An Interview with Dr. Jacquie Sanders; Tacoma’s Dentist for Dental Anxiety & Neurodiversity

Q: Many people have anxiety about going to the dentist. How do you approach that differently?

A: I’ve seen it so many times in my Fircrest dental office — patients walking in with their shoulders tight and eyes wide because of past bad experiences. At

Floss & Fido Family Dentistry, I make it my mission to change that story. I slow things down, explain each step in plain language, and let the patient set the pace. My goal is that whether you come in for a routine cleaning, a dental emergency, or cosmetic work like veneers, you feel safe, heard, and in control.

Q: What about patients who are neurodivergent? How do you adapt care for them?

A: Every neurodivergent patient is unique. Some may be sensitive to bright lights, others to sound or even certain textures in the dental chair. Here in our Fircrest clinic, minutes from Tacoma, Lakewood, and University Place — we adapt the space and the process to fit the patient, not the other way around. That might mean dimming the lights, using noise-canceling headphones, avoiding certain tools, or breaking the visit into smaller steps. The important thing is to create an environment where the patient feels respected and understood.

Q: Do you use any special tools or methods to help people relax?

A: Absolutely. Sometimes it’s a weighted blanket, sometimes it’s letting our therapy dog Moose sit nearby, and sometimes it’s as simple as a patient getting to choose the music we play. I use “tell-show-do” — explaining and showing what I’m going to do before actually doing it, which works wonders for easing nerves. And whether we’re placing a crown, repairing a broken tooth, or doing a gentle whitening treatment, I always check in before moving forward.

Q: Some people with dental anxiety avoid care for years. How do you help them start again?

A: I remind them there’s no judgment here. I’ve had patients who haven’t seen a dentist in 10, even 20 years, and they’re just as welcome as someone who comes every six months. Sometimes the first visit is just a conversation and a look around the office. Other times, it’s a simple exam or cleaning.

My philosophy whether we’re talking dental implants, dentures, or preventive care is to build trust one step at a time so the patient feels confident returning.

Q: How do you train your team to support anxious and neurodiverse patients?

A: My team in Fircrest is amazing. We train together regularly on trauma-informed care, sensory processing differences, and communication strategies. We role-play situations, talk about what works, and share feedback after appointments. Whether you’re here for family dentistry, cosmetic enhancements, or emergency care, every member of the Floss & Fido team knows how to help you feel at ease.

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of working with anxious or neurodiverse patients?

A: It’s seeing that shift, the moment a patient realizes, “Okay, I can do this.” I’ve had people walk out of our office not just with a repaired tooth or a brighter smile, but with a whole new sense of confidence about dental care. As a dentist serving Fircrest, Tacoma, Lakewood, and University Place, I know how important it is to make care accessible for everyone. And when someone tells me they’re actually looking forward to their next visit, that’s the best feeling in the world.