Going to the dentist is for the birds.

Actually, the birds are for the patients. At least that’s
what we tell patients when seated in our examination rooms and looking out the
window to see a plethora of birds feasting at our bird feeder. The fact is we enjoy
checking out the cardinals, finches, chickadees, woodpeckers and other birds
those feeders attract.

Going to the dentist can be an unnerving experience for some
patients. With our newly renovated waiting room and office area, as well as our
examination rooms, we try to create a calming, stress-free environment. The
bird feeders are part of that effort (we also have a fish tank in the dental
hygienist’s examination room).

The bird feeders serve a couple of purposes. First, they
offer a distraction for patients to take their mind off what the work being
done (we positioned the feeders so patients can view the birds and keep their
head in position for their examination). Second, bird-watching does have a
soothing effect. This can be particularly effective with younger patients who
are easily distracted.

For some patients, a trip to the dentist can cause
debilitating anxiety that interferes with the dentist being able to do their
work. For some people who are biters, their anxiety can create a dangerous situation
for the dentist. That’s why many dental practices, including The Toothboss,
offer sedation therapy as a stress-free way to get your dental work done.