How would you speak with a patient who is anxious before treatment?

Instruction: Give a short patient-facing response and explain the information you would pass to the dentist.

Context:

A fictional patient says, “I had a bad experience before. I’m worried I won’t be able to stop once we begin.” Treatment has not started. You are the assistant, and the dentist is available to discuss the patient’s concerns.

Updated

Example Answer

Thank you for telling me. It sounds as though feeling able to pause is especially important to you. I'll let the dentist know before we begin, and we can ask them to agree a signal with you and explain what to expect. Is there anything from your previous experience you would like me to pass on? You don't have to pretend you are comfortable. I'll help make sure your questions reach the dentist, and we can check that you understand the plan before things move forward.

Assessment criteria

  • Acknowledges the specific fear without dismissing or diagnosing it.
  • Brings the concern to the dentist before treatment and suggests agreeing a pause signal.
  • Invites the patient’s questions without promising painless treatment or recommending medication.

Adequate vs excellent: Adequate: listens and brings the concern to the dentist. Excellent: identifies that control is the specific fear, asks what the patient wants shared, and checks that the concern is addressed before care proceeds.

Red flags: “It won’t hurt,” pressuring the patient to continue, or independently recommending sedation or treatment changes.

Follow-up

What if the patient asks you to guarantee there will be no pain?

“I can’t promise that, but I can ask the dentist to explain what you might feel and how they will respond if you are uncomfortable.” Keep the answer honest and make the handoff before treatment begins.

Sources

ADA MouthHealthy anxiety guidance

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