We want to eliminate the number of people whose lives are limited by a fear of the dentist
Key facts
- We want to eliminate the number of people whose lives are limited by a fear of the dentist
- Sakura Hyakka Dental Clinic, a facility specializing in treating patients with dental phobia, is sharing its vision as part of the 'April Dream' project. By prioritizing psychological safety and patient-centered care, the clinic aims to help those who have avoided dental treatment for years regain their oral health and confidence.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: April 1, 2026
Direct answer
Sakura Hyakka Dental Clinic, a facility specializing in treating patients with dental phobia, is sharing its vision as part of the 'April Dream' project. By prioritizing psychological safety and patient-centered care, the clinic aims to help those who have avoided dental treatment for years regain their oral health and confidence.
- Citation
- We want to eliminate the number of people whose lives are limited by a fear of the dentist (April 1, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- April 1, 2026
Sakura Hyakka Dental Clinic, a facility specializing in treating patients with dental phobia, is sharing its vision as part of the 'April Dream' project. By prioritizing psychological safety and patient-centered care, the clinic aims to help those who have avoided dental treatment for years regain their oral health and confidence.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 19:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 16:47
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 13:02 (1484h 14m after Collected)
Many people feel that they are 'afraid of the dentist' or 'not good with dentists.' This state of experiencing strong anxiety or fear toward visiting a dental clinic is generally called 'dental phobia.' This is by no means unusual; it is a natural psychological reaction that can occur in many people.
In the background, various psychological and social factors are complexly intertwined, including past dental treatment experiences, the medical environment, sensory stimuli such as sounds, smells, and pain during treatment, as well as feelings of shame, anxiety about losing control, and traumatic experiences.
There are many cases where people think, 'I know I have to go, but I can't,' which leads to worsening symptoms and impacts on their overall physical health.
It is estimated that there are approximately 14 million people in Japan with dental phobia, which corresponds to about one in every nine citizens. We do not view this as an individual problem, but rather as a 'social health issue that hinders early medical examination.'
■ Our Dream
Our clinic opened in 2020 as a specialized clinic for those who have strong fear or aversion toward dentistry. Currently, we are seeing an increasing number of patients from outside the city and prefecture, serving as a place where people who 'have not been able to go to the dentist for many years' can take that first step.
Our dream is to eliminate the number of people whose lives are limited by a fear of the dentist.
We want to create a society where those who have given up parts of their lives because they were afraid of the dentist can once again regain 'a daily life where they can smile normally without worrying about their teeth.'
■ Our Initiatives
To achieve this, our clinic does not just perform treatments; we have established a clinical system that emphasizes 'creating a state where patients can visit with peace of mind.'
With the motto 'Touching the heart before touching the teeth,' we listen carefully to our patients and value their psychological sense of security. We have a dental psychological counselor on staff and always set aside time for counseling during the initial visit.
We understand the background of the fear and anxiety that patients have felt until now and work together to design a treatment plan that suits each individual. Rather than jumping straight into treatment, we prioritize 'getting used to the dental environment first.'
Furthermore, we thoroughly implement hospitality based on dental psychology* in our communication, explanations, and pacing during treatment. By repeating prior explanations and careful consensus building, 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 can feel, 'It is okay to come to this clinic.'
In fact, there are an increasing number of cases where people who 'have not been able to go to the dentist for over 40 years' have resumed regular visits after starting with counseling at our clinic.
* 'Dental psychology' is a way of thinking that understands the psychology of anxiety, tension, and resistance caused by sensory stimuli such as sounds, smells, and pain experienced at a dental clinic, and provides care that takes these into account. At our clinic, we incorporate this perspective into our entire practice, working to increase the psychological safety of our patients and reduce their psychological burden.
■ Making Dental Clinics 'Easier Places to Visit'
We want dental clinics to be places where everyone can visit with peace of mind, rather than being special or intimidating locations.
By doing so, those who have hesitated to seek treatment until now will be able to take that first step.
We believe that this will lead to the prevention of severe conditions and early treatment, contributing to the improvement of health for society as a whole.
Our clinic will continue to be a 'place for 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 visit with peace of mind.
* 'April Dream' is a project by PR TIMES where companies share the dreams they hope to achieve someday on April 1st. We are seriously aiming to realize this dream.
Sakura Hyakka Dental Clinic for those who are afraid of the dentist
https://odasaga-dental.com/
✉ sakura.hyakka.d@gmail.com
FAQ
What is the name of the dental clinic that specializes in treating patients with dental phobia and opened in 2020?
The clinic is called Sakura Hyakka Dental Clinic, which opened in 2020 as a specialized facility for patients with strong fear or aversion toward dentistry.
What initiative does Sakura Hyakka Dental Clinic support that encourages organizations to share their dreams on April 1st?
Sakura Hyakka Dental Clinic supports the 'April Dream' initiative, which encourages organizations to publicly share their dreams on April 1st each year.
How many people in Japan are estimated to suffer from dental phobia according to the article?
Approximately 14 million people in Japan are estimated to have dental phobia, which equates to about one in every nine citizens.
What psychological and sensory factors contribute to dental phobia as mentioned by the clinic?
Factors contributing to dental phobia include past traumatic dental experiences, medical environments, sensory stimuli like sounds and smells, pain during treatment, and feelings of shame or loss of control.
What is the primary goal of Sakura Hyakka Dental Clinic's dream as stated in the press release?
The clinic's dream is to eliminate the number of people whose lives are limited by a fear of the dentist and to create a society where such fears no longer force people to give up parts of their lives.