Tell a dentist what scares you before you book.

Share the fears, triggers, or past experiences that make dental care difficult. A dentist can read what worries you and explain how they would approach a first visit—then you decide whether to connect.

Patient sitting outside a dental office before an appointment
Man sitting at home, calm and thoughtful before talking about dental fear

What sharing your fear changes.

A dentist doesn’t need an exact diagnosis to understand that needles, pain, past experiences, or loss of control make care difficult. What you share helps them consider whether their communication style and comfort options may be a good fit.

They can explain how they approach a first visit, whether they use stop signals or breaks, and what comfort or sedation options their practice offers.

A note about comfort options: A profile cannot determine which medications or sedation methods are appropriate for you. Those decisions require review of your health history and an appropriate clinical evaluation.

Add what the questions don’t cover

We already have your practical and comfort preferences. Use your story to explain what frightens you, what happened before, and what you need a dentist to understand before you feel able to return.

“I had a painful experience where I felt I could not ask the dentist to stop. Now I panic around needles and worry that I will lose control in the chair. I need someone who will explain each step, agree on a stop signal, and let me take breaks.”

Privacy note: Do not include your name, contact information, or other details that could identify you.

MatchMyDentist form asking a patient to share their story anonymously

What a personal response could look like

ACCEPT shares your contact information so the practice can reach you about scheduling. DECLINE keeps you anonymous and lets you request another match.

MatchMyDentist

Dr. Michael Ferner

General Dentist

Website

Thank you for sharing what worries you. I would want you to feel that you remain in control. At a first visit, we could begin with a conversation before doing anything clinical. I would explain each step in advance, agree on a clear stop signal, and allow breaks whenever you need them. You would be able to ask questions before deciding what happens next. My practice offers several comfort options, but I cannot determine which may be appropriate until I review your health history and evaluate your needs.

ACCEPT DECLINE

Illustrative example—not a diagnosis, quote, or treatment offer.

If no dentist fits, we’ll tell you.

A response is not guaranteed. If participating dentists do not believe they may align with what you shared, MatchMyDentist will let you know.

Ready to take the next step?

Tell a dentist what you’re dealing with and what you need them to understand. Find out how they might approach your situation before deciding whether to connect.

Tell dentists what’s going on →

Free · Anonymous · About 5–8 minutes