If you went to a dentist who said he was going hypnotize you, I think there would be a lot of skepticism. Lance Gunnel, dentist for comprehensive dentistry, agrees. He admits that he has heard of hypnotherapy, but knows of no one who still practices the technique in Cache County. Boston was aware of one dentist who practiced hypnosis several years ago, but explains that its popularity is decreasing. But the number of seminars presented on hypnosis has dropped, so I would imagine that it is not a high item anymore.
Insurance companies continue to debate the legitimacy of hypnotherapy as a medical alternative.
Presently, little coverage is available for patients pursuing hypnotism. Harrison is disappointed, but believes that hypnosis will follow the trend of chiropractry and receive financial support within the next decade. Birdsall shares Harrison's optimism, but explains that steps have already been made to ensure further coverage. But Blue Cross is hiring a hypnotherapist to work under their plan. Although public support is limited, Birdsall is confident that hypnotherapy will provide a more permanent solution to therapeutic concerns than would traditional counseling.