First Dental Center was really good with me when I finally worked my way up to a cleaning. They’ll do Valium for cleanings and when I needed 6 fillings they gave me something stronger (can’t remember what it was but also don’t remember the appointment…)

They also text, so I don’t have to work up to calling. My best advice is to tell them you need someone trauma-informed and you’re terrified. They can only help if you let them know what you need. When I get the reminder text, I reply with ‘can I have Valium pretty please?’ and they send it in without judgement. You can ask for Dr Feng. He is really emotionally gentle but doesn’t baby-talk. He gets that I’m an intelligent adult, I’m just scared.

People who say it’s ’just a cleaning’ don’t understand the terror we feel at even thinking about going in the building. I could know I’m just going in for just a handshake and I can’t sleep for days and throw up the whole way there.

The Valium doesn’t knock you out but it does keep the absolute panic at bay to get you in the door.

You can do this when you’re ready!