Changes In Dental Anxiety Research Articles

The relationship between dental anxiety and oral health literacy with oral health-related quality of life

Background and AimDental anxiety is a prevalent issue in society, characterized by an uneasy sensation and anticipation of negative experiences in dental settings. In essence, dental anxiety, oral health literacy, and quality of life may have a relationship with each other, however, there is a shortage of evidence examining the interplay between these factors. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the relationship between dental anxiety and oral health literacy (OHL) with oral health-related quality of life (OHRQOL).MethodsThis is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted on 155 patients referred to the Department of Oromaxillofacial Diseases. Three questionnaires consisting of dental anxiety scale, oral health impact profile- 14, and oral health literacy adult questionnaire were used to measure anxiety, health literacy, and the quality of life-related to oral health. Scores were recorded and analyzed by IBM SPSS 24 software using independent samples T-test and ANOVA. Besides, the confirmatory modeling through the goodness of fit index of the model was applied.ResultsThis study involved 155 participants, with a mean age of 38.44 ± 14 years. The majority were females, comprising 99 individuals (63.9%). In this study, 89 patients (57.4%) had dental anxiety. The mean OHL score in the examined participants was 9.88 ± 3.97. Both factors of anxiety (p < 0.001) and OHL (p = 0.012) had a significant effect on the OHRQOL. There was no significant difference in the mean OHRQOL among the three categories of OHL (p = 0.085). The confirmatory modeling showed that only the fourth (p = 0.065) and fifth (p = 0.146) questions of the OHL questionnaire had no significant effect on the total score of OHL. Besides, both factors of anxiety (p < 0.001) and OHL (p = 0.012) had a significant effect on OHRQOL. With an increase of one unit in anxiety, the OHRQOL score increases by 0.31 and for a one-unit increase in the OHL score, the OHRQOL score decreases by 0.66 units.ConclusionIn conclusion, it seems that considering various dimensions of oral and dental health can help patients to have reduced psychological anxiety. Notably, further multicenter studies assessing diverse variables related to dental anxiety, OHL, and OHRQOL, and considering more comprehensive study designs with longitudinal follow-up could help provide insights into how changes in dental anxiety and OHL over time affect OHRQOL.

Concurrent changes in dental anxiety and smoking in parents of the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study.

We evaluated associations between changes in dental anxiety and tobacco use, adjusted for general anxiety and depressive symptoms. The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study data, collected at gestational weeks 14 and 34 and at 3months postpartum, were used. Questionnaires included the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the anxiety subscale of the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL). Smoking was categorized as "stable non-smoking", "started smoking", "quit smoking", and "stable smoking". Changes in smoking and dental anxiety were evaluated "during pregnancy" (i.e., from gestational week 14 to gestational week 34) in 2442 women and 1346 men and "after pregnancy" (i.e., from gestational week 34 to 3 months postpartum) in 2008 women and 1095 men. Changes were evaluated in three smoking categories (stable non-smoking, fluctuating, and stable smoking), using data from all three time-points (1979 women and 1049 men). Modeling used repeated measures analysis of covariance. Stable smoking mothers had statistically significantly higher levels of dental anxiety (mean MDAS 12.3-12.6) than non-smoking mothers (mean MDAS 10.1-10.7) or mothers who smoked at some point during pregnancy (mean MDAS 10.8-11.5). A similar tendency was observed in fathers. However, no systematic change in dental anxiety by changes in smoking habits was observed. Those smoking during pregnancy and with high dental anxiety may need special support for smoking cessation.

Dental anxiety in 18-year-old Norwegians in 1996 and 2016

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of dental anxiety, and to explore factors that may increase the risk of reporting dental anxiety among 18-year-old Norwegians in 2016. A further objective was to report changes in dental anxiety since 1996.Material and methods: An anonymous survey from a strategic sample of upper secondary students (n = 351) in 2016 with high response rate (93%) was compared with the results of an investigation of a similar population conducted in 1996.Results: The prevalence of dental anxiety and dental distrust was reduced from 1996 to 2016. Dental Fear Survey (DFS) from 19 to 8% (p < .001), and Dental Belief Survey (DBS) from 15 to 6% (p < .001). Geer Fear Scale (GFS) which measure phobic anxiety did not show a similar reduction (17 versus 15%, p = .37). Phobic anxiety, avoidance behaviour, self-reported poor oral health and previous experiences of pain were all associated with dental anxiety.Conclusion: The prevalence of dental anxiety was reduced from 1996 to 2016, but 8% still report dental anxiety. Proper pain management and use of behavioural management techniques still needs to be highlighted to prevent development of dental anxiety, avoidance behaviour and poor oral health.

