Coping with Dental and Ortho Anxiety: Tools and Techniques

Welcome to the Hey Docs! Podcast with your host Jill Allen.

Today, we’re joined by Bonnie Brindle, an expert in anxiety management. And on this episode, I am excited for her and I to discuss how dental and orthodontic professionals can better support patients with dental anxiety. Bonnie will share her personal experiences, common anxiety triggers, and practical tools that can help improve patient comfort and care. There is a lot to learn.

Let’s get started!


Summary

In this conversation, Jill and Bonnie discuss dental anxiety and how it affects patients and dental/orthodontic practices. Bonnie shares her personal experience with dental anxiety and how it led her to focus on helping others with anxiety. They discuss the importance of understanding and addressing dental/orthodontic anxiety in the dental/orthodontic industry. They also provide tips for orthodontic practices on how to create a safe and welcoming environment for anxious patients, including asking about triggers and preferences, validating the patient's experience, and offering relaxation techniques. In this conversation, Bonnie Brindle discusses strategies for managing dental/orthodontic anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of understanding and validating patients' fears and anxieties, as well as creating a comfortable and supportive environment in the dental/orthodontic office. Bonnie suggests various tools and techniques that can help patients cope with anxiety, such as weighted blankets, CBD products, and wildlife imagery. She also highlights the significance of self-care for dental/orthodontic professionals and the need to address their own stress and anxiety. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights into improving the experience for anxious patients.

https://www.bonniebrindle.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bonnie.brindle.94/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-brindle-the-anxiety-avenger%E2%84%A2-785ab611/


Takeaways

• Dental anxiety is a common issue that affects many patients and can have a negative impact on their dental care.
• It is important for dental practices to be aware of dental anxiety and create a safe and welcoming environment for anxious patients.
• Practices can ask patients about their triggers and preferences to help minimize anxiety during dental visits.
• Validating the patient's experience and offering relaxation techniques can help reduce anxiety and improve patient care.
• Front desk team members play a crucial role in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for anxious patients. Understanding and validating patients' fears and anxieties is crucial in managing dental anxiety.
• Creating a comfortable and supportive environment in the dental office can help alleviate patient anxiety.
• Tools and techniques such as weighted blankets, CBD products, and wildlife imagery can assist patients in coping with dental anxiety.
• Dental and orthodontic professionals should prioritize self-care and address their own stress and anxiety to provide better care for anxious patients.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
09:05 Understanding Dental Anxiety
14:15 Triggers and Preferences
20:35 Creating a Safe and Welcoming Environment
26:49 Tips for Front Desk Team Members
29:18 Reducing Anxiety and Improving Patient Care
02:48 Understanding and Validating Patient Anxiety
10:00 Creating a Supportive Environment in the Dental Office
20:02 Tools and Techniques for Coping with Dental Anxiety
29:58 The Importance of Self-Care for Dental Professionals
40:12 Addressing Triggers and Shame
49:58 Resilience and Empathy in the Dental Workplace
55:00 Conclusion


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Episode Credits:

Hosted by Jill Allen
Produced by Jordann Killion
Audio Engineering by Garrett Lucero