A clinical evaluation of high- and low-fear children in Singapore.

Few studies have investigated the effects of fear of the dentist on oral health and quality of care. In this study the oral health of 114 fearful and nonfearful children aged ten to fourteen years, in two representative Singaporean primary schools is compared. Further, the hypothesis that poorer quality of care is provided to fearful children as a result of management problems, is tested. Although there was a significant difference in quality of restorations provided in the different schools, the hypothesis that more fearful children would be in poorer oral health or obtain poorer dental care was not supported. It is postulated that the poor management of fear at this age may result in avoidance when the children are no longer part of a school-based delivery system.