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83 Lampits Hill, Corringham, Essex, SS17 9AB
There’s not many people who enjoy visiting the dentist, but for some this routine appointment can cause a great deal of stress. Anxious patients dread visiting and dentists may be worried about seeing them too. Whatever position you’re in, here’s some tips to make the appointment better for everyone involved.
We know that a little empathy can go for a long way for patients with dental anxiety. After all, who doesn’t feel better when they are met with some understanding? One of the most important things that helps aid the patient’s relationship with their dentist or dental team is open, honest communication. And this works both ways! Dentists, try to avoid any negative phrasing and encourage an open dialogue. Patients, don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have them!
Distractions are a great way to allow patients to get through their appointments with ease. As a dentist, there are a lot of ways you can offer a distraction. You can make sure you are playing music that is calming throughout the dental office or if your practice is tech-savvy you can equip the dental chair with a television. If you’re a patient who is going to a dentist that doesn’t have these, we’d recommend bringing your own headphones and putting a relaxing playlist on.
One thing that many dentists and their teams have found helps alleviate anxiety is allowing the patient some control of the appointment. This can be done effectively in a number of ways that doesn’t disrupt the dentist and their assistant too much. First, let the patient decide when the work begins. This can be a simple as adopting the phrase ‘let me know when you are ready’, instead of the abrupt ‘open wide’. Other ways you can help make the patient feel in control is by letting them hold tools that are not dangerous such as the salvia suction. This allows patients control over when they need a break without having to communicate. You could also look at implementing some simple but clear hand signals for those who are shy or struggle to communicate. You only need signals for ‘stop’ and ‘continue’.
To learn more ways to take care of your dental health at home, contact Corringham Dental today.
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Corringham Dental Practice Remains Open- National Lockdown Announcement 31st October 2020
The Prime Minister has announced a second national lockdown due to the rising number of cases of Covid-19.
Corringham Dental Practice will still be open. There are no restrictions with regards to medical treatment and you are actively encouraged to keep your appointments. At Corringham Dental Practice we have all the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and will continue to follow our high standards in cross infection control.
What next?
Please continue to attend your appointments. We have excellent infection control procedures along with a robust triaging policy to ensure the safety of both patients and staff.
If you are worried about your attendance please contact us to discuss your concerns and we can always postpone your treatment till a later date.
We continue to recommend that patients in the high-risk category delay non-essential treatment until further guidance has been given by the relevant authorities.
When you arrive:
We advise that you wear a mask at all times while inside the dental practice and only remove your mask at the request of the dental professional. We will continue to check your temperature and if this is above 37.8C, you will be advised to rebook your treatment and to follow government guidelines. Please do not arrive more than 5 minutes early for an appointment due to social distancing guidelines.
As you enter the building you will need to use the alcohol disinfectant rub to disinfectant your hands.
The treatment rooms will be prepared prior to your appointment with all surfaces disinfected after each patient. The air purification/exchange units will continue to be used throughout the day in each surgery. We have sourced PPE and unlike the start of the Pandemic (March 2020 in the UK), there is no shortage.
Please do not be concerned as we continue to maintain high standards of cross infection control.
Stay safe and please contact us if you have any questions.
