Dental Health Check with Dr. Linda Niessen
Dental health topics from Dr. Linda Niessen of Baylor College of Dentistry
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 Dental Phobia

By Web Communications
Baylor College of Dentistry
The Texas A&M Health Science Center
Monday, November 27, 2006
STORY: DENTAL PHOBIA
SCRIPT #705 SHOOT:  11/7/06
AIRDATE:  Monday, November 27, 2006
DHC Master #18  Timecode: 25:15

Research shows the number of patients afraid of going to the dentist is decreasing. But in the U.S., there remains an estimated 10 million dental phobics. Many dentists now are trained to help the fearful patient relax. News 8’s Dr. Linda Niessen has details in today’s Dental Health Check.

Dentists in training today learn not just about teeth but about psychology of fearful patients. They learn how to make patients like Sergio Sierra comfortable in a dental office.

“Well basically, the last time I went I had a bad experience with the hygienist that I went to,” said Sergio.
      
Sergio avoided going to the dentist for 8 years. He has periodontal or gum disease that now requires a procedure called scaling and root planning.  

“Having gone so long, I knew and felt it was time for me to go see the dentist,” he added.  

Sergio's dentist, Dr. Amy Bender, takes extra time to talk with him and gives him anesthesia to make sure he feels no pain. “We ask patients how can we we make you more comfortable," said Dr. Bender, "opening up that question. If there is something that bothered them in the past, we always want to know about it so that we try not to copy it. And then we always try to make sure that we’re not doing anything that hurts. As long as you go slowly, you can get everything done that you need to get done in the right way.”  

Many new dentists and their staffs welcome fearful patients to their office. They’ve learned techniques that make the dental office a pleasant experience. “And then if they know more information about what they are having done, then it is not as scary,” Dr. Bender added.

And Sergio added, “Just the voice is very sweet and gentle. That makes it a lot more comforting.”

If you have been avoiding the dentist, ask around for a referral from a friend or family member. Go visit the office and get a feel for the staff and the environment. If you like what you see, make an appointment for an examination. For Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M System, I’m Dr. Linda Niessen, Channel 8 News.

Dr. Linda Niessen, clinical professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences and  the Office of Communications and Development at Baylor College of Dentistry, hosts Dental Health Check, the only weekly dental feature shot on location in the nation.

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