Dental desensitizing compositions are in the shape of a dental tray or tray-like configuration, optionally in combination with a protective barrier layer. Shaped desensitizing compositions comprise a substantially solid dental desensitizing composition that has increased adhesiveness to teeth when moistened with saliva or water. The shape of the dental desensitizing composition facilitates placement of the composition over a person's teeth with substantially less manipulation compared to the use of initially flat strips. The substantially solid dental desensitizing composition becomes more adhesive when moistened with saliva or water, yet remains intact and coherent after the dental desensitizing composition is placed over a person's teeth during desensitizing, particularly when used in combination with a moisture-resistant barrier. The result is that the moistened dental desensitizing composition is able to reliably adhere against a user's teeth during a desensitizing procedure.