Basics of formation and correction of dental anxiety

Abstract

The foundations of negative experiences of dental treatment and clinical observation are laid in childhood, and the patient’s further attitude towards dental procedures depends on how the child’s first acquaintance with a dentist goes. Anxiety, tension and fear of upcoming pain can lead to the development of varying degrees of dental phobia. Children's fears do notallow for complete and timely treatment, which requires the development of measures to correct them. Aim. Develop a technique for reducing anxiety in patients with dental anxiety at a pediatric dental appointment. Materials and methods. The study involved 90 children aged 6-15 years. They were divided into groups depending on the strength of the nervous system. In each group, the level of dental anxiety was determined and methods were used to reduce it, which included: motivational interviewing, art therapy, adaptation using hardware technologies. Results. After carrying out adaptation techniques for children, a decrease in dental anxiety was observed in each group of subjects. The technique was most effective in the group of children with a strong nervous system. Conclusions. This developed complex of psychological support for patients at a pediatric dental appointment (procedures promoting relaxation, distraction, perceived control) reduces the level of dental anxiety and improves the indicators of vegetative support.