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Relieving Dental Anxiety

Safeguard Your Oral Health

We'll Help With Relieving Dental Anxiety in Williston

Dental visits shouldn't keep you up at night. You deserve care without fear. Our team can help you with relieving dental anxiety in Williston. Your dentist will take time to listen to your concerns. We will adjust our approach to match your needs. You'll have control every step of the way.

When you visit Contemporary Dental Arts, you'll find that your comfort matters as much as your treatment. We use gentle techniques and advanced technologies to streamline your appointments and minimize discomfort. Walking inside our office will give you a sense of calm right away. Your journey to better dental health starts with trust. We're here to earn yours.

Call 802-332-3266 For An Appointment

Conquer Your Dental Fears

One of the ways we can help you with your anxiety is by offering sedation. We have oral sedation available. With this option, you will:

Swallow a small pill before your appointment
Enter a relaxed, anxiety-free state
Maintain consciousness while feeling detached from procedures
Complete multiple treatments in a single visit
Remember little about your dental experience

Your dentist will review whether an oral sedative is right for you based on your medical history, oral health needs, and more. You will also need to arrange for a ride home as the effects linger several hours.

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Discover Comfort Enhancements

Beyond sedation, we offer many ways to help your anxiety. Our personalized approach to your care will ensure you feel at ease. We also provide anxiety-reducing amenities. At our practice, you can:

Wrap yourself in warm and cozy blankets
Listen to music through noise-canceling headphones
Benefit from quick and easy digital X-rays with reduced radiation
Experience faster, more comfortable impressions with our digital scanner
Feel comforted by our caring team throughout your appointment

Plus, we will explain every aspect of your treatment. There are no surprises here. Visit us for help with relieving dental anxiety in Williston. You'll feel confident about your dental health and your smile's condition.

Call 802-332-3266 For An Appointment

Read Why Our Patients Love Us

Daniel L.

I have been a patient of Dr. Shanard’s for over 5 years. She and her team are simply wonderful. They are extremely professional and warm in their care. Besides the entire practice being very talented they are a fun bunch. Smiles and jokes are a routine part of the treatment process. And if... I have been a patient of Dr. Shanard’s for over 5 years. She and her team are simply wonderful. They are extremely professional and warm in their care. Besides the entire practice being very talented they are a fun bunch. Smiles and jokes are a routine part of the treatment process. And if you are lucky you might meet Dr. Shanard’s dog Enzo who might be the best part of the treatment team. Truly wonderful people who do a fantastic and thorough job. I could not state it any more plainly, this is the best dental practice in Vermont.

Mary W.

I was able to get an emergency appointment & I was very happy! Everyone was so kind & helpful. My mouth is very small, and Dr Lauren Shanard was able to keep my jaw muscles comfortable during the lengthy procedure! Kudos to the crew & another stellar dental appointment at Contemporary Dental... I was able to get an emergency appointment & I was very happy! Everyone was so kind & helpful. My mouth is very small, and Dr Lauren Shanard was able to keep my jaw muscles comfortable during the lengthy procedure! Kudos to the crew & another stellar dental appointment at Contemporary Dental Arts!

Nancy C.

This is coming from a HUGE dentist-phobe. To say I get nervous going into a dentist's office, is gigantic understatement. That being said, I had the absolute wonderful fortune to find Dr. Lauren Shanard when I was facing a huge dental crisis. Terrified, I made an appointment...and in I crawled.... This is coming from a HUGE dentist-phobe. To say I get nervous going into a dentist's office, is gigantic understatement. That being said, I had the absolute wonderful fortune to find Dr. Lauren Shanard when I was facing a huge dental crisis. Terrified, I made an appointment...and in I crawled. From the first minute, the staff at Contemporary Dental Arts gently pulled me off the ceiling, and with the utmost compassion and understanding of my high anxiety, Dr Shanard helped me through my initial tough situation. EVERY person in that office, went out of their way to make sure I was comfortable and felt safe. As Dr Shanard worked on me, it was clearly evident that she is a highly skilled dentist who pays attention to detail, to make sure the outcome is the very best it can be. Also clear, is that she enjoys her team, and what she does. I am not finished with my oral challenges, but I am BEYOND GRATEFUL that I have Dr. Shannard at the helm, along with all the wonderful women who have been at my side (and hers). I will go nowhere else. Fives stars just aren't enough.

Miles J.

I’ve been visiting the Contemporary Dental Arts and Dr. Shanard since I was a little kid. They have always been so nice and kind throughout every cleaning and filling, and there’s a super friendly and cute dog to greet you!

Tyler E.

Great people, very knowledgeable. They had answers to all my questions about how everything is handled and how much things cost. Staff is very nice and they try hard to get everything done right.

Daniel F.

I've been here on multiple occasions. Marie and Dr. Shanard are really great to work with. Marie also always goes above and beyond with communication and accommodating my timeline. To say their quality of work is excellent is an understatement. Thanks!

Peter S.

The difference at Contemporary Dental is that they are a family of very good caring people. You are welcomed from the first moment you arrive with a comprehensive visit. My hygentist is very thorough... my teeth are sparkling after a cleaning. They don't rush you through the visit and are... The difference at Contemporary Dental is that they are a family of very good caring people. You are welcomed from the first moment you arrive with a comprehensive visit. My hygentist is very thorough... my teeth are sparkling after a cleaning. They don't rush you through the visit and are very accommodating to your needs. I won't go anywhere else!

Caleigh C.

OK so I was TERRIFIED for my first filling. I’d gone 29 years with zero oral problems and despite my bone-deep horror, I went in for a filling today with Dr. Shanard. WOW was that easy. I didn’t feel the needle or anything she was doing, and Marie held my hand the entire time. I wasn’t... OK so I was TERRIFIED for my first filling. I’d gone 29 years with zero oral problems and despite my bone-deep horror, I went in for a filling today with Dr. Shanard. WOW was that easy. I didn’t feel the needle or anything she was doing, and Marie held my hand the entire time. I wasn’t afraid at all after we got started. Five stars for the whole team! I won’t go anywhere else! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Nancy P.

I was at the beginning of a month long road trip and broke part of a molar. I called over 30 dentists in 2 towns and no one could see me. Even though they were busy, this practice made room for me to come in, and within 30 minutes they fixed my tooth so that I could continue my trip. They were... I was at the beginning of a month long road trip and broke part of a molar. I called over 30 dentists in 2 towns and no one could see me. Even though they were busy, this practice made room for me to come in, and within 30 minutes they fixed my tooth so that I could continue my trip. They were so nice, professional and competent that I wish they were my permanent dental practice. I thank them so much for helping me in my hour of need. They deserve a higher rating than 5 stars!

How can I communicate my anxiety to your dental team?

You can share your concerns with us when booking your appointment. We'll note your anxiety in your patient file so everyone on our team is aware. During your visit, we'll take extra time to listen and understand your specific fears. Many patients find that simply expressing their anxiety helps them feel more in control of their dental experience.

How will digital technology make my dental visits less stressful?

Our digital scanners eliminate the need for uncomfortable traditional impressions that many patients find anxiety-producing. You'll experience faster X-rays with significantly less radiation than conventional methods. Our digital technology allows your dentist to show you exactly what's happening with your teeth on screen. Many patients feel more at ease when they can see and understand their dental conditions clearly.

How will you help me feel more in control during my dental treatment?

You'll maintain control throughout your visit through our clear communication system. We establish hand signals you can use to request breaks during treatment. Your dentist will explain each step before proceeding and check in regularly about your comfort level. We move at your pace, never rushing through procedures. Many anxious patients tell us that this sense of control significantly reduces their dental fear.