Understanding the Apprehensive Patient

Description

Author: Mark Scarola
Format: Home study
Credits: 3 hours

Studies have reported that as many as 80% of adults in the United States are apprehensive about receiving dental treatment, with 5-10% of adults avoiding dental treatment entirely, simply because of fear. This apprehension can cause patients potentially severe levels of both stress and anxiety. It can also lead to patients risking their dental and physical health, not showing up for their scheduled appointments, and more challenging/ longer appointments if and when they do show up.

In this course, students are encouraged to develop greater levels of empathy and understanding for their patients and to experience the dental procedure as their patient would. Students are taught simple and specific techniques to help reduce patient anxiety in both children and adults.