Afraid To Visit the Orthodontist? We Can Help

A visit to the orthodontist can be nerve-wracking for some children and adults, but Dr. M. Scott Runnels and his staff in Destin and Panama City Beach have created an atmosphere to calm even the most jittery patients.

A trip to the orthodontist is no day at the beach, but a visit with Dr. Runnels comes pretty close.

His offices reflect the Florida lifestyle and Dr. Runnels’ passion for surfing and fishing. Beach chairs, photos of surfers and other nautical items add to the relaxed atmosphere, which helps reduce anxiety in patients who may be nervous about their visits.

Patients said Dr. Runnels and his longtime staff make visits a pleasure.

”He’s very fun,” said patient Joy Makela. “He’s very lighthearted.”

Another patient, Richard Ross, said the office atmosphere is unlike any other he has encountered.

“This is not your typical doctor’s office,” Ross said.

Dr. Runnels is often found in casual attire – jeans and a summer shirt – easing patients who may suffer from the so-called “white coat syndrome” in which your anxiety rises in a clinical setting or doctor’s office.

For many patients, the height of anxiety is anticipating the visit and time spent in the waiting room before their appointments.

That won’t happen at Dr. Runnels’ offices, where patients check in and are seen immediately.

”There is zero wait time for all of my patients,” Dr. Runnels said.

He often will personally speed up the process.

”If I see someone up there for more than a minute,” Dr. Runnels said of waiting patients, ”I go and get them myself.”

In many cases, fear and anxiety can prevent patients from receiving needed orthodontic care – and make it less likely they will return for necessary follow-up visits.

So if you or your child needs orthodontic care – but are afraid of visiting the orthodontist, contact Dr. Runnels for an experience that is anxiety-free.

Even the most phobic patient may find they enjoyed their visit to Dr. Runnels, which makes it easier for them to continue to receive care in the future.

”It’s a family environment and it’s all stemmed from the staff,” Dr. Runnels said. ”I knew I wanted it to be an atmosphere that is inviting to all my patients…You don’t feel like you’re in a doctor’s office.”