Dental anxiety and needs in low-income pregnant women.

This study utilized the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) in examining 128 pregnant women, aged 15--34. The data indicated that 71% had not been to the dentist within the past year, 58% had made their last visit to the dentist because of pain, and 36% had presented to the dentist in pain. These patients had a mean of 7.3 tooth surfaces, or almost two teeth, that needed to be extracted, and 11.3 tooth surfaces, or almost three teeth, that had been extracted previously. Fillings were almost non-existent in this group of women. The moderately high anxiety scores were anticipated due to the inverse association between socioeconomic status and dental anxiety. However, knowing the anxiety level and needs prior to treatment prepared the operator to use caution and tact during each procedure. This brief test is invaluable in dental treatment situations.