Dental Anxiety Clinic

Dental Anxiety Clinic

At Equilibrium Practice, we have partnered with Rock House Dental Practice a Somerset-based dental practice that specialises in dental treatment for people with dental anxiety.

Whether you feel mild nerves, or more intense fear, our Dental Anxiety Clinic offers specialised support designed to build your confidence and comfort when visiting the dentist.

What is dental anxiety (dentophobia)?

Dental anxiety isn’t just ‘nerves’, it can deeply affect your health, confidence, and wellbeing. For many people, fear of the dentist leads to avoiding dental care altogether, which can cause further stress, pain, and potentially worsening dental problems. Dental anxiety isn’t something you have to ‘live with’, but is an easily treatable problem.

How can we help?

We offer four tailored treatment options based on your dental anxiety level, to help you feel safe and ready for your dental treatment. All our treatment options are delivered by a Clinical Psychologist specialising in dental anxiety working together with your Dentist. We will accept patients aged 12 and over for dental anxiety treatment. 

You will be asked to complete a short MDAS (Modified Dental Anxiety Scale) questionnaire. Also, let us know whether your treatment is urgent or routine, so we can guide you to the most appropriate support pathway.

For some people, visiting the dentist can trigger past traumas. We specialise in trauma-informed treatments that support you no matter what you have experienced in the past.

Our Treatment Pathways 

Pathway 1 (£150): 

A single 90-minute appointment with a Clinical Psychologist to build your confidence around receiving dental treatment. You will learn anxiety management techniques before your dental treatment begins.

Pathway 2 (£600):

A structured 3-session programme with a Clinical Psychologist using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and gentle exposure therapy to reduce moderate dental anxiety before your dental treatment begins.

Pathway 3 (£1,200): 

An in-depth 6-session programme with a Clinical Psychologist for persistent dental anxiety, with full psychological support during your early dental treatment.

Pathway 4 (£250): 

A combined psychology and urgent dental care appointment, offering same-day dental and psychology treatment with dental anxiety support.

For more information on Dental Anxiety (Dentophobia), read our Blog here.

Take the MDAS (Modified Dental Anxiety Scale):

Q1: If you went to the dentist for treatment tomorrow, how would you feel?

• 1 Not anxious
• 2 Slightly anxious
• 3 Fairly anxious
• 4 Very anxious
• 5 Extremely anxious

Q2: If you were sitting in the waiting room waiting for treatment, how would you feel?

• 1 Not anxious
• 2 Slightly anxious
• 3 Fairly anxious
• 4 Very anxious
• 5 Extremely anxious

Q3: If you were about to have a tooth drilled, how would you feel?

• 1 Not anxious
• 2 Slightly anxious
• 3 Fairly anxious
• 4 Very anxious
• 5 Extremely anxious

Q4: If you were about to have your teeth scaled and polished, how would you feel?

• 1 Not anxious
• 2 Slightly anxious
• 3 Fairly anxious
• 4 Very anxious
• 5 Extremely anxious

Q5: If you were about to have a local anaesthetic injection in your gum, above an upper back tooth, how would you feel?

• 1 Not anxious
• 2 Slightly anxious
• 3 Fairly anxious
• 4 Very anxious
• 5 Extremely anxious

Tell us what your score is (out of 25) and we can direct you to the most suitable pathway, and schedule your appointments.