating an warm and welcoming entry point allows everyone to comfortably come in to what could otherwise be an uncomfortable situation.
I imagined my dental office as an open environment that is relaxing and stress free. People walk into a clean light-filled space with comfortable amenities and an uplifting aroma from essential oils. The refreshing Saje essential oils create an outdoorsy, minty, piney smell. It’s not uncommon for people to ask if they can put their face in the diffuser so they can inhale the relaxing aroma even more!
Providing an inviting entry room and office space is how we help patients let go of fear and anxiety at the door. Being an invited guest to a warm and friendly space makes everyone want to be there from the moment they open the door and step inside.
Welcome to Stress-Free for You and Me
An officious office staff and distracted busy assistants and dentists have been a common experience for many people. The office space is all too often a clinical workspace that can make a dental patient feel like a cog in a wheel. Typically, dental offices don’t have personalities and don’t reflect the practitioner or the care a patient can expect to get.
In contrast, I believe that a warm and inviting space helps everyone, including the dentist herself, to be warm, relaxed and inviting.
I spend a lot of time in my dental practice, so I wanted a space that contributes to the well-being of my staff and myself as much as my patients. A space designed to be relaxing and fun for me and everyone who comes and goes contributes to reducing anxiety and increasing the quality of health care.
Being able to speak directly to my patients is essential to my practice, so I looked to ideas outside the box. Immediately upon entering the Dental Studio, there is an open space that makes seeing and speaking to my patients easy and accessible.
Why? Because open and reachable direct communication ensures that patient and dentist are on the same page. Excellent dental care is the result. Caring, informative and professional interactions ensure positive experiences for the patient, assistant and dentist – a win-win for all of us.
The best thing about Moss Dental Studio is that it is not only true to myself in design and comfort, but most importantly, it reflects the excellent well designed care my assistant and I give to every aspect of our patients’ dental care.
Let’s Talk: Less Pain, Faster Healing
Getting over the initial hump of making the appointment and actually coming to the dentist are big steps for some. But the biggest hurdle is being able to ask questions or get enough information to fully understand the necessary treatment.
Some dental practices aren’t conducive to getting the answers to all the questions patients have. They may leave without clarity about what needs to be done now or in the future. Lack of time, contact with the dentist or even the dentist’s manner can prevent communication.
That’s why it is so reassuring when the space, the dentist and her staff offer a stress-free set up that is welcoming and inclusive. I have had some patients say that they would like to stay longer just to visit! Setting up the next appointment, completing a treatment plan and taking care of long term dental health all seem so much easier with easy and open communication.
One reason patients feel at home at the Moss Dental Studio is that the patient to dentist barrier isn’t there. In an open inviting space and a dentist with the same approach, patients are not afraid to ask questions or have a conversation about their treatment.
I encourage my patients to be active participants in their own treatment by providing important information and discussion. This helps patients set themselves up for the best ever long term health care.
Importantly it is known that less stress during medical procedures results in less pain and better healing outcomes. When everyone is relaxed, communicative and well informed, pain is reduced and healing is faster. An overall more positive experience all around!
Remarkably, a dental office space can tell you a lot about the dentist you are entrusting yourself to. Make sure the dentist and dental office are a good match for you personally. If you feel happy and relaxed sitting in the dental chair, you probably got it right.
Call now to book an appointment and learn more.
About the author: Dr. Neri Moss is the owner and dentist at Moss Dental Studio in Vancouver, BC. Learn more about her here.
Moss Dental Studio