Benjamin Peretz1, Johnny Kharouba. 1. Department of Pediatric Dentistry, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. bperetz@post.tau.ac.il
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental anxiety among children and adolescents using self-reported questionnaires. METHODS: One hundred thirty 7- to 18-year-old patients (mean age=11.37 ± 2.84) who attended a clinic were asked to complete the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) and the Dental Fear Survey (DFS) in the waiting room. RESULTS: Females demonstrated higher dental anxiety than males. Higher anxiety was observed among patients who had their last dental visit over a year prior to the current visit and among patients who expected operative procedures. Extraction was the most anxiety-producing item. While in the dental chair, teeth cleaning produced significantly more anxiety than restoration. A significant correlation existed between the DAS and the DFS. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric dentists can expect high dental anxiety among: females; patients who wait long periods between visits; and patients expecting operative procedures. Teeth cleaning should not be considered an absolutely non-anxiety producing procedure for the patient.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental anxiety among children and adolescents using self-reported questionnaires. METHODS: One hundred thirty 7- to 18-year-old patients (mean age=11.37 ± 2.84) who attended a clinic were asked to complete the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) and the Dental Fear Survey (DFS) in the waiting room. RESULTS: Females demonstrated higher dental anxiety than males. Higher anxiety was observed among patients who had their last dental visit over a year prior to the current visit and among patients who expected operative procedures. Extraction was the most anxiety-producing item. While in the dental chair, teeth cleaning produced significantly more anxiety than restoration. A significant correlation existed between the DAS and the DFS. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric dentists can expect high dental anxiety among: females; patients who wait long periods between visits; and patients expecting operative procedures. Teeth cleaning should not be considered an absolutely non-anxiety producing procedure for the patient.
Authors: Mohammed Jawad; Sam Ingram; Imran Choudhury; Anne Airebamen; Kostakis Christodoulou; Amanda Wilson Sharma Journal: BMC Oral Health Date: 2016-07-20 Impact factor: 2.757