I H Aartman1, M A Eijkman, P C Makkes. 1. Afdeling Sociale Tandheelkunde en Voorlichtingskunde, Academisch Centrum Tandheelkunde Amsterdam (ACTA), Louwesweg 1, 1066 EA Amsterdam.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Since the eighties, dental treatment of extremely anxious adult patients became possible in centres for special dental care. In 1996 regulations were formulated about dental treatment for extremely anxious dental patients in these centres. The aim of the present study is to determine how dental treatment of these patients was organised before the regulations were formulated. DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING: Twelve centres for special dental care where the largest numbers of anxious patients were treated. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were held with dentists working in these centres. RESULTS: The results indicate that not (yet) everywhere dentists work according to the regulations. In addition, questionnaires to determine the dental anxiety level and the indications for the different treatment modalities differed between the centres. CONCLUSION: The majority of the centres do not have the capacity to treat the number of patients seeking treatment. It is recommended that research should determine the efficacy of treatment in the centres and should assess which treatment modality is most appropriate for which patient.
OBJECTIVE: Since the eighties, dental treatment of extremely anxious adultpatients became possible in centres for special dental care. In 1996 regulations were formulated about dental treatment for extremely anxious dental patients in these centres. The aim of the present study is to determine how dental treatment of these patients was organised before the regulations were formulated. DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING: Twelve centres for special dental care where the largest numbers of anxiouspatients were treated. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were held with dentists working in these centres. RESULTS: The results indicate that not (yet) everywhere dentists work according to the regulations. In addition, questionnaires to determine the dental anxiety level and the indications for the different treatment modalities differed between the centres. CONCLUSION: The majority of the centres do not have the capacity to treat the number of patients seeking treatment. It is recommended that research should determine the efficacy of treatment in the centres and should assess which treatment modality is most appropriate for which patient.