How to get started?
If you are already in contact with a SiO dentist, you can ask him/her to refer you to a SiO psychologist to get started with treatment.
You can also start the process by sending an "application for counselling/therapy", where you specify that you are interested in treatment for dental fear.
What happens during treatment?
Step 1: is a consultation with the psychologist. You will be asked about your fears, earlier experiences, history etc. Together, you will agree on the best way forward and on your specific goals for the treatment.
You will learn about the principles of exposure therapy.
The psychologist hands over the plan and your goals to the dentist.
Step 2: In order to overcome your fears, it is necessary to go through at least one session with the dentist. You will practice facing your fears step by step in a safe and predictable manner.
The dentist is trained in how to treat people with dental fear and will adapt to your goals and preferred pace.
You and the dentist decide together whether you will need further sessions in order to reach your goals.
The dentist will never do anything that you haven't agreed on in advance, and you are free to stop the session at any time.
How much does it cost?
The consultation with a psychologist is free of charge.
Treatment for dental fear will typically require 1-2 sessions with the psychologist.
A consultation with the dentist (exposure therapy without dental treatment) costs 850 NOK. If you are in need of dental treatment, there will be an additional cost.
The number of consultations recommended, depends on your specific needs.
Nice to know before starting treatment
Exposure therapy is the most effective treatment for all kinds of fears and phobias.
Treatment requires you to face your fears in a gradual and planned manner. This means that you will have to be prepared to experience fear and discomfort in the short term, in order to have more control and less fear afterwards.
We don’t use sedatives or other medications while treating dental fear. This is because the use of medication will counteract the effect and will not help you reduce your fears in the long term.
