Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Dental Anxiety

Whereas some dental surgeries simply offer sedation dentistry to help calm anxious patients, our Mirrabooka, WA dental clinic takes another approach that is more about relationship-building. Dr Peter Duke is a firm believer that much of dental anxiety lies in the unknown—not only the unknown about the procedure but about the team of dental professionals who will be performing it.  

To that end, Dr Duke is happy to talk with anxious patients before they even come into the dental surgery. With a telephone call, he believes he can get to know potential patients better, can explain the procedures and can help to waylay most of the anxiety.

Unique Approach to Dental Anxiety in Mirrabooka

Getting to the root of the dental anxiety issue to overcome the anxiety is an exceptional approach, to be sure. This unique system is well-suited to Dr Duke’s compassionate, caring and outgoing personality. When patients finally come in for their first appointment, they generally find that his excellent ‘chairside’ manner enables him to put them at ease.

We Welcome Your Call

If you’re overdue for a dental check-up and clean because you keep putting off scheduling a booking, we welcome your call to Western Smiles Dental Care.  

If you’re deeply embarrassed by the condition of your teeth, we urge you to schedule an appointment with the team at Western Smiles Dental Care. We are a judgment-free dental practice with a keen understanding of dental anxiety and other issues that prevent people from seeing the dentist. 

To aid in your relaxation, we take measures to build a trusting relationship from your very first visit. Soon, you’ll discover that our team aims to restore your dental health and make dentistry accessible again. 

With us, you’ll find no judgments, only gentle dental care from compassionate professionals, with singular goals: to make you feel comfortable and to restore your dental health. 

• A Personal Conversation with Your Mirrabooka Dentist: To help you feel at ease, you can speak to the dentist on the phone before your appointment. This is a great time to share your fears and concerns. 
• Therapy Dog: Benji, our therapy dog, is always on hand to help you feel more relaxed during your dental treatment. 
• A Comforting Environment: We provide dental care in a comforting and patient-centred environment to promote tranquillity and relaxation. 

We Want to Welcome You Back to Regular Dental Care

Don’t be embarrassed by the state of your teeth and gums if you’ve spent time away from treatment. Our focus is only on your well-being and the future of your dental health. To get started, we encourage you to contact our dental clinic.

Our dental team consists of many caring human beings and one particularly adorable dog, Benji. Benji is our trained therapy dog, and his only job is to cuddle and snuggle with patients to reduce their dental anxiety.

So, how does Benji help alleviate your concerns so you can get the treatment you need?

How Can Benji Help?

Spending some time with Benji helps patients in the following ways:

• Lowers stress — Your blood pressure and heart rate can go down when you snuggle with Benji.
• Increases feel-good hormones — Petting a dog can trigger oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, the hormones that make you feel happy.
• Shifts your mental state — Holding Benji can help you focus on his soft fur and gentle breathing instead of your dental treatment.
• Makes you feel safe — Benji’s steady nature can help you feel calm and secure during a stressful time.

Don’t Let Dental Anxiety Keep You From Better Oral Health

If you suffer from dental anxiety, we’re here to help! At Western Smiles Dental Care, we want everyone to get the comfortable treatment they deserve. That’s why we encourage you to spend some time with Benji if you’re feeling nervous or scared.

To arrange a visit, you can call us on (08) 9349 3688.