Progressive muscle relaxation therapy to relieve dental anxiety: a randomized controlled trial.

Dental anxiety causes patients to refuse or delay treatment, which may exacerbate oral diseases. The aim of the current randomized controlled trial was to determine whether progressive muscle relaxation therapy could relieve dental anxiety. The trial included 68 periodontal patients with dental anxiety scores of ≥13 who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group (n=34 per group). The intervention group was administered progressive muscle relaxation therapy for 20min and oral health education for 15min before periodontal treatment once per week for 4wk. The control group was provided with oral health education only, for the same duration. Changes in dental anxiety, depression symptoms, blood pressure, heart rate, and salivary cortisol were evaluated 4wk and 3months after the intervention. The intervention group exhibited statistically significantly greater reductions in dental anxiety scores than did the control group at the 4-wk (-3.82 vs. -0.89) and 3-month (-4.22 vs. -0.28) assessments. They also exhibited significantly greater reductions in depression symptoms, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, and salivary cortisol levels at both time-points. Progressive muscle relaxation therapy relieves tension and anxiety in dental patients.

Changes in dental anxiety among 15- to 21-year-olds. A 2-year longitudinal analysis based on the Tromsø study: Fit futures.

Identify predictive variables related to the development and continuation of high dental anxiety among young people over 2years and assess differences between youth experiencing increased, decreased or unchanged dental anxiety scores over time. An observational panel study of 15- to 21-year-old people in Tromsø and Balsfjord region followed students from their first to their last year of upper secondary school (2010/11-2012/13). Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) of possible predictive variables assessed at baseline when using dental anxiety score from the second wave as a dichotomous dependent variable. Variables measured at baseline: Sex, Dental Caries Experiences (DMFS index), Dental Anxiety (Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale/DAS), Psychological Distress (Hopkins Symptom Checklist/HSCL-10), Avoidance of dental treatment, Pain Estimation at the dentist and motivational questions related to tooth brushing and caries (Self and Social Motivation). Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to test whether changes in DAS score between waves were associated with changes in Pain Estimation between waves and HSCL-10 scores at baseline. Hopkins Symptom Checklist, DMFS and DAS scores at baseline predicted high dental anxiety scores after 2years. Sex, motivation related to oral hygiene and avoidance due to fear at baseline did not contribute significantly to our model. DMFS and HSCL-10 were higher among young people who reported a substantial change in DAS score (2.0>Interquartile range/IQR), irrespective of the direction of change. Pain Estimation changed consistently with a change in DAS score. Mental health symptoms, pre-existing dental anxiety and dental health status are important contributors to the development of dental anxiety in youth. Estimations of pain at the dentist are central when it comes to changes in dental anxiety over time in this study.

Development and evaluation of the children's experiences of dental anxiety measure.

Existing measures of children's dental anxiety have not been developed with children or based on a theoretical framework of dental anxiety. To develop the children's experiences of dental anxiety measure (CEDAM) and evaluate the measure's properties. The measure was developed from interviews with dentally anxious children. Children recruited from a dental hospital and secondary school completed the CEDAM and Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS). A subgroup of children completed the CEDAM before and after receiving an intervention to reduce dental anxiety to examine the measure's responsiveness. Rasch and Classical test analyses were undertaken. Children were aged between 9 and 16 years (N = 88 recruited from a dental hospital and N = 159 recruited from a school). Rasch analysis confirmed the measure's unidimensionality. The CEDAM correlated well with the MCDAS (rho = 0.67, P < 0.01) and had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.98). The CEDAM was also able to detect changes in dental anxiety following the intervention (baseline mean = 22.36, SD = 2.57 and follow-up mean = 18.88, SD = 2.42, t(df = 37) = 9.54, P < 0.01, Cohen's d = 1.39). The results support the reliability, validity and responsiveness of the CEDAM. Initial findings indicate it has potential for use in future intervention trials or in clinical practice to monitor children's dental anxiety.

