Munir Ravalia discusses clinical hypnotherapy – what it is, how it works and its practical applications in dental settings.
Dental anxiety is a widespread issue, affecting a large percentage of any population, with approximately 12% experiencing extreme dental fear. These patients often avoid dental care until emergencies arise, leading to worse outcomes and more invasive treatments.
While sedation and behavioural strategies are commonly used, an increasing body of evidence supports clinical hypnotherapy as a safe, effective and underutilised tool in managing dental anxiety, pain perception and phobic behaviours.
This article aims to introduce dentists to clinical hypnotherapy – what it is, how it works, and its practical applications in dental settings.
