A biopsychosocial approach to the management of anxious and phobic patients.

In this article, it is suggested that anxious and phobic dental patients represent an important and typically underserved population. A number of practical techniques for their management is offered, taking into account marketplace considerations as well as possible etiologic factors of their avoidance behavior. It is concluded that these patients are indeed tractable and that their incorporation into a dental practice can be highly rewarding for both patient and clinician.