At Northside Dental Solutions, we aim to make dental care simple and comfortable.

Dental Anxiety

Many people feel some level of hesitation or anxiety about visiting the dentist. These feelings can come from a range of factors, including concerns about cost, previous experiences or simply feeling unsure about what to expect.

At Northside Dental Solutions, we understand these concerns and focus on creating a comfortable, supportive dental experience for every patient. Our team takes the time to listen to your questions, explain your treatment options and discuss payment options that may help make accessing dental care easier.

We believe everyone deserves to feel informed and comfortable when making decisions about their oral health. Through clear communication, personalised care and a compassionate approach, we help make your dental visits a more positive experience.

Supporting Patients with Dental Anxiety

At Northside Dental, we understand that feeling nervous about visiting the dentist is more common than many people realise. Dental anxiety can develop for many reasons, including previous dental experiences, fear of discomfort or simply feeling unsure about what to expect. Our team focuses on creating a calm, supportive environment where you feel heard, respected and comfortable throughout your care.

Helping patients manage dental anxiety is a key focus for our team. We are proud to be connected with the Australian Dental Anxiety Management Society (ADAMS), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving the dental experience for people who feel anxious about visiting the dentist.

ADAMS was created by dental professionals, including Dr Trent Davidson, who are passionate about supporting patients with dental anxiety. Through education, awareness and practical strategies, the organisation aims to help more people feel confident accessing dental care. This same commitment to understanding and supporting anxious patients is something Dr Trent brings to Northside Dental and shares with our team.

How We Help Nervous Patients at Northside Dental Solutions

Our team of dentists aims to make your experience at our Clayfield dental clinic stress-free. Here are some of our strategies for helping anxious or fearful patients.

Taking Plenty of Time to Listen

Instead of quick, rushed appointments that only focus on the surface problem, our team takes the time to listen to your concerns, needs, and desires for your smile. We make a plan that addresses core problems to help you avoid future concerns and maintain a healthy smile.

State-of-the-Art Technology

Gone are the days of loud, scary dental drills! Our dentists use modern, quiet tools and equipment designed to provide a comfortable and efficient experience. We use modern, clinically proven anaesthetics to help keep you comfortable during treatment.

Full and Honest Transparency

Whether it's the mechanics of the dental procedure or the cost that makes you nervous, we take the time to review your treatment and fully explain what to expect during your procedure. We also discuss out-of-pocket expenses so there are no financial surprises.

A Collaborative Approach

At Northside Dental Solutions, you are the boss, and we are the facilitators! We work closely with you to understand your needs and goals for your smile and, in turn, make treatment recommendations to help you reach your goals. You always have the final say on what's best for your smile.

Affordable, Fixed Prices

We offer price transparency and discuss your fees and payment options prior to starting any treatment procedure. We work with third-party financing to provide affordable payment plans and have a dental membership plan to help defray the cost of dental care for Clayfield families.

Judgment-Free Dental Care

We meet you wherever you are in your dental journey without judgment. We are simply your mentors in achieving a healthy, beautiful smile and optimal oral health. The environment at Northside Dental Solutions is friendly, welcoming, and focused on you and your unique needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

At Northside Dental Solutions, our dentists take a unique, personalised approach to helping patients with dental fear or anxiety get the treatment they need.

Here is our trusted and effective method.

Your Dental Consultation

On your first visit to the practice, we sit down in a consultation room away from the dental chair to avoid bringing up bad past experiences. We discuss your dental journey to date and what has led you to feel the way you do when visiting a dentist.

We will take as much time as necessary to hear your story before addressing some of your concerns in a nonjudgmental, refreshingly open manner. We will discuss what we do at Northside Dental Solutions to cure your dental phobia and why it is so important for your health. We will walk you through the process step by step so there are no surprises.

Your Dental Examination

We try to spend as little time in the dental chair as possible. We will never ask you questions while our hands are in your mouth, and we will always sit you up straight to talk to you. Around 80% of our work on your dental health is done away from the dental chair.

Discussion of Your Dental Goals

You are the driver of your own health. We want to educate you about your oral health so you can help yourself in the future. We call this ‘Helping You to Help Yourself’.

We pride ourselves on our transparent and open attitude towards dental treatment. By the time we finish talking, you will have full knowledge of the procedures needed, why they are needed, how they are performed, what to expect afterwards and a full written quote (with no hidden costs).

Your Dental Treatment

By this stage, you should hopefully feel empowered to maintain or improve your dental health. If you need any follow-up treatment, our friendly staff will arrange it for you.

Dental anxiety is a prevalent issue, affecting approximately one in six Australians, and it is a significant reason why many individuals avoid seeking dental care. There are numerous ways to manage dental anxiety, tailored to the specific nature of a person's fear. This could stem from a previous negative dental experience or anxiety about potential findings after a long period without a dental visit.

