For many people with dental anxiety, the hardest part of a dental visit isnt the treatmentits talking about the fear itself. Speaking up about dental phobia, past trauma, or specific triggers can feel embarrassing, vulnerable, or even unnecessary. But open communication with your dental team is one of the most effective ways to ensure a more comfortable, personalized experience.
At McLevin Dental, we understand that every patient brings a different emotional history to the dental chair. Thats why we encourage patients to express their concerns openly and honestlybefore, during, and after appointments. In this blog, well explore why speaking up about dental fears is essential, how to do it effectively, and how your care team can respond with empathy and respect.
Why Its So Hard to Talk About Dental Anxiety
Its common to feel hesitant about discussing dental fears, especially if:
Youve been dismissed or misunderstood in the past
Youre worried about being judged or perceived as dramatic
You dont know how to describe what youre feeling
You assume everyone feels this way and dont want to bother the staff
You fear crying, panicking, or feeling out of control in front of others
But your emotional comfort matters as much as your oral health. The more we understand your experience, the better we can support you.
Why Its Important to Speak Up
Communicating your fears can:
Help your dental team adjust treatment to your needs
Prevent emotional overwhelm and fight-or-flight responses
Build trust and rapport between you and your care providers
Make future visits feel more manageable
Reduce shame by breaking the silence around dental anxiety
When you speak up, youre not being difficultyoure being proactive about your care.
When to Bring Up Your Fears
Theres no perfect time to share your concerns, but you have several opportunities to speak up:
When scheduling your appointment: Let the receptionist know you have dental anxiety and ask if extra time can be scheduled for your visit.
Before the appointment starts: Ask for a few minutes to speak privately with your dentist or hygienist.
During treatment: If fear escalates mid-procedure, signal or say something right awayyour safety and comfort come first.
After the visit: Share what went well or what didnt so adjustments can be made for next time.
How to Start the Conversation
It can be helpful to use simple, clear language. Here are a few ways to express dental fear:
I get very anxious at the dentist. Can we talk about how to make this easier for me?
Ive had a traumatic experience in the past, and I need extra support during visits.
Im afraid of needles/sounds/tools and may need breaks during treatment.
Can you explain everything before you do it? That helps me feel in control.
I may need to stop suddenly if I get overwhelmed. Is that okay?
You dont need to explain everythingjust enough for the team to understand and support you.
Use a Written Note If Talking Feels Too Hard
If speaking out loud is difficult, consider writing your fears or preferences in a note or email. You can say:
Im nervous to talk about this, so I wrote down what I need.
Please read this before we beginit explains how Im feeling.
Writing removes pressure and allows your team to prepare thoughtful, non-rushed responses.
What Dental Teams Can Do When You Speak Up
At McLevin Dental, we listen without judgment and respond with:
Validation: Thank you for sharing. That makes complete sense.
Adaptability: We adjust the pace, language, and tools based on your comfort.
Transparency: We explain whats happening, whats coming next, and when you can take breaks.
Collaboration: We make decisions with you, not for you.
Support: We celebrate your courage and recognize the emotional effort it takes just to show up.
Tips to Prepare Before the Appointment
To make it easier to speak up, try these strategies:
Make a list of specific fears (e.g., needles, choking, judgment).
Decide on hand signals you can use to pause or stop.
Practice phrases ahead of time that feel comfortable to say.
Bring a support person if you need help advocating for yourself.
Request a consultation-only visit if youre not ready for treatment.
Being prepared gives you a sense of control and makes speaking up feel less intimidating.
What If You Werent Heard in the Past?
If youve spoken up before and felt dismissed, its understandable to feel reluctant. But not all dental teams are the same. At McLevin Dental, we prioritize emotional comfort and trauma-informed care. We take your concerns seriously and welcome all forms of communicationeven if it means pausing a visit to talk.
Building Confidence Over Time
Speaking up might feel awkward the first time, but it gets easier. As you experience supportive, safe care, your nervous system learns:
This is different. Im allowed to have needs. Im allowed to be heard.
That shift in mindset can be the beginning of a more empowered relationship with dental care.
Final Thoughts
Your voice is a powerful tool in reducing dental anxiety. By speaking up about your fears, you give your dental team the information they need to provide truly personalized, supportive care. And when your comfort is prioritized, dental visits become something you can facenot fear.
At McLevin Dental, we welcome honest conversations, emotional transparency, and all the feelings that come with dental anxiety. Whether its your first visit or your fiftieth, were here to listenwithout judgment, and with full respect for your experience.