On October 29, 2025, an educational event titled “Dental Fear and Ways to Overcome It” was organized by Gulnur Nursainovna Borbasova, lecturer at the Department of General and Applied Psychology, within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. The event was attended by second-year students of the Kazakh group 24-03 majoring in Dentistry.
The aim of the event was to explain the nature of dental fear (dentophobia), analyze its causes, and present effective psychological strategies for overcoming it. Special emphasis was placed on developing students’ skills in considering patients’ psychological states in their future professional practice.
During the discussions, key factors contributing to dental fear were identified: negative past experiences, fear of pain, uncertainty, and lack of trust in the doctor. It was shown that such fear can negatively affect emotional well-being, lead to avoidance of medical care, and worsen overall health.
Students presented evidence-based approaches to overcoming dental fear, including relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, cognitive-behavioral methods, and effective patient communication.
The event was conducted in an interactive format, including role-playing scenarios of doctor–patient interaction, which facilitated the development of professional and communication skills.
In conclusion, participants demonstrated readiness to apply the acquired knowledge in their future professional practice. The event contributed to integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills and enhancing professional competence.