English

There are two types of anxiety disorders: state and trait anxiety. Anxiety among dental patients is common and potentially problematic, both for the patient and for the dental team in managing such patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in dental anxiety among patients and parents, their state and trait anxiety were assessed by using anxiety scales. Anxiety levels of 120 patients and parent of each patient were assessed using questionnaire based scales for state-trait and dental anxiety. Questionnaires were filled by patients and parents at two different intervals, that is, T1 (start of orthodontic treatment) and T2 (3 months after orthodontic treatment). T1 and T2 scores were compared using paired sample t-test and the correlation between dental anxiety scale (DAS) and State-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) was performed using Pearson’s correlation test. The results of this study show that anxiety levels of patients greatly reduced with time, however their parent’s anxiety level remains unchanged. Level of anxiety of both state and dental patients decreases as these patients become more familiar with the dental environment and orthodontist. Key words: Orthodontic treatment, state anxiety STAT-S, trait anxiety STAT-T, dental anxiety scale DAS.

Evaluation of anxiety level changes during the first three months of orthodontic treatment

ObjectiveTo determine the changes in dental anxiety, state anxiety, and trait anxiety levels of patients and their parents after 3 months of active orthodontic treatment.MethodsWe evaluated 120 patients and one parent of each patient. State Anxiety (STAI-S), Trait Anxiety (STAI-T), and Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) were administered before orthodontic treatment (T1) and after 3 months of treatment (T2). Differences in scores between T1 and T2 were compared using paired-sample t-tests and the relationship between the scores of the DAS and the STAI were analyzed using a bivariate two-tailed Pearson correlation test.ResultsDental anxiety and state anxiety levels decreased among the patients after adjustment to orthodontic treatment (p < 0.001). However, 3 months of treatment was not sufficient to decrease the anxiety levels of parents (p > 0.05). Patient trait anxiety affected patient state anxiety and dental anxiety (p < 0.01). Additionally, a significant correlation was found between patient dental anxiety and parent dental anxiety (p < 0.05).ConclusionsDental anxiety and state anxiety levels decrease after patients become familiar with their orthodontist and they became accustomed to orthodontic treatment. However, 3 months is not a sufficient length of time to decrease parental anxiety levels.

Oral health and its influence on cognitive behavioral therapy in patients fulfilling the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV criteria for intra-oral injection phobia

Objective. To describe self-perceived and clinically assessed oral health and oral treatment needs among intra-oral injection-phobic patients (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV) and to explore whether these factors have an impact on the outcome of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Material and methods. Fifty-five patients (43 women, mean age 32.5 years, range 18–62 years) were treated with short-duration CBT. Dental anxiety (Dental Anxiety Scale and Dental Fear Survey) and self-perceived oral health were assessed by means of questionnaires. Three dentists assessed oral health by means of clinical examination and radiographs. Treatment outcome was measured by ability to receive an intra-oral injection by a general dentist within a 1-year follow-up (FU) period or ability to complete a behavioral avoidance test (BAT) at FU, and changes in dental anxiety and positive and negative thoughts from pretreatment to FU. Results. Forty percent of patients ranged their oral health as “good” or “very good”. Mean decayed teeth (DT) was 2.2 (range 0–15). The total number of teeth in need of treatment, periodontal treatment, endodontic treatment and extractions ranged from 0 to 15, 0 to 19, 0 to 4 and 0 to 5, respectively. Self-rated oral health correlated significantly with clinical oral health. The outcome of CBT in terms of being able to receive a dental injection during FU was not influenced by oral health status. However, correlation analyses indicated that patients with the poorest oral health had the greatest increase in positive thoughts and the greatest decrease in negative thoughts from pretreatment to FU. Conclusions. The oral health of intra-oral injection-phobic patients varies substantially, but is comparable to that of the normal population. Coping with a dental injection after CBT is not influenced by oral health and treatment needs.

