Dentist Phobia in Scotland - Policy Change or What?

I have a dentist phobia coming from being abused by more than one dentist as a child and then again as an adult. I've been getting treatment at Duncan Street in Edinburgh and today before I got my treatment I was told that I'd have to get check ups with a regular NHS dentist from then onwards and, if necessary, they could refer me back.





I have trouble even getting to the dentist as my stress factor is at overload. Has the policy changed lately or have they deemed that I am "cured" of my phobia? If I am cured I wish someone would tell my nerves. I have anxiety now worrying that the work thats just been done will go wrong and I'll have to go private or NHS to have it fixed.





Feel worried right now. Do you have any ideas?

Dentist Phobia in Scotland - Policy Change or What?
My son is 8 and has deep anxiety about the dentist...he vomits over the himself %26amp; the dentist or goes into the foetal position and won't let the dentist near him.





The dentist referred him to the Dental Hospital iN Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow as they are trained there to deal with people who suffer from this. I would contact them and try to get an appointment if I were you.....0141 211 9600
Reply:Poor, baby. I am sorry you are, and have been, suffering with this not so uncommon problem. Bad dentists make for a lot of dental phobic people.





You need to contact the NHS dentist and find out exactly why they want you off their books. And then get in touch with your GP. You obviously haven't been 'cured' and going back to normal dentist care may make things worse for you.





Good luck, sweetheart. xxx
Reply:Please stop worrying,





without seeing your teeth, records or discussing your current care routine at home, it is difficult to be 100% sure but I would ask you to consider the following;





1. They have NOT said you cannot go back to them for treatment and have only asked you to attend routine check-ups witha routine dental surgery. Thay have said the dentist can then refer you back if you require treatment.


2. They must feel that your teeth and gums are healthy now and you do not need further treatment. Well done.


3. Importantly, there will be many other dental patients who are equally phobic or even more phobic than you. Some of these patients could currenlty be in pain and require urgent treatment. Not knowing exact dental care provision in Scotland, I pressume that there are not enough Specialist Centres that care for phobic patients. Therefore, if the Duncan Street Clinic sees all patients requiring routine check-ups, they will not have enough time to provide actual treatment! If you were one of the patients waiting and in pain, you would agree that check-ups should be done elsewhere.





I am sorry that you are in this situation.





Take your time before choosing a dentisit to register with. Discuss your concerns on the phone, don't let them rush you and consider a brief visit to the practice a couple of days before your check-up to familiarise yourself with the surroundings.





Consider registering with a dental practice that has a dental hygienist/therapist who can offer you preventative advice and treatments to help reduce the need for treatment in future. Ask the practice if they offer this service when you chat to them on the phone.





Good luck to you and well done indeed for completing your treatment. A great success story.
Reply:I had the same problem as you 20 odd years ago and got my dental work done through hypnotherapy treatment at the Glasgow dental hospital, I had to get referred from my doctor, I dont know if they still do it but give them a call and see.
Reply:Fi fi's answer is great and sums it up.





Any service, especially for phobic works on a referral basis. This is because most of them are part of the community dental service.





This is an extremely over worked part of the NHS service in Scotland and thus can only see patients by referral.





As long as you are careful with your selection of an NHS dentist you should have no problem. Discuss your fears openly with them from your first consultation.