Course Overview
This short course equips dental professionals with the knowledge and practical techniques to recognise, understand, and manage dental anxiety in patients. Covering communication, environment, behavioural strategies, and sedation options, the course aims to enhance patient experience and promote more effective, compassionate care.
Course Aims
- To increase awareness of dental anxiety and its impact on patients
- To provide dental professionals with tools to create a calming and supportive clinical environment
- To introduce a range of non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies to manage anxiety
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, learners will be able to:
- Recognise the signs and causes of dental anxiety
- Communicate effectively and empathetically with nervous patients
- Apply behavioural techniques such as the Tell-Show-Do method and distraction strategies
- Create a calming dental environment that reduces stress
- Understand the appropriate use of sedation methods for anxious patients
- Support patients before, during, and after appointments to improve long-term outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:
- Identify symptoms of anxiety and adjust care accordingly
- Implement patient-centred communication and care planning
- Utilise both non-sedative and sedative techniques to manage dental anxiety
- Prepare and follow up with patients to support confidence in future visits
GDC Development Outcomes:
A, B, D
Review Date:
January 2027