Mozart effect on dental anxiety in 6–12 year old children

Background: Children anxiety in dental treatment often becomes a barrier for dentist to perform optimum dental treatment procedure. Various methods to manage anxiety and fear in children have been applied including listening to classical music during dental treatment. One of the classical music usually used is music by Mozart. Purpose: This study is aimed to discover the role of classical music by Mozart in dental anxiety changes. Method: This study was a quasi experimental study using purposive sampling method. The samples consist of 30 children between 6-12 years old group who were treated at the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic, Dental Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry Padjadjaran University. The anxiety data was collected using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) before and after listening on the classical music during treatment. Result: The result of this study showed that there were 23 children (76.67% of subjects) who present decreased anxiety, 7 children (23.33% of subjects) did not present decreased anxiety and none of of subjects showed increased anxiety. Conclusion: It was concluded that listening to music by Mozart during dental treatment can reduce anxiety in 6-12 year old children.Latar belakang: Kecemasan pada anak saat perawatan gigi seringkali merupakan penghalang bagi dokter gigi untuk melaksanakan prosedurperawatan gigi yang optimal. Berbagai metode untuk mengatasi kecemasan dan rasa takutpada anak telah dilakukan termasuk mendengarkan musik klasik selama perawatan gigi. Salah satu musik klasik yang banyak digunakan adalah music oleh Mozart. Tujuan: Penelitian ini ditujukan untuk menemukan peran music klasik Mozart dalam perubahan kecemasan pada perawatan gigi. Metode: Penelitian ini adalah kuasi eksperimental menggunakan metode pengambilan sampel purposif. Sampel terdiri dari 30 anak antara 6-12 tahun yang dirawat di Klinik Kedokteran Gigi Anak, Rumah Sakit Gigi dan Mulut Fakultas Kedokteran Gigi Universitas Padjadjaran. Data kecemasan diambil dengan Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) sebelum dan setelah mendengarkan music klasik selama perawatan. Hasil: Hasil menunjukkan bahwa terdapat 23 anak (76,67% dari subjek) yang menunjukkan penurunan kecemasan, 7 anak (23,33%) tidak menunjukanperubahan kecemasan dan tidak ada (0 anak atau 0%) yang menunjukkanpeningkatan kecemasan. Kesimpulan: Disimpulkan bahwa mendengarkan musik Mozart selama perawatan gigi dapat menurunkan kecemasan di antara anak- anak usia 6-12 tahun.

An evaluation of the PALS after treatment modelling intervention to reduce dental anxiety in child dental patients

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the passivity to activity through live symbolic (PALS) after treatment modelling intervention to reduce child dental anxiety. A convenience sample of consecutive 5- to 10-year-old dental patients were randomly assigned to intervention or control groups. Self-reported child dental anxiety was assessed at the start of each visit. At the end of each visit, children in the intervention group were introduced to a glove puppet, which acted as the PALS model. The intervention group children re-enacted the treatment they had just received on the puppet's teeth. At the end of each visit, the control children received motivational rewards only. The change in dental anxiety scores was examined by t-tests and analysis of covariance. The final analysis included 27 intervention children and 26 control children. For the intervention group, there were no statistically significant changes in dental anxiety over a course of treatment, between first and second preventive visits, between first and second invasive treatment visits, or between first attendance and subsequent recall attendance. For the control group, a statistically significant decrease in dental anxiety was observed between the first and second invasive dental treatment visits. The PALS after treatment modelling intervention was ineffective in reducing child dental anxiety.

A prospective study of dental anxiety in a cohort of children followed from 5 to 9 years of age

The development of dental anxiety in children is poorly understood. The aims of this study were to measure changes in dental anxiety over time and to examine the relationship between anxiety, dental care, and other factors. A prospective cohort study of children in the north-west of England followed from 5 to 9 years of age. The participants were clinically examined and their parents completed the same questionnaire at 5 and 9 years. The majority (54.3%N = 38) of participants who were anxious at 5 years were no longer anxious at 9 years, but a large proportion of children who were anxious at 5 remained anxious at 9 years of age (45.7%N = 32). During the follow-up period, a larger proportion of children developed anxiety (11.7%N = 85) than the proportion of children who were reported as being anxious at baseline (8.8%N = 70). At 9 years of age, dental anxiety was significantly associated with girls; parental anxiety; a history of extraction; and irregular, asymptomatic dental visiting. These factors were also significantly associated with dental anxiety at 5 years old. Dental anxiety was cumulative in the study population over time, and its development influenced by multiple variables. Results suggest that adverse conditioning and vicarious learning are both important in the development of this condition.

