We want to eliminate people whose lives are restricted by fear of the dentist.

Our clinic endorses "April Dream," a project that designates April 1st as a day for companies to announce their dreams. This press release outlines the dream of "Sakura Hyakka Dental Clinic for those afraid of the dentist."

Many people feel "afraid of the dentist" or "uncomfortable with the dentist." This state of strong anxiety or fear towards dental visits is generally called "dental phobia," but it is by no means something special; it is a natural psychological reaction that can occur in many people.

The background involves various complex psychological and social factors, such as past dental treatment experiences, the medical environment, sensory stimuli like sounds, smells, and pain during treatment, as well as shame, anxiety about losing control, and traumatic experiences.

The result of "knowing one should go but being unable to" often leads to worsening symptoms and impacts on overall health.

It is estimated that approximately 14 million people in Japan suffer from dental phobia, which accounts for about one in nine citizens. We view this not as an individual problem, but as a "social health issue that hinders early medical consultation."

■ Our Clinic's Dream

Our clinic opened in 2020 as a specialized clinic for those with a strong fear or aversion to dentistry. Currently, we see an increasing number of patients from outside the city and prefecture, becoming a place where those who "haven't been able to visit a dentist for many years" can take their first step.

Our dream is to eliminate people whose lives are restricted by the reason of "being afraid of the dentist."

We want to create a society where people who have given up a part of their lives due to dental fear can once again regain "a daily life where they can smile normally without worrying about their teeth."

■ Our Clinic's Initiatives

To achieve this, our clinic has established a treatment system that not only focuses on performing treatments but also emphasizes "creating a state where patients can visit with peace of mind."

With the motto "Touch the heart before touching the teeth," we carefully listen to our patients' stories and prioritize their psychological sense of security. We have a dental psychological counselor on staff, and a counseling session is always provided during the first visit.

We understand the background of the fears and anxieties that patients have experienced and collaboratively design a treatment approach tailored to each individual. Instead of immediately starting treatment, we prioritize "first getting used to the dental environment."

Furthermore, we thoroughly implement patient care based on dental psychology (*) in our communication during treatment, explanation methods, and pacing of treatment. By repeatedly providing prior explanations and carefully forming agreements, we create an environment where patients can receive treatment without feeling the anxiety of "not knowing what will be done to them." One of our achievements is being a place where patients feel, "I can come here for treatment."

In fact, there is an increasing number of cases where individuals who "hadn't been able to visit a dentist for over 40 years" resume their visits after counseling at our clinic.

* "Dental psychology" refers to the approach of understanding the anxiety, tension, and resistance caused by sensory stimuli such as sounds, smells, and pain experienced in a dental clinic, and providing considerate responses based on this understanding. Our clinic incorporates this perspective throughout our entire practice to enhance patients' psychological safety and reduce their psychological burden.

■ Making Dental Clinics a "Welcoming Place"

For dental clinics to become not a special place, but a place where everyone can visit with peace of mind.

This will enable those who have hesitated to seek treatment to take that first step.

As a result, we believe it will lead to the prevention of severe conditions and early treatment, contributing to the overall health promotion of society.

Our clinic will continue to be "the first step" for those suffering from dental phobia, and we will continue to propose to society a form of dental care that everyone can access with peace of mind.

* "April Dream" is a project by PR TIMES where companies announce their future dreams on April 1st. We are seriously committed to realizing this dream.

Sakura Hyakka Dental Clinic for those afraid of the dentist

https://odasaga-dental.com/

✉ sakura.hyakka.d@gmail.com