The use of dental anxiety management techniques during one-session treatment: a study on five video-recorded patient cases

Abstract

Objective The aim was to examine what kinds of dental anxiety management techniques dentists use in the context of one-session treatment. Material and methods The data consisted of videotaped treatment sessions for five dentally anxious adults. The treatment was conducted by two experienced dentists without formal training in the treatment of dentally anxious patients or behavioral management techniques. Theory-driven qualitative content analysis, based on the anxiety management classification of Milgrom et al. was used to identify and classify the techniques used during the treatments. Results Altogether, diverse categories of dental anxiety management techniques were identified under the main themes of enhancing trust and control and psychological management. Techniques that fell into enhancing trust and control included the categories of ‘building a trustful relationship’, ‘informational control’, and ‘behavioral control’. These techniques were used consistently throughout the sessions. Additionally, psychological management techniques were identified and classified as ‘behavioral strategies: relaxing the body’ and ‘cognitive strategies: relaxing the mind’, which were regularly used in specific situations. Conclusion The results indicate that a variety of dental anxiety management techniques were used during one-session treatments. The findings provide valuable insights for dentists in managing their patients with dental anxiety and improving their overall treatment experience.