If the thought of sitting in a dental chair makes your heart race, you're not alone. Dental anxiety is remarkably common — studies suggest up to 1 in 6 Australian adults experience significant dental fear. At Shine Dental in Newington, we understand this reality and have developed our approach around it.
Why Dental Anxiety Happens
Dental anxiety can stem from many sources:
- Past negative experiences — a painful or frightening childhood dental visit can create lasting associations
- Fear of pain — worry about injections, drilling, or post-procedure discomfort
- Loss of control — lying back with your mouth open while someone works inside it is an inherently vulnerable position
- Embarrassment — concern about the state of your teeth, especially after avoiding the dentist for years
- Sensory triggers — the sounds, smells, and tastes associated with dental treatment
- Fear of judgement — worry that the dentist will criticise your oral hygiene or past choices
Understanding the source of your anxiety is the first step toward managing it.
Practical Tips for Managing Dental Anxiety
Before Your Appointment
1. Choose your appointment time wisely
Morning appointments work well for many anxious patients — you have less time to worry throughout the day, and you're likely to be more rested.
2. Communicate with us beforehand
Call ahead and let our team know about your anxiety. When we're prepared, we can allow extra time, explain things more thoroughly, and adjust our approach.
3. Avoid caffeine before your visit
Coffee and energy drinks can heighten anxiety. Switch to water or herbal tea on the morning of your appointment.
4. Bring comfort items
Headphones with your favourite music or podcast, a stress ball, or a fidget item can help redirect nervous energy.
5. Bring a support person
Having someone you trust in the waiting room — or even in the treatment room — can provide significant comfort.
During Your Appointment
6. Establish a stop signal
Before treatment begins, agree on a simple signal with your dentist — raising your hand is common. Knowing you can pause the procedure at any time puts you back in control.
7. Focus on breathing
Slow, deep breathing activates your body's relaxation response:
- Breathe in through your nose for 4 counts
- Hold for 4 counts
- Breathe out through your mouth for 6 counts
- Repeat throughout the procedure
8. Ask for explanations
Some patients prefer detailed explanations of every step; others prefer to know as little as possible. Tell Dr. Cho which approach works for you — we'll follow your lead.
9. Use distraction techniques
- Count ceiling tiles or focus on a specific object
- Listen to music or an audiobook through headphones
- Wiggle your toes — this odd trick actually redirects your brain's attention
10. Take breaks
There's no rule that says everything must be done in one sitting. If you need to pause, that's perfectly acceptable. We'd rather take longer and keep you comfortable.
After Your Appointment
11. Reward yourself
Plan something enjoyable after your appointment — a favourite meal, a movie, time with friends. Building positive associations around dental visits helps rewire anxiety over time.
12. Reflect on what went well
After each visit, note what was easier than expected. Over time, these positive experiences accumulate and reduce anticipatory anxiety.
How Shine Dental Supports Anxious Patients
Dr. Cho and the Shine Dental team take dental anxiety seriously. Our approach includes:
- Unhurried consultations — we never rush anxious patients
- Clear communication — explaining procedures in plain language, answering every question
- Gentle technique — Dr. Cho's 35+ years of experience contribute to efficient, careful treatment
- Bilingual support — Dr. Cho speaks both English and Korean, which can reduce communication anxiety for Korean-speaking patients
- Step-by-step treatment — for patients who've avoided the dentist for years, we often create a staged treatment plan rather than trying to do everything at once
Breaking the Avoidance Cycle
Dental anxiety often leads to avoidance, which leads to worsening oral health, which leads to more complex treatment being needed, which increases anxiety further. It becomes a cycle:
Fear leads to avoidance, avoidance leads to deterioration, deterioration leads to more complex treatment needed, which creates greater fear.
The most effective way to break this cycle is to start with a simple, low-pressure appointment — often just a check-up and conversation. No drilling, no extractions. Just an assessment and a plan.
If it's been years since your last dental visit, we won't judge you. We'll simply assess where things stand and discuss a comfortable path forward.
When to Consider Additional Support
For severe dental phobia that doesn't respond to the strategies above, consider:
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) — a psychologist can help address the root causes of dental phobia
- Gradual exposure — visiting the dental clinic just to sit in the waiting room, then the chair, then having a simple check-up, progressively building comfort
- Sedation options — discuss these with Dr. Cho during your consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the dentist judge me if I haven't been in years?
Absolutely not. At Shine Dental, we're here to help, not to judge. Dr. Cho has worked with many patients who have avoided dental care for extended periods. You'll be met with understanding, not criticism.
Can I bring my partner or friend into the treatment room?
Yes. Having a support person present is welcome and can make a significant difference for anxious patients.
What if I need a lot of work done?
We'll create a staged treatment plan, addressing the most urgent issues first and working through the rest at a comfortable pace. You won't be expected to sit through marathon appointments.
Is dental anxiety common in adults?
Very common. Research suggests that 14–20% of Australian adults experience moderate to high dental anxiety. You're far from alone.
Your First Step Starts Here
If anxiety has been keeping you from the dentist, consider booking a simple check-up at Shine Dental. Meet Dr. Cho, see the clinic, and have a conversation — no treatment unless you're ready.
We welcome anxious patients from Newington, Wentworth Point, Sydney Olympic Park, Auburn, Silverwater, and Lidcombe.
Learn more about our general dentistry services.
Call (02) 9748 4822 or book online.
Shine Dental — Unit 5, 8 Avenue of Americas, Newington NSW 2127
Open Mon–Wed & Fri 9am–5pm, Thu 9am–12pm