Comfy Patient

As a dental hygienist, your role extends beyond just cleaning teeth. You’re also a comforter to patients who might feel a bit on edge. To transform their experience and ease their fears, we’re sharing five effective strategies you can put into play.

Build Rapport and Trust

Kick-off your patient’s visit with a warm, friendly smile. This simple act sets a positive tone right from the start. Then, engage them in some light-hearted, non-dental chatter. It’s a great way to distract them from their anxiety and build a personal connection.

Master the Art of Communication

Take the time to explain each step of the treatment, both before and during. When patients know what to expect, their anxiety levels often drop. Encourage them to voice any questions or concerns. Responding thoughtfully will help soothe their fears.

Craft a Soothing Environment

A clean, comfortable, welcoming dental office goes a long way in easing anxiety. Consider incorporating soothing colors, soft music, and cozy seating. Offer sensory comforts like noise-canceling headphones, blankets, or even stress balls.

Embrace Gentle Techniques

Adopt a slow, tender approach during treatments to avoid any unexpected surprises or discomfort. Be open to taking frequent breaks during longer procedures, giving patients a moment to relax and regroup.

Employ Distraction Techniques

Help direct your patient’s attention away from the procedure. You can do this through entertainment options like television, music, or virtual reality headsets. Engaging them in conversation during the procedure also keeps their mind occupied.

By fostering trust, communicating effectively, creating a comforting environment, using gentle techniques, and providing distractions, dental hygienists can greatly reduce patient stress. These tactics ensure a more positive and comfortable dental visit for even the most anxious patients.

Share with a friend:
DentalPost is the dental industry’s premier and largest online and mobile job board.
We connect and educate more than 900,000 job seekers in the U.S. and Canada to build better places to work through teams that excel.
Featured Posts
dental job board

JOB SEEKING

7 Features of the Best Dental Career and Job Search Platform

Looking for a new dental job – for whatever reason – can be a complicated, time-consuming, and emotionally draining process. Even when you find an opportunity that appears to be […]

DentalPost
DentalPost

Posted April 01, 2022

dental holidays

National Dental Holidays to Celebrate at Your Practice

Recognizing your dental team with gratitude for their hard work over the year is quintessential to having a successful practice. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are great examples of appreciation […]

Jennifer Reeves
Jennifer Reeves

Posted March 03, 2021

dental

JOB SEEKING

Which States Have the Highest RDH & Dental Assistant Wages (& the Lowest)?

As the demand for dental hygienists and assistants increases, wages are rising for dental hygienists and assistants. DentalPost’s 2023 Salary Report includes multiple income statistics, including income averages for the […]

Deborah Bush
Deborah Bush

Posted February 12, 2019

Featured Posts
dental job board

JOB SEEKING

7 Features of the Best Dental Career and Job Search Platform

Looking for a new dental job – for whatever reason – can be a complicated, time-consuming, and emotionally draining process. Even when you find an opportunity that appears to be […]

DentalPost
DentalPost

Posted April 01, 2022

dental holidays

National Dental Holidays to Celebrate at Your Practice

Recognizing your dental team with gratitude for their hard work over the year is quintessential to having a successful practice. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are great examples of appreciation […]

Jennifer Reeves
Jennifer Reeves

Posted March 03, 2021

dental

JOB SEEKING

Which States Have the Highest RDH & Dental Assistant Wages (& the Lowest)?

As the demand for dental hygienists and assistants increases, wages are rising for dental hygienists and assistants. DentalPost’s 2023 Salary Report includes multiple income statistics, including income averages for the […]

Deborah Bush
Deborah Bush

Posted February 12, 2019

Loading...

Loading...