How Dentists Can Eliminate Anxiety in Kids During Their First Appointment

“I love going to the dentist!” It might be a stretch thinking you’ll hear that from most kids. Even so, that perspective can motivate you as a dentist to deal with anxiety in kids during their first appointment.

Almost 20% of school age children are afraid of a dental visit. Those in that range, and the larger percentage of dental avoiders, increase the challenge of helping families establish good oral health habits.


Can You Give a Parent a Hand?

Parents feel a heavy burden to look after their kid’s health – dentistry included. They’re looking for understanding and an advocate to help them with their child’s attitude about it.

You can share the load by:

  • Giving them advance “talking points.” Kids appreciate predictability so encourage parents to not drop a dental appointment on them at the last minute.
  • Establishing a communication thread. A first dental appointment prompts a lot of questions – be ready and be available via phone, text, email, and virtually.
  • Gathering as much info as possible about their child. Their fears, oral health habits, lifestyle/diet, school and personal interests, etc.
  • Supply parents with resources that will help prepare their kids for what to expect on their first visit.

Do everything within reason to support a parent’s desire to improve their child’s oral health.

HOW TO HELP KIDS ACTUALLY “LOVE” THEIR FIRST APPOINTMENT (AND EACH ONE AFTER THAT)

Use Your Kind Voice and Simple Words

In essence, ditch the dental speak. You’ll be amazed how simplifying your words can also impact your tone.

Kids feel at ease when you use a friendly, familiar voice. Use simple descriptions when talking about procedures.


Have a Conversation with the Child Too

It’s natural to default to the adult-in-the-room (aka, the parent or guardian). But keep in mind that the child is the one you’ll be treating.

Kids are part of the patient experience too. Showing an interest in their life, their interests, and their fears will create trust and increase their comfort.


High-Five the Good Behavior

Give every kid “praise” when they show bravery during their dental appointment. It could be nothing short of heroic for some kids to hang-in for the duration of a check-up or treatment.

Applause reinforces behavior. Even a small amount of way-to-go’s can lead to a trusting, long-term relationship with you as their dentist.


SOMETIMES YOU NEED SOME ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

There will be those kids that regardless of how you speak to them, speak with them, or reward their good efforts – they need a little more assistance with a first or future dental appointment.

This can apply in a themed, calm, kid-centric environment too.


Promote Sedation Solutions Where Necessary

It’s called “happy gas” for a reason. And it’s better for your young patients that you refer to it as such.

The anxiety reducing effects of sedation dentistry deserve attention – especially for those kids that require a bit more coaxing.

  • Explain how it works and what to expect.
  • Confirm with their parent any additional sedation methods (e.g. oral sedation, etc) if there’s a reason they prefer not to use “happy gas.”


Encourage Behavioral Support

There are times when you wear a “therapist’s” hat during a first dental visit. Of course, you’re aware of your boundaries and skill set. But a listening, compassionate ear can be the beginning of helping a child and parent unpack some potential rooted fears.

  • Have some behavioral therapy resources in-your-hip-pocket. A counseling or therapeutic referral could be just what a child needs if their anxiety is more ingrained.
  • Watch your “language” and encourage parents to do the same. We’re not talking the “foul” type but rather words like “hurt,” “shots,” “only a little…,” etc. These send up red-flags.
  • Be patient and supportive. Anxiety in kids about a dental visit can be overcome but it takes time and consistency. Cool heads will prevail – yours not theirs.


Create an environment that reduces (or eliminates) anxiety in kids beginning with their first appointment.

An outstanding patient experience for kids and families begins with a kid-centric mindset and the environment that supports it.

Check out these related resources for upgrading, renewing, and providing anxiety-free dental visits:

6 Calming Strategies for Kids Nervous About Healthcare Appointments

Download Our White Paper: Alleviating Patient Anxiety Through Office Theming

A Practical Guide to Creating an Exceptional Patient Experience



Set kids and their parents up for a lifetime of positive health outcomes. Create an environment that:

  • Reduces patient anxiety and enhances their relaxation
  • Primes kids and families for their appointments
  • Promotes positive dental care experiences

Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office into an anxiety-free dental experience for kids.


