36. Discuss behavioral methods that may help patients to cope with dental fears and related anxiety

1. The first step for the dentist is to become knowledgeable of the patient
and his or her presenting needs. Interviewing skills cannot be overemphasized. A
trusting relationship is essential. As the clinical interview proceeds, fears are
usually reduced to coping levels.
2. Because a patient cannot be anxious and relaxed at the same moment,
teaching methods of relaxation may be helpful. Systematic relaxation allows the
patient to cope with the dental situation. Guided visualizations may be helpful to
achieve relaxation. Paced breathing also may be an aid to keeping patients
relaxed. Guiding the rate of inspiration and expiration allows a hyperventilating
patient to resume normal breathing, thus decreasing the anxiety level. A sample
relaxation script is included below.