7 Celebrating Allied Health Professionals
SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS • SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2025
An open, honest conversation with members of their dental team can help can help to alleviate any anxiety a patient may feel about upcoming treatment.
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By Kristin Marand O ver the years, Dr. Jeff Hein and his team of assistants and hygienists have treated all manner of dental pa- tients, from those who don’t bat an eye to others who battle varying degrees of anxiety before they get in the chair. Anxiety may seem more common now than a few decades ago, but that is due in part to the growing awareness around mental health. Hein says that dentists are keenly aware that not everyone is comfortable visiting the dentist, and a significant portion of dental education is now devoted to the management of people’s pain and anxiety. As such, mental health supports in the field of dentistry are becoming more common. “Dentists come out of school understanding that patients are anxious about dental care, some more than others,” he says. “Anxiety for different people can come from different places. So for some, it might be cost-related. For others, it might be re- lated to a bad previous experience, or an experience in child- hood that scared them when they went to the dentist. It might be a fear of needles or perhaps the sounds that they hear in a dental office, like the drill, for example. And for others, it might be embarrassment. They might feel as though they’ll be judged negatively by a dental team for having neglected their mouth.” Hein acknowledges that there are many reasons people might neglect dental care, including financial hard times, drug abuse and abusive relationships. He cautions that avoiding routine up- keep can lead to more serious adverse health outcomes. Patients who put off visiting the dentist for a prolonged period are often driven to seek help due to pain. For a patient with anx- iety, the pain becomes severe enough to override their anxiety. But by the time a person is in pain, the treatment required to correct the problem is often more costly and extensive than if the issue had been discovered and diagnosed sooner. Say Ahhhhh! DEALING WITH DENTAL ANXIETY
“A person who avoids dental care, especially preventive care, like a regular checkup or cleaning, can end up with pain. They can end up with infections, and in some cases, can wind up los- ing some or all of their teeth as a result of that,” he explains. “I’ve seen it happen to patients of all ages. When a patient is faced with losing their teeth, the impact can be devastating, not only psychologically, but also to their ability to chew food, to get good nutrition, and to smile, which can affect their employ- ment opportunities. There are deep implications to not having a healthy mouth and a good smile.” Hein explains that there are many ways to address patients’ anxieties, but it begins with understanding the cause. If the source is financial worry, your dentist can potentially arrange a payment plan to spread out the cost. The new Canadian dental care plan can also provide coverage. If a patient’s anxiety stems from sounds in the clinic, Hein rec- ommends using earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones or playing relaxing music in the treatment room. Comfort items, like stuffed animals for children or a support person, are often welcome. Taking a patient directly into a treatment room and eliminat- ing the waiting room period can be reassuring. As can a calm, soothing environment and a careful explanation of what to ex- pect during treatment. Even the simple distractions of watching television or using virtual reality glasses can go a long way. For those with more serious anxiety, an anti-anxiety medica- tion, which any dentist can prescribe (as long as there are no medical contraindications), or sedation can be an option. One of the best ways for patients to deal with any anxiety they may be feeling is to discuss the issue with members of their dental team ― which typically includes dental assistants, hygienists and therapists ― prior to being seen by their dentist. “An open, honest discussion with your dental team about your anxiety ahead of time can really help,” Hein says. ■
Dr. Jeff Hein says that there are many ways to address what a dental patient may be feeling, but it begins with understanding the cause. Photo supplied by the Manitoba Dental Association.
One of the best ways for patients to deal with any anxiety they may be feeling is to discuss the issue with members of their dental team ― which typically includes dental assistants, hygienists and therapists ― prior to being seen by their dentist.
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3324 Portage Ave. (204) 837 8184 • https://grenkowdental.ca email: office@grenkowdental.ca
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