A large proportion of the people who come to Shirland for the first time have not seen a dentist in a decade or more. The story is nearly always the same: a bad experience years ago, a growing sense of dread, and finally something that hurts too much to ignore. If that is you, here is what we have learned makes the difference.
Say it out loud
The single most useful thing you can do is tell us you are nervous when you book. It changes how we plan your appointment: longer, at a quieter time, with the right clinician. Nobody will think less of you. We hear it every day.
The first visit does not have to involve treatment
Your first appointment can be a conversation. You can sit in the chair or not. We will look at your teeth only if you want us to. Many patients find that simply being in the building and finding it calm and unhurried removes most of the fear.
A stop signal, and a dentist who respects it
Before anything starts we agree a signal, usually a raised hand, that means stop. And then we stop. Every time. Knowing you are in control is what makes the difference between tolerating treatment and actually relaxing through it.
Small steps in the right order
We start with the gentlest thing that needs doing, usually a hygiene visit, and build from there. Long treatment plans are broken into short appointments. Trust builds visit by visit.
It is probably not as bad as you think
The most common reaction after a long-overdue check-up is surprise. Teeth are more resilient than people fear. And where there is a lot to do, a calm written plan, taken one step at a time, makes it manageable.