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A Wirral dental practice has introduced new treatment plans to help anxious children during appointments, according to Birkenhead News.
Sunlight Dental Practice in Port Sunlight, Birkenhead, says the plans aim to support children with anxiety about dental appointments, offering them personalised and gradual treatment.
Treatment involves making children familiar with their environment, the equipment and staff in the practice before conducting routine check-ups or procedures. This can sometimes be in their first appointment, to build trust and confidence with the practice staff.
Staff also focus on using child-friendly language during appointments. Children are also encouraged to ask questions to reduce their fear of the unknown.
Practice co-owner Dr Kate Blundell said: “We have a very caring team here at Sunlight Dental Practice. It fills us with joy when parents praise the staff for their calm, patient and understanding manner and we receive so many thank you cards which means a great deal to us all We understand that it can be daunting for children coming to the dentist, especially nervous children.”
The doctor also said one of the dentists, Sarah, has undertaken additional training in paediatric dentistry and inhalation sedation for both children and adults. She also lectures at Liverpool University Dental Hospital.
Children remain in control throughout their appointments, with treatment paused whenever they ask. The practice also uses comfort items, including a tiger teddy, and gives children a small gift bag after their visit to help create a positive experience.
Dr Blundell said more children now require additional emotional support during dental appointments and that practices should adapt to meet those needs.
Alongside the new children's plans, Sunlight Dental Practice has also introduced support for nervous adult patients.
The practice says it aims to help patients overcome dental anxiety, making routine appointments less stressful while encouraging positive experiences that could improve confidence in visiting the dentist in the future.
It has an upstanding reputation around Port Sunlight, having donated lots to charity and having a commitment to helping those in the local community with dental care.