Grab a free resource you can share with your young patients:

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Reduce Dental Anxiety with “The Kids’ Guide to the Dentist”

Going to the dentist can be scary for children, so it’s important to address their dental anxiety in a way that’s both kind and encouraging. Helping a child face their fears of the dentist will help set them up for a positive interaction and a stronger lifetime relationship with dentistry. 

Common Causes of Dental Anxiety

Think about some of the reasons why your anxiety flares up as an adult. The fear of the unknown or remembering uncomfortable experiences are probably pretty big contributors, right? Kids have similar feelings, but coupled with big imaginations that can lead them to picture scenarios that create further fear and anxiety. An anxious child will also focus on previous stressful dental experiences, causing even more anxiety.

Infographic showing common dental anxiety triggers.


ONE WAY TO HELP PEDIATRIC ANXIETY? THE KIDS’ GUIDE TO THE DENTIST ACTIVITY BOOK

Put Young Patients at Ease by Preparing Them for Their Visit

To help put your young patients at ease, we created The Kids’ Guide to the Dentist as a free resource for your office! Follow along as a little lion cub has their first visit to the dentist and meets Dr. Bear! This educational coloring book will show kids what to expect during their appointments and take some of the anxiety out of a dental visit. The book is filled with activities like coloring pages, mazes, and connect-the-dots to keep kids engaged and entertained throughout the story. It’s written with kids language in mind and is perfect for preschool reading levels and beyond.

This guide can be easily printed off from your office printer as a waiting room activity. Or you can send it out to parents as a PDF to share with their kids before their dental appointments.

You can even request a custom version with your name as the dentist in the story, free of charge. Anywhere “Dr. Bear” appears will be replaced with your name instead. You can download the generic Dr. Bear version as well if you don’t want it customized.



Request your copy of the guide from the form below:

You can’t control the past experiences of your young dental patients, but you can control the current and future ones. Understanding what could have contributed to their dental anxiety and your willingness to help them overcome it will truly make a difference in their attitude and appointment success. 


Interested in other helpful, free resources for your young patients? Check out these related resources:

IDS Kids Club – Kids can learn to draw with a series of videos and activity sheets!

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Important Details for Optimizing Your Office for Patient Acquisition

Acquiring new, lifelong patients is a journey. A journey that starts with the patient’s first appointment and develops through a series of good experiences with your clinic. Those positive results will typically point back to how well your office is optimized for patient acquisition.

That’s no small task. These days patient interaction is skewed by your staff demeanor, your care standards, the services you provide, insurance acceptance, and more.

And then there’s your office design. It enhances or diminishes the first impression the previously mentioned influences have on a patient.


Optimizing Your Office for Patient Acquisition

Conscious Effort Required

The cost of acquiring a single patient can total hundreds of dollars or more. Your investment total can vary patient to patient depending on their responsiveness to either your office culture or subsequent targeted marketing initiatives.

There’s also the competitive environment. Advertising campaigns can cross their line of site via direct mail or an online search.

The choice is theirs.

And therein is the essence of your required efforts – occupying a prominent place at their choice point!

You gotta be intentional!


Environmental Awareness


Your physical environment, practice atmosphere, vibe, and overall culture have a substantial impact on patient acquisition. New patients especially are discerning about specific things relative to your office environment.

  • Is stress reduced?
  • Does it feel safe and clean?
  • Can it be trusted?
  • Will satisfaction be consistent?

These factors align with what’s referred to as an evidence-based design strategy. That’s the big idea that you create an office environment to achieve the best possible healthcare outcomes.

Obviously, this would strongly influence patient acquisition as well.

The power of first impressions relies on how each patient feels the moment they encounter your practice. It could be the theme of a direct mailing, how your website engages them, or the glowing referral of a friend or family member.

Keep in mind also that many patients are influenced by how they interpret those experiences.

