Fear Of Dentists - A Real Phobia

Are you one of those unfortunate people who has a fear of dentists. Well, fear not because you are not alone. Dental fear is recognised as a phobia, and as a reponsible dental health insurance provider we are happy to let you know that the General Dental Council has set aside guidelines to help the dentist help you and the many others just like you who have a fear of visiting your local dentist.

Fear of any kind can stem from lack of knowledge or as in many cases fears of all kinds are increased many times by unfounded stories. For some, just the thought of seeing a dentist can bring on panic attacks of epic proportions making it impossible to identify exactly the cause of the fear. Personally the dentist's drill does it for me! Everyone has their own story though.

The General Dental Council’s 2005 guidelines for dentists say:
• The patient should be treated politely and with respect in recognition of the dignity and rights as individuals.
• Promote the patients responsibility to make informed decisions in regard to their dentistry, their priorities and their care.

This means the dentist will explain the current condition of your mouth, what, if anything, need to be done including consequences, cost and continued care. Do not be afraid to ask questions. If you are unsure, did not hear or understand anything, ask the dentist to repeat or explain further.

It is your mouth, you have the right to say either yes or no, but you must know why you made that decision.

After your initial visit, you will realize those dentists are not ogres. Dentistry has come a long way since the seventeenth century and there really is no reason to have a fear of dentists.