Question

Where fear and anxiety about being at the dental office is present, what steps should an assistant take during the health history and dental review to help alleviate those fears?

Answer 1

To alleviate fear and anxiety about being at the dental office, the dental assistant should establish rapport, communicate effectively, educate the patient, offer distractions, and use relaxation techniques.

Step-by-step explanation:

When fear and anxiety about being at the dental office are present, the dental assistant can take several steps during the health history and dental review to help alleviate those fears:

1. Establishing rapport: The dental assistant can start by building a friendly and trusting relationship with the patient, making them feel comfortable and understood.
2. Communication: The dental assistant should listen to the patient's concerns and provide clear explanations about the procedures, addressing any potential sources of anxiety.
3. Educating: Providing information about the benefits of dental procedures, the use of anesthesia, and the importance of dental health can help alleviate fears and reduce anxiety.
4. Offering distractions: The dental assistant can provide distractions such as soothing music, TV shows, or headphones to divert the patient's attention and create a more relaxed atmosphere.
5. Using relaxation techniques: Techniques like deep breathing exercises or guided imagery can help the patient relax during the appointment.

By implementing these steps, the dental assistant can help alleviate fear and anxiety, creating a more positive and comfortable dental experience for the patient.