By ShaLyse Walker

In the stressful, often chaotic world we live in today, many dental offices are moving away from cold, clinical environments. Instead, they embrace a calming, spa-like esthetic to soothe patient anxiety and improve team morale. According to a 2023 American Dental Association (ADA) survey, nearly 70% of patients associate dental visits with mild to severe anxiety, while dental professionals report workplace stress as a leading cause of burnout.¹ In fact, it’s no secret that dentists often struggle with mental health.

The good news? Small changes can make a big impact. Here are simple and affordable ways to create a calming workspace that reduces stress and enhances comfort—for everyone.

1.    Soften the Lighting

Harsh fluorescent lights can increase stress, while warm-toned LED lights or task lighting in the dental operatory creates a more relaxed atmosphere. Natural light, when available, is even better. A 2018 Journal of Environmental Psychology study found natural light improves mood and reduces stress for employees and patients alike.²
 
Quick tip for implementation: add salt lamps or soft fixtures in reception areas for a relaxing ambiance.

2. Add Personal and Natural Touches

Personal décor, such as framed photos or small potted plants throughout the reception area, makes your dental office more inviting. Bonus: plants not only look good but also purify the air. 
 
“Creating an environment where you feel at ease helps you stay focused and productive while giving patients a sense of familiarity,” says Dr. Emily Robinson, a workplace stress expert.

3. Laugh!

When it comes to keeping patient and staff stress down, Dr. Shea Bess, a practicing dentist and dental lecturer, believes in the power of laughter—whether it’s cracking a joke to make his patient smile, or watching a silly TikTok video with his staff between patients. 

4. Aromatherapy for Relaxation

Introducing calming scents like lavender or eucalyptus with an essential oil diffuser encourages both the patient and dental care professionals to breathe deeply and relax. 

 
Practice management SEO tip: a quick search reveals that more and more patients are seeking out dental offices that offer aromatherapy for reducing dental anxiety. Incorporating it into your protocol and advertising it on your website is a win/win for patients and your bottom line. 

5. Comfortable Seating

Swap rigid chairs in waiting areas for plush, ergonomic options. Staff can also benefit from ergonomic stools and chairs with lumbar support to reduce physical strain.
 
According to OSHA, poor ergonomics account for up to 33% of workplace injuries in dentistry.³ Comfortable seating is an investment in you and your staff’s long-term wellbeing, in addition to the comfort of your patients.

6. Introduce Soothing Sounds

Soft music or nature sounds help mask the nerve-wracking hum of dental equipment and reduce tension. Offering noise-canceling headphones for patients to listen to music or podcasts during procedures also helps! Providing noise cancelling headphones and a clean, warm blanket can also help sooth patient nerves. 
 
Did you know? The ADA reports that offices using music therapy have higher patient satisfaction and fewer appointment cancellations due to anxiety.¹

Dr. Jaleena Jessop, a practicing dentist and Ultradent Products’ chief clinical officer keeps a fresh, unused tube of chapstick in every operatory so she can swipe in on their lips prior to lip retraction procedures to ensure patient comfort. Remembering that it’s small gestures such as this that help patients feel calm and most importantly, cared for, make a huge difference. 

7. Communicate!

Dr. Jaleena Jessop, Ultradent Products’ Chief Clinical Officer and a practicing dentist

In addition to her signature swipe of chapstick, Dr. Jaleena Jessop also emphasizes the importance of communication when it comes to minimizing stress and keeping patients comfortable, by letting them know what she’s doing before she does it. “I like to verbalize that we are double checking with the X-ray and clinical exam (or whatever it is that we’re doing), and I also make sure to ask if they have any questions before we begin, so I can address any concerns,” she says. Like Dr. Bess, Dr. Jessop likes to keep the mood bright. “Being professional while also being warm and friendly, and even joking around a little with your patient and your staff helps reduce anxiety and lighten the atmosphere.” 

8. Embrace the Spa Trend in Dentistry Even Further

Many practices incorporate extra spa-like amenities like warm towels, massage chairs, and water infused with sliced fruit like lemons or oranges. Patients appreciate these touches—66% of those surveyed in a 2022 study said spa-like environments make them more likely to return for regular appointments.⁴

9. Stay Organized and Clutter-Free

Clutter creates stress. Keeping workspaces tidy with labeled storage solutions reduces that stress and improves workflow. A minimalist office and operatory design promote calm for both staff and patients.

Closing Thoughts

A stress-free dental office benefits everyone—patients feel more at ease, and dental professionals can work more efficiently. 

“A calm environment reduces cortisol levels and allows patients to build trust,” says Dr. Sarah Kim, a dentist with 15 years of experience treating anxious patients.

By implementing these small changes, you can transform your dental office into a welcoming haven of self-care. From soft lighting to aromatherapy, small adjustments create big benefits for everyone. 

Footnotes:
1. American Dental Association. Patient Anxiety in Dentistry: Survey Results. Published 2023.
2. Boyce PR, Hunter C, Howlett O. The benefits of natural light in the workplace. Journal of Environmental Psychology. 2018;58:15-24.
3. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in dentistry.
4. Dental Trends Report. Enhancing the dental office experience: spa-like amenities patients love. Published 2022.