Familiarisation, desensitisation and behaviour support

You may require extra preparation before feeling comfortable seeing the dentist or undergoing certain procedures. This can be due to anxiety, unfamiliarity with a new dentist, or various other reasons, including dental phobia, intellectual disabilities, autism, or past trauma.

We use a variety of strategies to support you through the process:

• We gather information to help prepare for your visit, such as your dental history, preferences, learning styles, rewards, sensory sensitivities, and triggers to avoid.
• We offer the option of visiting the clinic before your appointment to meet the staff and familiarise yourself with the environment.
• We can take photos of the clinic to introduce new people, tools, and procedures.
• We work at a pace that feels comfortable for you, ensuring a gentle approach.
• A sign system can be used to signal when you need to stop or take a break.
• Distractions, such as an iPad or music, can be used to help you relax.
• We use modelling techniques to demonstrate procedures and practice at home.
• We offer positive reinforcement through shaping, rewarding progress even if it’s not perfect.
• Exposure therapy or desensitisation may be used, which involves gradual exposure to feared situations while practising relaxation or coping techniques. We can also coordinate with a psychologist to start the process before your dental visit, if you prefer.

Our appointments are scheduled with extra time to ensure you never feel rushed. We understand that overcoming fear takes patience, time, and trust, and we are committed to building a supportive, personalised relationship with you and your family.