*3.3.1. Modification of operator characters*

Operators/dental team character plays a big role in determining future behavior of dental patients. Particularly, what the patient experiences at his/her first visit to a dentist is what shapes his/her attitudes with dental care services [46]. Positive behavior of operator and the dental team will automatically influence positive attitudes and minimize chances for dental anxiety. On the contrary, a bad operator/dental team behavior may induce, as well as exaggerate, dental anxiety in patients [43, 47]. To prevent operators/dental team from inducing dental anxiety, starting from the moment the patient enters the dental clinic to exiting, it is advisable for the team to have good communication skills, be sympathetic, have empathy, and be able to control temper. To make this happen, proper training and continuing education on prevention of dental anxiety are of paramount importance. Therefore, the provider and dental team at large should strive to intentionally acquire these characteristics, which will lead to having positive behavior toward patients, particularly to be understanding to anxious ones.
