Depending on the client, this can be done through interview, or, as you introduce the home based kit, by observation.  Keep a close eye on body language – look for lifted shoulders, breathing that becomes faster, muscle tension, worried expressions, agitated body movement or leaning away.  If any of these occur in response to sight, sound, or touch – note down the observed level of discomfort, or ask the person what he/she is feeling. n

A chart for recording this is provided in the take home kit or can be downloaded in Excel or PDF format

Explore those more closely – if the sound of the suction straw elicits a fear reaction, what happens if you turn the volume way down?  Is there a volume that is currently comfortable for the client? If so, note that volume and that’s where you will start the desensitization steps.

If the light elicits a strong reaction, what happens when you give the client sunglasses? Is that tolerated? If so, that’s the place to start.  As you start to tilt the pillow back to simulate the dental chair reclining, do you notice tension in the muscles? Increased breathing? What if you do it more slowly? At what point of recline is this fear behaviour occurring? Is there any point of recline that shows a more comfortable response?  If so, start there.

It may be that the client reacts strongly to some things in the kit, but not at all to others. The things that evoke a response showing discomfort are the things we want to desensitize to.