What Is Behaviour Desensitisation?
Behaviour desensitisation (also called tell-show-do or gradual exposure therapy) is a structured approach to introducing anxious or young children to dental care at their own pace. Rather than attempting full treatment on a first visit, we begin with non-threatening experiences that build trust and familiarity, gradually introducing instruments and procedures only when the child is comfortable.
At Dr. Mittal's, every new patient undergoes an age-appropriate desensitisation protocol before any treatment — not just children with known anxiety. Prevention of dental fear is far simpler than treatment of established dental phobia.
The Desensitisation Sequence
- Familiarisation visit — the child explores the clinic, sits in the chair, and meets the team. No instruments, no pressure. The goal is to associate the dental environment with something positive.
- Tell-Show-Do — before any instrument is introduced, Dr. Mittal explains in child-friendly language what will happen, demonstrates it on a finger or a model, then proceeds only when the child is ready.
- Gradual procedure introduction — starting with the least invasive steps (a mirror in the mouth, then counting teeth, then polishing) before progressing to any active treatment.
- Positive reinforcement — every completed step is acknowledged with specific praise; children are never told they were "brave" for tolerating something frightening, which validates the fear.
- Control signals — children are given a hand signal (typically raising one hand) to stop any procedure at any moment. This sense of control dramatically reduces anxiety.
When Desensitisation Is Especially Important
- Children who have had a previous negative dental experience
- Children with generalised anxiety or sensory sensitivities (ASD, ADHD)
- Very young children (under 4) having their first treatment visit
- Children who have been told frightening stories about dentistry by others
Frequently Asked Questions
It varies with the child. Some children are ready for treatment after a single familiarisation visit. Others with established dental fear may need two to four visits before active treatment is possible. For children with very high anxiety or special needs, desensitisation may be combined with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to accelerate the process. The goal is always to reach the point where the child can be treated comfortably without sedation for routine care.
The most important things: avoid sharing your own dental fears with children, don't use the dentist as a threat ("if you don't brush, the dentist will hurt you"), and don't use bribery that implies the visit will be unpleasant ("I'll give you a treat if you're good at the dentist"). Read positive dental books, watch calm dental videos, and play "dentist" at home — letting the child examine a stuffed animal's teeth. Tell your child they're going to have their teeth counted, not that they're going to the dentist. Dr. Mittal provides specific parent guidance at every first visit.