Nervous about the dentist? You’re far from alone
By Dr Rachel Hartley · GDC No. not shown on demo · 30 August 2026 · 4 min read

Lots of adults feel anxious about the dentist, and many put off visits for years because of it. There is no judgement here about how long it has been. The first step is simply telling us when you book.
We can give you a longer first appointment that is just a chat, with no treatment. We explain what we are going to do before we do it, and we agree a stop signal you control, such as raising a hand.
Some people find it helps to bring headphones, book the first appointment of the day so there is less time to worry, or bring someone with them. Whatever helps you, we will work around it.
If you have been avoiding the dentist, coming back for a check-up is the hardest part. After that, it is one small step at a time, at your pace.
Information on this website is general and not a substitute for advice from a dental professional. Any treatment is subject to an assessment and may not be appropriate for everyone.