From Dr Jay's Desk - Systematic Desensitisation

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:59:42 +1100

Is tooth brushing or visits to the dentist a challenge for you or your client? I often recommend systematic desensitisation for this issue.

Systematic desensitisation is a technique used in behaviour therapy to treat phobias and other behaviour problems involving anxiety; a person is exposed to the threatening situation under relaxed conditions until the anxiety reaction is extinguished or reduced to a reasonable level. Unfortunately, it is not a ‘quick fix’ .This is a slow process which can take months to years for noticeable changes. However, given that dental diseases such as caries and periodontitis require daily oral hygiene and application of fluoride toothpastes; this is a goal well worth striving for. The following steps are required

First, set a goal (for example- to allow touching of the face)
Use a tell, show, do approach (be sincere and positive in your approach)
Gradually increase the time of exposure to each stage
Praise and reward each achievement

Desensitisation is done at home, ideally 5-6 days a week for a short period each day (no more than 5 minutes, but simply as long as the person tolerates each step)until the goal is achieved. Only go to the point where the person is comfortable, then stop there. Try to achieve a little more the following day.

An example would be simulating the dental clinic at home by using a recliner chair, a bright light such as a tall lamp, and sunglasses. Then the “dentist” would be a person who wears gloves, a mask, and asks the person to open their mouth. Each stage may need to be broken into small steps.

Newsletter December 2011

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:18:44 +1100

From all of us at The Special Needs Dentistry Practice, we would like to wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season! If you would like to download our December newsletter, please click here: TTDNewsletter2011Web.pdf

Newsletter December 2010

Sun, 26 Dec 2010 04:34:52 +1100

Our latest newsletter is now available for your reading pleasure! It features a recap of our achievements in 2010, and also details some of the exciting developments occuring in the new year.

Download it here: Newsletter December 2010 (pdf, 631kb)

Seasons Greetings!

Sat, 18 Dec 2010 14:25:51 +1100

On behalf of the entire team of The Special Needs Dentistry Practice, we would like to wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season!