Anxious about the dentist? We'll go at your pace
If you've been putting off the dentist because you're nervous, you're far from alone. At Boclair we'll listen first, explain everything, and never rush you. If you need sedation, our sister practice nearby can help.
What happens when you tell us you're nervous
Nothing happens until you're ready, and you can change your mind at any point.
One phone call
Tell whoever answers that you're anxious. We'll note it, so you don't have to explain again on the day.
Time to talk
Your first appointment can be a conversation and a look, nothing more. You decide what happens next.
No surprises
We'll say what we're going to do before we do it, and agree a signal to stop.
Small steps
Simple things first, so you can build up confidence before anything bigger.
Extra help if you need it
If treatment feels impossible without it, we can arrange sedation for you at Bearsden Dental Care, our sister practice 1.3 miles away.
If you need sedation
For some people, sedation is what makes treatment possible. Sedation for Boclair patients is provided at our sister practice, Bearsden Dental Care, on Ledi Drive, 1.3 miles away. It's led by Dr Drew Gibson, who has a postgraduate certificate in dental sedation and has trained other dentists in sedation for NHS Education for Scotland.
Both inhalation sedation (breathing a calming gas through a small nose mask) and IV sedation (a sedative given through a thin needle in the hand or arm) are available there, always after an assessment.
Read about sedation at Bearsden Dental CareTo confirm: Is sedation (inhalation or IV) provided at Boclair, or are Boclair patients who need it seen at Bearsden? The Boclair page is written for "at Bearsden" until you tell us.
At Boclair
- Two calm, ground-floor surgeries, with ramped access.
- Parking on site or across the road, so there's no rush to arrive.
- Later appointments on Mondays and Tuesdays, if mornings are hard.
- A team who'll go at your pace and explain everything first.
Small things that help
- Choose a quieter time: early morning, or a later slot on a Monday or Tuesday.
- Park on site or across the road, so there's no rush to arrive.
- Headphones are welcome.
- Write down any questions so you don't forget them.
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's Lifelong Smiles videos explain what happens at a dental appointment.
To confirm: We link to NHS GGC's Lifelong Smiles videos. Happy with that?
Questions people ask
Is sedation available at Boclair?
Sedation is provided at our sister practice, Bearsden Dental Care, on Ledi Drive. As a Boclair patient, you can have your sedation appointments there, with the same team approach.
I gag easily. Can you help?
Yes, it's common. Tell us, and we'll adapt how we work: shorter steps, breathing techniques and positioning. Inhalation sedation can also help some people with a strong gag reflex.
What if I want to stop?
Raise your hand and we'll stop. We'll agree the signal with you before we start.
Make the first call
Phone 0141 942 9891 and just say you're nervous. We'll take it from there, at your pace.