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Date Published: 25/03/2026

Scared of the dentist? Spanish research says a good podcast could be all you need

Odontophobia affects one in six people in Spain, but researchers at a Spanish university think they've cracked it

If going to the dentist fills you with dread, you're in very good company. Odontophobia, the clinical term for an irrational fear of dental treatment, affects around 15% of the population in Spain, and for many people it's enough to put them off going altogether.

Researchers at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona have been looking into what might help, and their findings are both surprising and pretty encouraging.

The study tested the effects of audio stimulation on patients undergoing procedures like extractions, implants and surgery at a dental clinic in Castellón. Participants put on headphones and listened to either suspenseful fiction podcasts or immersive soundscapes, including a recreation of a gentle walk through woodland, both before and during their treatment.

The results were pretty convincing, with 72% of patients reporting that the audio made them feel genuinely relaxed, 65% saying the appointment seemed to pass more quickly and 73% actually registering a drop in heart rate while listening. That last one is hard to fake.

The research forms part of a doctoral thesis by Berenice Ponce, who explains that dental patients are often dealing with a lot at once, having to keep their mouths open, hearing unfamiliar sounds all around them and essentially putting themselves entirely in someone else's hands. Getting a patient to shift their focus onto something else entirely, she says, is already a hugely positive outcome.

Several participants apparently said they had never felt so well looked after at a dentist in their lives.

Interestingly, the fiction podcasts came out on top over the soundscapes. The theory is that a compelling story pulls the brain into a different world by triggering the imagination, giving it something vivid to focus on rather than whatever is happening in the chair.

Speaking of dentists, if you're on Camposol and have been putting off a visit, the Camposol Dental Clinic is well worth knowing about. Dr Diana Molino speaks excellent English and has built up a lot of experience working with residents in the area, offering everything from fillings and crowns to implants, dentures, teeth whitening and deep cleaning. New patients can also take advantage of a free dental check-up and prices are very competitive across the board.

The clinic is in the Camposol Business Centre, with the entrance now located behind the farmacia. To book an appointment, call 0034 685 098 667.

The surgery is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 2.30pm and again from 4pm to 7pm.

Image: PFU

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The Camposol Business Centre Urbanisation Camposol Sector A Calle Madrid no 19 30875 Mazarron

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Camposol Dental Clinic, full range of dental services right here on Camposol

The Camposol Dental Clinic offers a full range of services by an English-speaking dental professional. Located on Camposol since 2008, the surgery can be found inside the Camposol Business Centre on Sector A. The entrance is now located behind the pharmacy at 19, Calle Madrid.

Camposol Dental Clinic offers good value for money and remains both professional and competitive.

Doctor Diana Molino speaks good English and has gained a good deal of experience working with expat residents during her time on Camposol. The surgery offers all levels of dental services:

Fillings, Porcelain Crowns: Full dental repair service available, including repairs and dental hygiene work.
Dental Implants: Come and consult with us to see if you are suitable for dental implants
Professional Cleaning: Spruce up your teeth with a professional deep clean.
Teeth Whitening: An intensive cleaning process which removes tobacco and coffee stains, breathing new life into your teeth. A full session takes about 40 minutes.
Dentures and bridges: Full pricing options will be discussed with you.