How to Speak Up About Your Anxiety Needs

For patients who live with dental anxiety, one of the hardest—but most powerful—steps toward a better experience is learning how to speak up. Whether your anxiety stems from past trauma, a fear of pain, or simply feeling judged, being able to voice your concerns is key to receiving the compassionate care you deserve.

At McLevin Dental Clinic, we know that clear communication is the foundation of trust. We don’t expect you to hide your anxiety or manage it alone. Instead, we encourage every patient to be open—because when we understand your needs, we can respond with empathy, adjustments, and supportive strategies that make your visit calmer and safer.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through how to talk about your dental anxiety, what to say, and how to ensure your needs are respected before, during, and after your appointment.

Why It’s Hard to Speak Up

If you’ve struggled with dental fear for years, you’re not alone—and you’re not weak. Many people find it difficult to express anxiety to their dentist, especially if:

They’ve felt dismissed or shamed in the past

They worry about being seen as “difficult” or “childish”

They fear emotional overwhelm or panic during the conversation

They don’t know how to describe what they’re feeling

They assume “everyone is scared” and theirs isn’t a big deal

These feelings are understandable. But keeping them in can lead to rushed visits, triggered panic, or avoiding care altogether. Speaking up, on the other hand, gives you the power to shape your experience.

Step 1: Acknowledge That Your Needs Are Valid

The first step is internal—remind yourself that your fear matters. Whether you’re nervous about needles, sounds, touch, or just being in the chair, your comfort is a valid priority.

Dental care isn’t just about your mouth—it’s about your whole experience. And emotional safety is just as important as physical care.

At McLevin Dental, we welcome conversations about fear, anxiety, and past dental trauma. You never need to justify your emotions.

Step 2: Know What You Need—Even If It’s Just to Be Heard

You don’t need a perfect script. Even a simple “I get anxious at the dentist” is enough to open the door. But to help guide the conversation, consider these common needs:

More time to talk before starting

Explanations before each step

A signal to pause treatment (e.g., raising a hand)

A preference for sedation or topical numbing

A distraction (music, podcast, stress ball)

A certain position or environment

No surprises—only actions with consent

If you’re not sure what you need yet, that’s okay too. Start with what you know, and your dental team can help shape the rest.

Step 3: Practice What You’ll Say Ahead of Time

Sometimes rehearsing your words can reduce fear of the conversation itself. Try phrases like:

“I’ve had some bad experiences in the past, and I tend to get really anxious at dental visits.”

“I’m worried about feeling overwhelmed. Can we go slowly and check in as we go?”

“It would help me to know what you’re doing before you do it.”

“Can I raise my hand if I need a break?”

“Do you offer sedation for people with high anxiety?”

You can even write down your needs and bring them with you. There’s no wrong way to ask for comfort.

Step 4: Bring It Up Early—Even When Booking

You don’t need to wait until you’re in the chair. If you have strong dental anxiety, mention it when you schedule the appointment:

“I have dental anxiety and would like to speak with the dentist before any procedures begin.”

This gives the clinic time to prepare appropriately, schedule extra time if needed, and assign staff trained in trauma-aware care.

At McLevin Dental, we encourage patients to mention any anxiety upfront so we can tailor our care from the moment you walk through the door.

Step 5: Choose the Right Dental Team

Not all dental teams are equally responsive to emotional needs—but you deserve one that is.

A good dental clinic will:

Listen without judgment

Ask follow-up questions about your comfort

Offer options (like breaks, sedation, or alternative techniques)

Let you stay in control of your appointment

Never push, rush, or dismiss your feelings

If your concerns aren’t being heard, it’s okay to find a new provider who aligns with your needs. You are allowed to choose safety and support over convenience.

Step 6: Follow Up After Your Visit

Once your appointment is complete, take a moment to reflect:

Did you feel heard?

Was the team responsive to your requests?

What worked well that you’d want repeated next time?

What didn’t work—and how can it be adjusted?

You can share this feedback before leaving or at your next visit. Over time, this helps your dentist refine and personalize your care.

Step 7: Celebrate the Fact That You Spoke Up

Even if your voice shook or your palms sweated, you advocated for yourself—and that’s something to be proud of.

Each time you communicate a boundary or ask for support, you’re building resilience and taking control of your health. That power grows stronger with every visit.

Final Thoughts

Speaking up about dental anxiety isn’t easy—but it’s one of the most important steps toward receiving care that feels safe, respectful, and trauma-aware.

At McLevin Dental Clinic, we don’t just want to know what’s happening in your mouth. We want to understand what’s happening in your experience. By creating space for honest conversations, we help patients move from fear to trust—one voice at a time.