Dental anxiety is not unheard of. In fact, it’s a very real concern for many patients which can hold them back from getting the optimal dental care they deserve. However, the best dentists and orthodontists have the right tools/training and compassion to help ease their patients’ nerves. In this article, we offer our best tips that can help in caring for anxious orthodontic patients.
Compassion Is Always The Way To Go
Many dentists are kind and compassionate. After all, their caring nature may be why they chose to pursue this profession. However, as compassionate as you may be, you might also wonder just how much you should say when working with a patient who suffers from dental anxiety. If you have an anxious patient, it’s okay to approach the matter by asking them about their past dental experiences and understanding their triggers. Actively listening to your patients and taking notes of their concerns works wonders for easing them. Sometimes, anxious patients just want to feel heard because they weren’t at their previous dentist or orthodontist.
Modernizing Your Orthodontic Practice
A modern dental practice is one that prioritizes patient comfort, and this goes a long way with patients who have a fear of dentists. Here are our favorite tips for modernizing your orthodontic practice (LINK). Think about creating as relaxing a setting as possible.
Ensure Your Orthodontic Practice Is A Well-Oiled Machine
Making certain that your office runs smoothly is a great way to reassure your anxious patients that they are in a good place that cares about them, their health, and their time. Putting emphasis on team synergy will help patients become more at ease around your staff because they know what to expect and trust you.
Install OrthoPhoto To Practice Better Dentistry And Save Your Patients Time
For many who are anxious, the longer something takes to be over with, the worse the anxiety becomes. Save time in whatever way possible for all your patients. One of the best ways to do so is by installing OrthoPhoto App, which is available on the App Store and on Google Play. Designed by a dentist for other dentists, OrthoPhoto automates the hours-long process of taking dental braces photos of your patients’ teeth throughout the course of their orthodontic treatment and sorting them. Rather than relying on another dental braces camera, you can open the app, take the clinical images, and your device will automatically place each photo in the right patient file. Photos are taken quickly in the right format and automatically filed. Bonus tip: you can boost your dental marketing strategy by talking about how OrthoPhoto App separates you from other orthodontists, building the confidence your patients have in you.