[Hypnosis and dentistry: water and fire?]

At first sight a combination of hypnosis and dentistry may very well appear not to be evident at all. Nevertheless, it works quite well in the everyday dental practice. In this article the author provides an overview of indications in which hypnosis can be used. Anxiety and pain are among the most common indications. Hypnotic techniques in dental practice can be explained at two levels: as a general way of communication between the dentist and his or her patient. Or as an advanced technique in the treatment of severe anxiety. The author discusses the several stages related to the latter technique: the intake interview, the induction, the deepening, the therapeutic stage and the deduction. The author also briefly mentions the disadvantages of hypnosis, but on the other hand encourages every dentist to become a hypnodontist. Not only for the benefit of his patient but also, and not the least, for his or her own well-being. All the more because hypnosis has become a scientific issue involving serious research at many renowned universities, including in Belgium.