”Design choices matter. Approximately 24 to 35% of a patient’s overall satisfaction with a health care experience is influenced by the design and decor of the facility.” [1]


Details That Influence Patient Acquisition

Overall Design Details

Maximizing your office design begins at the “curb”. Visibility, traffic flow, parking availability, ease of access, intuitive facility navigation, they all set the tone for patient acquisition success.

Remember that one scheduled appointment doesn’t guarantee a second, third, or more. A design glitch can sway a discerning patient to reconsider establishing an ongoing relationship with your office.

  • Apply conscientious design from street to chair side.
  • Maintain and routinely upgrade your exterior and interior spaces.
  • Theme your office according to the demographic of your patients.


Mood Details in Your Front Office and Reception Zone

The attention to detail you bring to the vibe of your entry space will help your patients feel more in control. A welcoming, inviting, and comfortable tone puts patients at ease and more likely to begin establishing a long-term relationship with your practice. Interior design and decor is important for setting a mood in your dental office.

  • Design your reception area to create an inclusive feel for your patients.
  • Reduce the impersonal barriers to provide somewhat seamless access to the front desk team.
  • Designate a team member as the “host” for all arriving patients.
  • Provide patients with comfortable “distractions” like reading materials, free (guest) wi-fi, a dedicated workspace, and themed decor that reflects local points of interest, etc.
  • Use natural features such as plants (non-allergenic), outdoor views, and skylights that utilize natural lighting effects.

These tips might seem irrelevant to patient acquisition. Yet, realize it’s the vibe you create that helps patients feel more engaged and in control of their relationship with you as their care provider.


Relationship Development Details

Not all relationships start at a good place. In fact, for many healthcare appointments, there might already be a strike against you.

It’s nothing personal, it’s more of perception. Do the hard work of creating the right environment and match that with good relational skills to help dissolve some of the patients’ natural existing anxieties.


Pay Attention

Every patient interaction or conversation provides you an opportunity to deepen your relationship with them.

Your top relational skill: listening!

It helps (beyond a phone conversation) to rely on your office design flow for enhanced listening. Meaning, it’s a good idea to have patient conversations in a designated, comfortable consult area or room.

Patients will feel more at ease and you/your team members will be better equipped to truly listen to what your patients share with you.


Leverage Your Knowledge for Their Benefit

Patients know it’s a good idea to take care of their physical or oral health. But they’re often lacking the “why” behind it.

Patients who feel informed are more likely to have a positive experience. And that positive experience leads to an increase in your patient acquisition success.

  • Listen to their specific questions/concerns and provide the answers/solutions they need.
  • Allow them to ask questions about your standard of care, technology, treatment outcomes, financials, and more. Freedom to ask questions enhances the relationship.




Schedule the “Next”

Relationships require consistency. The same applies to maintaining health. Your intentional efforts to set a patient’s next appointment confirms healthcare as a priority.

They stay connected to you/your office and their health maintains essential consistency. Those levels of consistency confirm that you’re on the path to increasing your patient acquisition percentages.

Keep in mind that acquiring patients is fundamentally a two-fold process. It’s one part environment and one part relational.

Optimize your office around each and you’ll increase your patient acquisition success.


Check out these related resources on these strategies that lead to an increase in patient acquisition:

6 Dental Office Images That Show How Intentional Design Impacts Patient Experience

What is Patient Experience and Why Does It Matter?

Key Strategies to Jump-Start Your Dental Marketing

A Practical Guide to Creating an Exceptional Patient Experience

Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to magical patient experience.


[1]  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5179604/#JR00714-14

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How to Create a Dental Design Strategy That Enhances Patient Experience

A warm fireplace, natural lighting, and cozy amenities might not be the first thing you think of when you imagine a dental practice layout but maybe they should be. Those are only a small sampling of stand-out dental design that can re-define your practice atmosphere.

The innovative design features should stop at the front door either. In fact, the overall patient experience relies on an intentional design strategy throughout your entire dental facility.

What Does Patient Experience Mean?

Colin Shaw, founder of Beyond Philosophy, a global customer experience consulting company, defines patient experience.

