⬇️ 3 tips for reducing dental anxiety

In this edition:

• ⬇️ 3 tips for reducing dental anxiety

• 🆕 ADA appoints VP of Governance

• 🔨 Texas A&M upgrades dental school

• 💸 Carestream Dental receives funding

• And more!

3 tips to reduce dental anxiety

Routine dental visits evoke mixed emotions in individuals. While some find them manageable, others experience intense anxiety at the thought of sitting in the dentist’s chair.

This anxiety often leads to avoidance, resulting in neglected dental care. Experts from the University of Alabama at Birmingham say dental anxiety is more common than you think, and it is manageable. Stephen Mitchell, DMD, professor and director of the Sparks Dental Clinic at the UAB School of Dentistry, says dental anxiety is completely normal.

“Dental anxiety is anxiety,” Mitchell said. “It is a biological reaction that triggers the body’s fight or flight response designed to protect us from perceived and real threats. When you are talking about dentistry, it is the dental environment that triggers an individual.”

He says a patient’s history can contribute to the anxiety. Whether it is because of a painful experience in the past or feeling out of control in a dental office, individuals can often carry that forward into future offices.

ADA appoints Vice President

The American Dental Association announced Ms. Michelle Kruse’s promotion to Associate Vice President of Governance.

In her new role, Kruse will oversee all governance activities that support the House of Delegates, Board of Trustees, Councils, Committees, and Commissions within the ADA structure.

Her leadership will ensure effective governance processes and support the smooth functioning of the ADA’s key governance bodies, fostering a well-organized and efficient framework for decision-making and oversight.

Texas A&M to upgrade college of dentistry

As the Texas A&M University System pumps tens of millions of dollars into its North Texas campuses, the next facility in line for upgrades appears to be its dental college in Dallas.

Renovations to the main building at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry could start in October and be completed by January 2026, according to planning documents filed Sept. 3 with the state. The university aims to complete upgrades on 26,000 square feet of the main building at 3302 Gaston Ave.

The filings were light on additional details and a spokesperson for the university did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But system regents in early August approved spending up to $22.4 million to upgrade the main building.

Carestream Dental secures funding

Carestream Dental announced that it has secured new investment as part of a recapitalization to support the continued execution of its strategic innovation agenda. Facilitated by raising more than $525 million of new capital, with General Atlantic Credit’s (GA Credit) Atlantic Park fund leading a six-year first lien term loan, the transaction establishes an equity partnership comprising GA Credit, Canyon Partners, and several others. Clayton, Dubilier & Rice will continue as a minority investor. The proceeds from the transaction will aim to significantly reduce debt, meaningfully extend maturities and provide ample flexibility for continued investment in tools and technology and support organic and inorganic strategic initiatives.