A private dental practice in Shoreditch, London, has implemented a 'desensitisation process' for patients experiencing dental anxiety. This approach aims to help individuals overcome their fear of dental work by starting with low-stress procedures, such as cleaning, before moving to more invasive treatments.
One patient, who had avoided checkups for four years following a painful filling in 2021, found the practice after a friend's recommendation in 2025. The patient reported feeling in control during a hygienist session, where they could pause the cleaning by raising a hand.
The practice reassures patients that avoidance is a common response to negative dental experiences and focuses on building confidence and a sense of safety. The patient expressed a wish for this desensitisation approach to be more widely available in NHS clinics.