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	Tuesday 28th December 2004 Cure For Fear Of Dentist A research team in Bergen have reported the discovery of a cure for people who have been terrified of dentists for years. Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten reports that one three-hour therapy session has allowed patients who used to weep in terror at the prospect of visiting the dentist to undergo normal dental treatment. About 90,000 Norwegians suffer from odontophobia and the consequent dental problems associated with avoiding treatment. Clinical psychologist Gerd Kvale said that odontophobia generally has roots in negative experiences in early life that have grown to unrealistic proportions. Charting these exaggerated thoughts is part of the preparation for treatment. 'We prepare them for angst that comes as an attack or wave that they should not fight, but instead to experience that it washes over them,' Kvale said. It is not uncommon for half the treatment time to be spent in helping the patient to cope with moving towards the dentist's chair. Most patients say that their fear increases as they move towards the chair, and reaches a peak as they sit in it. The study found that just one treatment session was as effective as five. The University of Bergen has a centre for studying the fear of dentists and is planning a one-year course for dentists who wish to learn this type of therapy.