Abstract
Aim: Dental anxiety is a subjective state of feelings that is associated with impending danger even when the stimulus or threat is not immediately present or readily identifiable. It has been ranked fifth among commonly feared situations. In Nigeria however, limited studies have been conducted in this field thus far with only one identified study using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale. The aim of this study therefore was to assess the level of dental anxiety in dental patients attending the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja (LASUTH) using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS).Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at LASUTH. A structured interviewer administered questionnaire was used for data collection.Results: The prevalence of dental anxiety was 20.5% while the prevalence of extreme anxiety of 4.1%. Having a local anaesthetic (MDAS≥15 =24.6%) and having a tooth drilled (MDAS≥15=21.3%) were most associated with dental anxiety. The best predictors for dental anxiety from this study were, in descending order, age, education, marital status and gender.Conclusion: A rapid screening tool such as the MDAS could be routinely applied on prospective dental patients to determine their level of anxiety. Appropriate non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic strategies could then be targeted at vulnerable respondents to make their dental experience as pleasant as possible.
Highlights
IntroductionDental anxiety is the abnormal fear of receiving dental care and a subjective state of feelings that is associated with impending danger even when the stimulus or threat is not immediately present or readily identifiable.[1]
A rapid screening tool such as the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) could be routinely applied on prospective dental patients to determine their level of anxiety
Appropriate non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic strategies could be targeted at vulnerable respondents to make their dental experience as pleasant as possible
Summary
Dental anxiety is the abnormal fear of receiving dental care and a subjective state of feelings that is associated with impending danger even when the stimulus or threat is not immediately present or readily identifiable.[1]. Dental anxiety has an impact on the burden oral diseases and oral health seeking behaviour. It is the most common reason for not attending the dental clinic.[7] Dentally anxious individuals tend to avoid regular and conventional care, and rely on self-care, emergency services and traditional or alternative remedies to relieve dental pain .8. It partially limits or completely prevents the utilization of oral healthcare services and it increases the prevalence of dental diseases .9 Anxious individuals tend to avoid regular and conventional care, and rely on self-care, emergency services and traditional or alternative remedies to relieve dental pain .8 It partially limits or completely prevents the utilization of oral healthcare services and it increases the prevalence of dental diseases .9
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