One in six Australian adults suffer from some form of dental fear or anxiety, affecting their ability to get the dental care they need. Here are some of the most common reasons why people fear the dentist:

• Pain: One of the main reasons people are afraid of the dentist is the fear of pain. However, modern dentistry has come a long way in reducing or eliminating pain during procedures.

  • At Mindset Dental, we have modern technology including The Wand local anaesthetic injection system to ensure our patients are pain free during their visits.

• Lack of control: Some people are afraid of the dentist because they feel like they don't have control over what's happening to them. They may feel vulnerable and helpless during a dental procedure, which can be unsettling.

  • “Stop” clickers and “safe” signals are just a few of the ways patients can help take back control over their dental treatment.

• Bad past experiences: People who have had negative experiences at the dentist in the past are more likely to fear going to the dentist again. This can include experiences of pain, discomfort, or feeling judged by their dentist.

  • Real trust and a non-judgemental relationship is an essential part of moving past bad previous experiences

• Embarrassment: Fear of visiting the dentist because people are embarrassed about the state of their teeth is very common. They may feel like their dentist will judge them for not taking proper care of their teeth, or that they will receive bad news about the state of their teeth.

  • As dentists, it is our role to listen to what you want to get out of coming to the dentist , rather than judging you. Our primary focus is looking at the foundations in your mouth then working with you to create a plan to move forwards and achieve whatever your health goals may be.

• Noise and smells: The sounds and smells associated with dental procedures can be off-putting for some people. For example, the sound of a drill or the smell of a disinfectant can trigger anxiety.

  • Aromatherapy, soundproof technology and noise-cancelling headphones are some of the ways to reduce these triggers.

• Claustrophobia: People who have a fear of enclosed spaces may be afraid of the dentist because they feel like they're in a small, enclosed space during a procedure.

  • At Mindset Dental, our treatment room is light-filled and spacious to give you plenty of room to breathe.

• Fear of needles: For some people, the fear of needles can be overwhelming, making it difficult for them to get dental care.

  • The Wand STA injection system is a modern way to give you a smooth and painless local anaesthetic experience.

• Bill shock and financial burden: Fear of an unexpected bill at the end of a dental appointment is common fear, as dental treatment in Australia is not subsidised by the public health system.

  • At Mindset Dental, our prices are all fixed and there is no hidden fees. All treatment is pre-quoted and interest free payment plans are also available.

To overcome these fears, it's important to find a dentist you trust and feel comfortable with. You can also discuss your concerns with your dentist so that they can help you feel more relaxed during your appointment. In some cases, sedation dentistry may also be an option. With the right support, you can overcome your fear of the dentist and get the dental care you need to maintain good oral health.