Introducing the dental handpiece

For most patients, the handpiece (“drill”) is the most anxiety-provoking part of the dental visit. Hiding it is not going to work (unlike injection of local anesthesia) as the sound and sensation is unmistakable. For this reason, it is best to acknowledge and defuse it right away.

To do this, I first have them sit upright in the chair and introduce them to the slow speed with a large round bur (never the high speed!) and tell them it’s a very small toothbrush for the very small sugar bugs. Then I show them how it works on their fingernail. A light touch should produce only a small vibration/tickle. 

Remember to keep it playful to improve patient compliance. If they are nervous, I show it to them on my left index finger first. Then I ask for their favorite finger. Either they give you their favorite  finger or look at your like a crazy person and I take their right index finger. Then I ask “Is this your favorite finger? It’s usually the one you pick your nose with!” Play off their reaction with humor. 

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