Press Release

For Immediate Release

NY DENTIST OVERCOMES HER PATIENTS’ “DENTAL ANXIETY” WITH HOLISTIC APPROACH

Dental Patients Relaxed With Reflexology, Virtual Reality and Spa-Style ‘TLC’

New York, NY, October 9, 2002—A New York dentist is helping her patients overcome their “dental anxiety” using an innovative six-step guided meditation which she combines with the use of virtual reality goggles, foot massages and a soothing office environment featuring tropical fish.

“For many people, ‘dental anxiety’ prevents them from visiting the dentist leaving them vulnerable to serious tooth decay and gum disease requiring extensive treatment, which regular, routine examinations would have prevented,” said Dr. Terry Gotthelf, a dentist with a midtown Manhattan practice.

“We take a new approach to help patients who fear going to the dentist, using a six step program we developed,” said Dr. Gotthelf. “This approach incorporates the mind-body concept where physical well-being can be affected by mental and emotional states.”

She advises her patients using the program to:

1. Imagine yourself in the anxiety producing situation before your dental appointment
2. Locate where in your body the anxiety 'lives,' such as a tense neck or back, clenched fists, nervous stomach, unconsciously holding your breath or dizziness
3. Measure the anxiety on a 1-10 scale
4. Explore the “size, shape, borders and texture” of the anxiety“
5. Manipulate the anxiety: make it larger, smaller, softer, etc.”
6. Re-measure the anxiety.

“These steps give you some control over your anxiety, which enables you to reduce it,” said Dr. Gotthelf.

In her practice, Dr. Gotthelf has gone to extraordinary lengths to make her patients’ comfortable in the dentist’s chair.

“We combine the six-step program with a holistic approach. We offer virtual reality goggles to watch movies or meditation videos and headsets for music. We provide reflexology, foot massages and aromatherapy, as well as soft, warm neck and back pillows and blankets. We even have paraffin hand treatment, which moisturizes and applies deep heat to your hands during your dental visit. We can soothe tense muscles using electronic muscle stimulation."

”Our office décor is non-institutional and soothing, featuring tropical fish, floral arrangements and colors and artwork chosen to create a comfortable environment. Our entire team is friendly, knowledgeable and sympathetic,” said Dr. Gotthelf. “We utilize a variety of educational visual aids that provide clear information about the treatment options. This emphasis on good communication with our patients helps them relax by eliminating uncertainties about their treatment."

”Many of our patients tell us they really look forward to their visits with us,” said Dr. Gotthelf, smiling.

What if these tactics to overcome the fear of visiting a dentist don’t work?

“In some cases a step-by-step desensitization program can eliminate severe fear of the dentist. Another option is medication to help you relax for your appointments.  Discuss this possibility with your dentist.

"Your relationship with your dentist is based on trust, and you should expect to be treated as an individual.  Make requests.  Don’t hesitate to ask for special treatment,” advises Dr. Gotthelf,

“If you’ve been going to the same dentist your parents used when you were a teenager, but your needs may have changed or you no longer feel it’s a good ‘match,’ ask friends and relatives whose opinions you trust if they like their dentist. You can also find directories on the Web with information about dentists in your community or call the dental society in your area.”

More information can be found on Dr. Terry Gotthelf’s website: www.drgotthelf.com

Dr. Terry Gotthelf received a DDS from the New York University College of Dentistry. She also holds an MS in psychobiology from the University of Pittsburgh and a BA in psychology and philosophy from Barnard College. She completed a General Practice Residency at the Medical College of Pennsylvania and she earned a Certificate in Surgical and Prosthetic Implantology at the New York University College of Dentistry. Her practice is located at 19 West 34 Street in Manhattan.

Contact:

Dr. Terry Gotthelf, DDS
212-564-6686

Idan Sims
Sims & Associates, Inc.
212-725-3838
917 940-7876

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