For many patients, especially those managing dental anxiety, trauma histories, or sensory sensitivities, the dental chair can feel like a vulnerable place. The sensation of being reclined, unable to speak easily, and undergoing unfamiliar procedures can trigger a sense of loss of control. Thats why establishing safe words or signals in the dental chair is not only helpfulits essential.
At McLevin Dental in Scarborough, we believe that giving patients a reliable way to pause or communicate during treatment is a key part of building trust, reducing fear, and delivering truly patient-centred care. In this blog, we explore the importance of safe words (or gestures), how they work, and how they help patients feel more empowered and calm during dental procedures.
What Are Safe Words in a Dental Setting?
A safe word in dentistry is a pre-agreed word, phrase, or hand signal that allows a patient to pause or stop a procedure at any time. While the term safe word is often associated with therapy or trauma-informed spaces, its value in dental care is just as powerful.
Safe words or signals allow patients to:
Regain control in a stressful moment
Communicate distress or discomfort when verbal speech is difficult
Pause a procedure for a break, explanation, or adjustment
Feel emotionally safer in the chair
Even patients who arent anxious benefit from knowing they can stop the procedure if needed.
Why Safe Words Are Especially Important for Certain Patients
Safe words are essential for many groups of patients, including:
1. Patients with Dental Anxiety or Phobia
Fear of being trapped or unheard can intensify anxiety. A safe word reassures patients that they are always in control of their experience.
2. Trauma Survivors
Those whove experienced medical or personal trauma often feel hyper-vigilant in clinical settings. Offering a safe word shows respect for boundaries and fosters a sense of safety.
3. Neurodivergent Patients
People with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges may become overstimulated or need time to process sensations. A safe word gives them the ability to signal when theyre reaching a threshold.
4. Children or Seniors
Younger or older patients may struggle with verbal communication but can easily use a hand signal or gesture to communicate discomfort.
5. Patients with Disabilities or Speech Limitations
For patients who are nonverbal, post-stroke, or have other physical conditions, safe signals (like raising a hand) are critical to participation in their own care.
How Safe Words Reduce Dental Fear and Increase Trust
When patients know they can stop a procedure at any time, theyre less likely to feel helpless or panicked. This sense of control leads to:
Reduced anxiety during treatment
Fewer physical stress responses (like jaw clenching or breath-holding)
Greater willingness to return for future appointments
Increased trust in the dental team
Its a simple step that changes the entire dynamicfrom one of passive endurance to active participation.
How We Use Safe Signals at McLevin Dental
At McLevin Dental, we begin procedures by offering each patient the option to choose a signal or gesture that means Please pause. This could be:
Raising a hand
Wiggling fingers
Nodding or blinking in a specific pattern
Using a pre-arranged vocal word or phrase (e.g., Pause or Break)
We check in regularly during procedures and respect these signals immediately, without hesitation or question. No patient ever needs to feel rushed, dismissed, or powerless in our care.
Tips for Patients: How to Establish a Safe Word with Your Dentist
If youre nervous about treatment, consider discussing safe words before your next visit:
Let your dental team know about your concerns and ask if you can use a stop signal
Agree on a clear gesture or word ahead of time
Rehearse it briefly with your dentist before treatment begins
Use the signal freelywithout guilt or hesitation
Remember, safe words aren’t signs of weaknessthey’re signs of healthy communication and self-advocacy.
Final Thoughts
Every patient deserves to feel safe, seen, and respected in the dental chair. Establishing safe words or gestures is a powerful way to reduce anxiety, build trust, and ensure that you remain an active participant in your care.