The purpose of this course is to present an overview of clinical hypnosis and its many applications in the field of dentistry. Points of discussion will include historical background, what hypnosis is and what it is not, basic misconceptions, how and why it works, who is hypnotizable, etc. Easily acquired techniques will be broken down into their components so that the clinician understands the various steps and how to apply them. Numerous dental applications (like those listed in the "Benefits of Attending" section) will be discussed.

Attendees will gain an understanding of how to apply basic hypnotic techniques in the dental setting. These can be used to help the dentist/hygienist to: deal with dental/needle phobic patients, better manage both acute and chronic pain, prevent gagging and nausea, modify bruxing, improve the quality of post-operative analgesia, control salivary flow volume, establish improved rapport with child and adult patients either conscious or while under sedation, and more. Additionally, the clinician will learn stress management techniques to improve the own health and well-being.

At the completion of this program, participants should understand how hypnosis works and what its many applications are in the clinical dental setting. Further, they should be able to begin applying basic hypnotic techniques in their own practices to enhance the patient's experience and to assist themselves in dealing more effectively with some of the patient issues cited previously.

Clinical hypnosis has been recognized as a safe and effective treatment tool by the American Medical Association since 1958. It's various applications in the dental field have been known for years and are often cited in texts on behavior management, conscious-sedation, pain management and the like.

In the dental setting are no risks to the patient at any time. If the technique is used incorrectly you may not get the desired outcome but the patient will not be at risk, or even aware that the attempt was less than ideal. It is an innocuous technique when used in dentistry.

Many texts exist covering the use of applied hypnosis. Several references will be cited during the presentation.

Intended Audience

The course is designed specifically for those rendering direct treatment for the patient. This would include both dentist (generalist and all specialists with direct patient contact) and hygienist. This version of the program is not designed for the assisting or front office staff.

ALFRED L. FROST, III, holds a B.A. in biology from Canisius College, an M.S. in epidemiology from the Roswell Park Memorial Institute, and a DDS with Thesis Honors from SUNY at Buffalo. He has completed fellowship research work at Roswell Park, residency training programs at the Eastman Dental Center and the Genesee Hospital. Dr. Frost was recognized as a Registered Hypnotic Anesthesiologist by the National Board for Hypnotherapy and Hypnotic Anesthesiology, in 1997.  He has served on the pain management committee for the Catholic Health System. Dr. Frost was honored by the National Board for Hypnotherapy with the presentation of their 1998 National Award for Professional Excellence.