This page helps you become familiar with what a dental treatment room (also called a “surgery”) looks like before your appointment, which can be especially helpful for those dealing with dental anxiety. Our goal is to reduce uncertainty by showcasing the dental equipment and the patient experience, step by step, so you know what to expect when you arrive. You can explore each section at your own pace, without the need to view everything at once.
When you arrive at the dental clinic, you will typically be greeted at reception and asked to take a seat in the waiting area. This shared space, which serves as part of the patient experience, is where individuals sit before their appointment is called. It's perfectly normal to experience dental anxiety at this stage; after all, nothing is happening yet. You can choose to sit quietly, read a magazine, or use your phone to help pass the time. When it is your turn, a member of the dental team will call your name and guide you into the treatment room, often referred to as the dental 'surgery.' In this room, you may notice various dental equipment and chairs. Each piece has a specific purpose, helping the dental team provide safe and effective care for you.
Here is the chair where you, as the patient, will sit during your visit. On the left side of the room, as we look at the picture, is the chair designated for the dentist, and to the right is the chair for the dental nurse. While the room may seem full, each piece of dental equipment serves a specific purpose, enhancing your patient experience. If you have dental anxiety, the dental team or your CBT service team member can explain more about each piece of equipment to help ease your concerns.
As you sit in the dental chair, you’ll notice a specialized light designed as part of our dental equipment. This bright light assists our dental team in examining your mouth while minimizing discomfort associated with dental anxiety. It produces a narrow rectangle of light that shines directly into your mouth, ensuring it doesn't disturb your eyes. If the light happens to shine in your eyes, please use your STOP signal to let the team know to adjust the light for your comfort.
At the side of the chair is something called the bracket table, which is an important piece of dental equipment used by the dental team to hold various tools necessary for your treatment. This setup can enhance the patient experience, especially for those with dental anxiety, as it helps streamline the process (For more information on the dental tools, see the section on 'Treatments').
You can see four tubes attached to the surgery equipment—these provide suction, operate the dental drill, and supply water for the dental team’s use during treatment.
If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to ask your dental team or a member of the CBT service team.