Resources for Dental Teams
Supporting patients with dental anxiety is not the responsibility of the clinician alone - it is a whole-team approach.
Supporting patients with dental anxiety is not the responsibility of the clinician alone — it is a whole-team approach. Reception staff, dental assistants, and practice managers all play a critical role in shaping the patient experience.
Why involve the whole team?
Resources for dental teams should focus on practical, accessible strategies that can be integrated into everyday workflows. This includes guidance on language use, managing anxious phone calls, recognising behavioural cues, and supporting patients before, during, and after appointments.
Structured resources — such as communication frameworks, checklists, and patient journey mapping — can help standardise a fear-aware approach across the practice. Training materials, scripts, and scenario-based learning can build confidence in handling challenging situations.
Consistency is key. When all team members understand and apply the same principles, patients experience a cohesive and supportive environment.
Investing in team-wide resources not only improves patient care but also reduces staff stress and burnout, creating a more positive and sustainable workplace culture.
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List of Resources
Identifying Your Fears And Communicating With Your Dentist READY TO GO
RESPECT Framework for Responding to Dental Anxiety READY TO GO
Sign up for the free ADAMS Study Club to get your copy of the Exhausted to Energised: A Dentist's Guide to Management Dental Anxiety LINK
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