Nervous about the Dentist? Confidental can help

If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you’re not alone — and you’re not “difficult”.

At Confidental, we’ve created a simple, gentle system called our Calm Care Pathway. It helps us look after nervous patients in a consistent way — even on busy days — so you feel listened to, in control, and properly supported.

This isn’t about “being brave”. It’s about making dentistry feel safe.

Step 1: We find your comfort level

Everyone’s anxiety looks different, so we use a simple three-level approach. It helps our team respond quickly and calmly with the right support.

Level 1 — Mildly nervous

You might feel uneasy, but you can still manage an appointment with reassurance and a gentle pace.

What we do:

• We explain everything step-by-step before we do it
• We agree a simple stop-signal (hand up = we stop immediately)
• We offer small comfort options: numbing gel, short breaks, and music

This level is about confidence and control.

Level 2 — Very anxious / previous bad experiences

You may have had a painful appointment in the past, felt rushed, or felt you weren’t listened to. You may worry about gagging, injections, loss of control, or feeling embarrassed.

What we do:

• We book a longer appointment so you never feel rushed
• We use Tell–Show–Do (we tell you, we show you, then we do it)
• We avoid surprises and explain sensations clearly (for example: “pressure is normal, pain is not”)
• We offer comfort options (such as music, TV, breaks, and gentle pacing)
• If it helps, we can arrange a pre-visit call with reception or a nurse

This level is about trust and predictability.

Level 3 — Dental phobia / panic

This is where fear can feel intense — panic, tearful overwhelm, or avoiding the dentist for years. If this is you, we want you to know: you are exactly the kind of person we built this pathway for.

What we do:

• We start with a Calm Consultation (no treatment on the first visit unless you want it)
• We use a staged approach — small steps, steady progress
• We discuss whether sedation options are appropriate (if available) or whether a referral route is better for you
• We try and keep to the same team for continuity, so you see familiar faces

This level is about safety and gradual progress.