A non-judgemental approach is fundamental. We understand the reasons for avoiding the dentist and prioritise creating a positive experience to encourage future visits with less apprehension. Our practice offers sedation options, such as nitrous oxide (happy gas) and intravenous (IV) sedation, to assist with managing anxiety. However, these are often not required. We have found that building trust through clear explanations, eliminating uncertainties, and empowering the individual with control throughout their appointment are highly effective strategies. By taking the time to ensure comfort and understanding, we help make dental visits manageable, and individuals are often surprised by how well they cope.

Effective Anxiety Management

Our team understands that every patient’s experience with dental anxiety is different. We take the time to listen to your concerns, explain each step of your appointment and work with you to create a pace that feels comfortable.

From your first conversation with our team through to your treatment appointments, we focus on clear communication and building trust. We believe you should always feel informed about your care and comfortable asking questions.

The Australian Dental Anxiety Management Society provides valuable resources for both patients and dental professionals who want to better understand dental anxiety. You can learn more about their approach and available resources here.

Your Comfort Comes First

If you have delayed dental care because of anxiety or fear, our team is here to support you without judgement. Taking the first step can feel challenging, but having a dental team that understands your concerns can make the experience more positive.

At Northside Dental, we combine our training, experience and passion for helping anxious patients to provide a more comfortable dental experience. Our goal is to help you feel confident in your care and supported at every visit. Undoing previous bad experiences is something we aim to change.

At Northside Dental Solutions, we understand that every patient has different needs and concerns when it comes to dental care. We take the time to listen, answer your questions and create a comfortable experience where you feel supported throughout your treatment journey.

Our team uses a range of techniques and approaches designed to help improve comfort during your appointments. We work with you to understand your goals, discuss suitable treatment options and provide care at a pace that feels right for you.

We have also collaborated with psychologists to develop strategies that support patients experiencing dental anxiety. Our approach focuses on empathy, communication and helping you feel more confident when accessing dental care.

From your first appointment onwards, our team is here to provide a calm, respectful and understanding environment where your comfort is always a priority.

Our Team

Meet More of Our Team

Dr Adelaide Smith BDSc

Dentist and Kid Whisperer

I am a passionate dentist at Northside Dental Solutions, where I've been practising since March 2022. Working here is truly my dream job! I love helping patients achieve their dental ...

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Dr Priyena Winterbottom BDS Otago, MRACDS (PDS)

Cosmetic Dentist

For me, being a Dentist at Northside Dental Solutions is about more than just clinical treatment—it's about connecting with the person behind the smile. I believe in patient-centered care, and ...

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Dr Trent Davidson BDSc (Hons) GradDipPsych

Dental Anxiety Dentist and Wisdom Tooth Remover

I am a compassionate general dentist and the proud owner of Northside Dental Solutions. Since joining our Clayfield dental practice in 2018, I have focused on making dentistry accessible and ...

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Dental Anxiety Technology

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

Our premium noise-cancelling headphones offer a peaceful sanctuary during dental treatments. These sophisticated devices effectively block the sounds of dental equipment, creating a serene environment tailored to your comfort.

Connect to your personal device to enjoy music, podcasts or audiobooks, or simply activate the noise-cancelling feature for a quieter experience. This thoughtful technology demonstrates our commitment to reducing anxiety and enhancing your overall dental visit while ensuring clear communication with our team remains possible throughout your treatment.

SEE OUR TECHNOLOGY

Our Recipe for Managing Dental Phobia

At Northside Dental Solutions, we understand that feeling comfortable at the dentist starts with trust, communication and feeling in control of your care. Our team takes the time to understand your concerns and create an approach that supports your individual needs.

Time — We provide a calm environment where you do not feel rushed. Taking the time to build trust and understand your concerns helps create a more positive dental experience.
Listening — While we are dental professionals, you are the expert when it comes to your own experiences and feelings. We take the time to listen so we can better understand your concerns and provide care that suits you.
Understanding — Everyone experiences dental anxiety differently. We work to understand what may be contributing to your concerns, whether it is a previous dental experience, uncertainty about treatment or something else.
Transparency — We explain your options clearly and answer your questions so you feel informed and comfortable when making decisions about your dental care.
Education — We believe informed patients feel more confident about their oral health. We provide information and guidance to help you understand your treatment and make choices that align with your goals.
Patient Control — Your comfort matters. We work together with you throughout your care and encourage you to communicate your preferences, ask questions and let us know what helps you feel at ease.

Many patients experience some level of dental anxiety, and our team provides personalised support and strategies to help create a more comfortable dental experience.

Blogs

June 13, 2025

Dental Anxiety? Clayfield’s Gentle Dental Team Is Here for You

If dental visits make you anxious, you're far from alone—and you've just found the right place! At Northside Dental Solutions, we welcome nervous patients from all over Clayfield, Ascot, Wooloowin and beyond. Whether it's been six months or six years since your last dental appointment, we're here with calm voices, kind hearts and zero judgment.

Real People, Real Comfort

Most people don't love going to the dentist. But if your anxiety is stopping you from booking altogether, it's time for a new kind of dental experience. Our team isn't just trained in ...