”A patient experience is an interaction between an organization and a patient as perceived through a patient’s conscious and subconscious mind. It is a blend of an organization’s rational performance, the senses stimulated, and emotions evoked and intuitively measured against the patient’s expectations across all moments of contact.” [1]

That definition might feel like a heavy burden to place on your dental practice design strategy. Even so, outstanding design must (as Shaw states):

  • Stimulate
  • Evoke emotion
  • Align with a patient’s entire experience

Think of dental design as appealing to your patient’s eyes and their mind. The following design-think encourages you to strategize fresh ideas around a balance of aesthetics (eye-appeal) and feel (emotional-appeal).


HOW TO CREATE A DENTAL DESIGN STRATEGY THAT CONSISTENTLY CREATES AN OUTSTANDING PATIENT EXPERIENCE


Functionality in Balance

Dental design that has visual and emotional appeal serves your patients and your team. The better your team is able to navigate your layout the more efficient and engaging they will be.

Patients might not recognize this particular type of functionality as much as your staff will. But your patient’s journey from curb to treatment and back requires an equal amount of balanced functionality and efficiency.

  • Give attention to architectural layout. Space management that plans walking distance from parking lot to front door, from reception area to treatment area, etc. will impact patient experience.
  • Be ergonomically minded. Style is important as long as it allows for comfort (and reducing patient anxiety).
  • Maximize floor space with minimalist appeal. Whatever occupies your space(s) make sure it’s useful and doesn’t impede traffic flow or staff efficiency.


Comfortable Atmosphere with Attention to Ergonomic Details

Again, ergonomics are a major dental design detail – especially as they relate to your team(s). They will be able to deliver an even stronger patient experience if they’re ergonomically equipped.

Design plays a major role in creating a comfortable patient experience that’s supported by your team’s health and comfort. As you know, the daily workflows throughout your practice can take a toll on your body and your team member’s too.

  • Stage your clinical areas with efficiency and ergonomics in mind. Design equipment and instrument access points to promote healthy movement and reach.
  • Provide design features that enhance your front-desk team’s patient contact points and routine task performance.
  • Utilize design amenities that enhance patient comfort, convenience, and treatment ease.


Diminish DIY and Rely on Design Expertise

Dental design strategy has two facets: clinical expertise and aesthetic expertise. The clinical aspect is your territory while design belongs to aesthetic knowledge.

It’s essential to blend both without relying too heavily on a boot-strapped, DIY approach. The cost savings of keeping design planning in-house isn’t worth the loss of expert perspective.

  • Expert designers are skilled at maximizing your unique design thumbprint. They can see past the familiar surroundings and capture the vibe you envision for your patient experience.
  • Expert designers have the tools and technology to align effective design features with your clinical protocols.
  • Expert designers have cost-saving access to vendors. Their savings will often surpass your ability to save on a DIY strategy.
  • Expert designers do the “heavy-lifting” while you and your team stay focused on your “lane” of patient care.

Dental design requires intentional effort. Your desired patient experience deserves a fresh set of eyes as much or more than a fresh-coat-of-paint.


Check out these design-themed resources to upgrade or renew your patient experience…and your office environment:

6 Dental Office Images That Show How Intentional Design Impacts Patient Experience

3 Steps to Transform Your Office Decor from Mundane to Magical

A Practical Guide to Creating an Exceptional Patient Experience

Create a Memorable Patient Experience Through Dental Office Interior Design and Decor

Utilize Dental Design Expertise for Outstanding Patient Experience

You’ll stand out from other service providers when you provide a unique dental experience that’s influenced by fresh dental design.

  • Reduce patient anxiety and enhance their relaxation
  • Prime patients and families for their appointments
  • Create positive dental care experiences

Maintain your edge in the crowded dental service space. Attention to design details can transform your environment and the overall patient experience.

  • Create “buzz” in the community you serve
  • Accelerate patient referrals
  • Generate positive online reviews

Contact Imagination Design Studios (IDS) to get started transforming your office from a mundane to magical patient experience.

[1]  7 Tips Designing Your Dental Practice

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