Dear Mike

Thank you for helping me learn to deal with my fear of dentists. 

A couple of bad experiences with my dentist when I was younger made me completely terrified even at the thought of visiting a dentist. Giving birth to my first son gave me the motivation to do something about my fear because I didn’t want to pass it onto him. I searched online about dental phobias and found your website and I was delighted to discover that your practice was local.  My husband drove me down there and then to make an appointment before I could change my mind. Even walking into reception to make an appointment brought on a panic attack!!!

When I came in for my first check up with you I tried to tell you through the tears and hyperventilation that I was terrified at just being there. You didn’t treat me like I was silly but accepted that I had a problem and you would do your best to help me. You calmed me down, explained everything you were going to do and let me see and hold the instruments.  When I left I felt a bit better and was at least happy I’d taken that first step.

Since that first visit, my confidence in coming to you has improved massively.  Just knowing that you are understanding and experienced in coping with people like me is a help, and knowing that I have the option of using gas to keep me calm also helps.  You, personally, are a big help too.  If I do start to panic you are able to talk me through it and by explaining everything to me you take away the fear of the unknown. Every visit gets a little bit easier.

I think it will probably be a while before I am calm enough to have treatment done without sedation but I have come a long way in the last couple of years.  Thanks to you I have reached my main goal to get over my fear enough not to pass it on to my children. I am now calm when I come in for a visit, even when I’m coming in for treatment. Not bad for someone that couldn’t even make an appointment for a check up without hysterics two years ago.

Thank you for your continuing help and encouragement, not to mention the mouthful of lovely teeth that I plan to keep for the rest of my life.