One difficulty in dentistry is that about 16% of the population is highly anxious about seeing a dentist, which prolongs their time in the dental chair by 20% Some 4% of the population avoid dental work entirely, resulting in poor health for them, and they need dental work to be done under general anesthetic, a time-consuming, expensive, invasive procedure.

A recent study demonstrated a highly effective treatment for people who are very anxious or phobic of dentists. People with severe dental phobia (averaging 17 years in duration) were treated with either 1.5 hours of specialized psychological treatment, or an anti-anxiety medication (midazolam, dosage adjusted for body weight). A control group was also used. The results of the interventions were remarkable. The people who received specific psychological treatment reported much less fear, anxiety, and negative thoughts about dental treatment than either the medication or control groups. 95% of the people given psychological treatment had clinically significant improvement, whereas only 10% of the people in either of the other groups showed as much improvement.

The changes were very persistent for the duration of dental treatment, which usually took 7 months on end, over 11 treatments. 70% of the people given psychological treatment completed all their dental treatment, versus 20% of the medication group, and 10% of the control group. This is consistent with other research that found that 70% of the people treated by a psychologist continued to see their dentist for up to 4 years. Many people are also willing to receive psychological treatment, as they are averse to taking medication.

I shall be offering the same psychological treatment for dental phobia as used in the research article. The patients will benefit by having reduced fear, anxiety, and negative thoughts about dental work. Also, both you and the patient will benefit by their increased relaxation, and increased usage of dental services until they complete all their dental treatment, and maintaining follow-up visits. This will ensure improved dental health for your patients.

The treatment package will consist of education about anxiety, instruction and practice in relaxation techniques, stress inoculation training, and handouts (audio and written materials) for patients to practice with. Many individuals have coverage to see a registered psychologist through their extended health benefits. They may need a referral from a physician (the MD simply has to write "psychological treatment recommended for phobia"), in order to access their coverage. Alternately, they can pay privately. If there is a significant group of individuals who cannot pay privately, and do not have coverage through their benefits package, I will run treatment groups of four to six people, at a cost of $45 per person for the 1.5 hour session. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call me or e-mail me


Lidell A, Di Fazio L, Blackwood J, & Ackerman C. Long-term follow-up of treated dental phobics. Behavior Research and Therapy, 1994:32:605-610.