Most children are afraid of dentists even prior to their first appointments. As dental professionals, the first step to offering the best possible care to young patients is to help children overcome Dental Fear and Anxiety (DFA).

In an interview for an ADA article, Dr. David Markiewicz, author of the children’s book Dentists are Monsters, shown, pointed out that dentists have often been portrayed negatively in popular culture. Sometimes, parents even reinforce the stigma by using the idea of monster dentists to make their children behave. According to the American Dental Association, 22 percent of adults forgo dental visits because they are afraid of dentists. When children sense their parents’ discomfort, they will likely feel anxious themselves. 

How can the dental team put children at ease and help overcome Dental Fear and Anxiety (DFA)?

From inviting children to virtual tours to partnering with parents who may have dental fears themselves, several strategies can help children overcome Dental Fear and Anxiety (DFA). Get started today by reading 5 Tips to Make Dental Appointments Fun for Scared Kids at Benco Dental’s Learning Center, a free resource for dental professionals.

From white papers and articles to checklists, webinars and podcasts, information is available at Benco’s Learning Center at no charge, in numerous formats. How does the Learning Center gather this knowledge? By consulting experts on a broad array of topics that the dental community cares about.

Ready to find the answers to dentistry’s questions? Visit Benco Dental’s Learning Center today: https://www.benco.com/learning-center/

Have a dental question and don’t see the answer at the Benco Learning Center? Send questions or topic requests to communications@benco.com. Learn more: https://www.benco.com/learning-center/