Oral health and oral treatment needs in patients fulfilling the DSM-IV criteria for dental phobia: Possible influence on the outcome of cognitive behavioral therapy

Objective. To describe oral health and oral treatment needs in a group of dental phobic patients (DSM-IV) and to explore possible relationships between these factors and changes in self-reported dental anxiety before and after phobia treatment. Material and Methods. Forty patients (25 women) fulfilling the DSM-IV criteria for specific phobia were included in the study. Mean age of the group was 34.9 years (range 19–60) and mean dental avoidance was 11.2 years (range 3–30 years). They were treated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) during either one session (3 h) or five sessions (1 h each). Oral health was evaluated by orthopantomogram and clinical examination. The outcome of the CBT was measured by the change in dental anxiety scores (DAS, DFS) and in positive and negative thoughts during a standardized dental behavior test from pretreatment to 1-year follow-up. Results. Mean (SD) DMFT was 16.5 (5.8), range 3–26; DT was 6.6 (4.2). Mean number of teeth with dental treatment need (restorative, periodontal, extractions, etc.) was 9.6 (6.9), range 1–28. There were statistically significant correlations between number of decayed teeth and decrease in negative thoughts (r=−0.39, p=0.048) and maximum anxiety (r=−0.65, p=0.001). The total number of teeth with treatment need correlated with an increase in positive thoughts (r=0.60, p=0.001) and decrease in maximum anxiety (r=0.50, p=0.015). Conclusions. There are large variations in oral health and treatment needs among patients fulfilling the DSM-IV criteria for dental phobia. Patients with the best dental health and lowest treatment needs experience the largest increase in positive cognitions during exposure to dental treatment at 1-year follow-up.

A report on dental anxiety levels in children undergoing nitrous oxide inhalation sedation and propofol target controlled infusion intravenous sedation

To report on two separate child sedation cohorts; one undergoing propofol intravenous sedation (IVS) and the other, nitrous oxide inhalation sedation (IS) in respect to changes in dental anxiety and subject characteristics. The age, gender, level of social deprivation and amount of treatment performed and observed patient behaviour during treatment, using the Frankl and a VAS scale, were recorded for each subject. Anxiety questionnaires were completed before and after treatment. These were: - Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS); Children's Fear Survey Schedule- Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) and two Visual Analogue Scales (VAS). Participants (36) attended for treatment under IS and 40 attended for treatment under propofol IVS. The IVS cohort was older (p<0.01), by between 1.9 and 4.1 years and had more treatment [p = 0.015, 95% confidence interval for the difference between the cohort medians was (0, 3) units]. The two cohorts were closely matched in respect to pre-operative anxiety as measured by the MCDAS and CFSS-DS scales. There were significant anxiety reductions within each cohort as measured by three of the scales: - MCDAS, CFSS-DS and VAS (1) (p< or = 0.001) but no significant change in the VAS (2) scores. When the two cohorts were compared, there was no significant difference in the reduction of the self-reported anxiety for any of the four scales (p>0.05). The observed behaviour was good for both cohorts. Propofol target-controlled intravenous sedation and nitrous oxide inhalation sedation were similarly efficacious at anxiety reduction in referred dentally anxious children. Subjects undergoing propofol IVS were older than those undergoing IS. Propofol TCI may offer the opportunity for more treatment at each visit. Further propofol TCI conscious sedation studies are required.

Self‐reported efficacy of an online dental anxiety support group: a pilot study

This study aimed to explore the self-reported effectiveness of an existing online dental anxiety support group in terms of perceived level of anxiety since accessing the group. An online questionnaire was completed by 91 individuals who accessed the Dental Fear Central, an online support group bulletin board, during an 8-week period in 2005. Participants reported background demographic information, their own self-reported evaluation of the efficacy of the support group, as well as completing the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). In total, 60% of the sample considered that the support group had 'somewhat' or 'greatly lessened' their anxiety. Overall MDAS scores were significantly lower in the 'greatly lessened' group. The results of this nonrandomised pilot study suggest some individuals retrospectively considered that, since accessing the online group, they experienced a reduction in dental anxiety. Future research should employ a randomised controlled design in order to determine the contribution of the online group to self-reported changes in dental anxiety over time.

Hypnosis with a 31‐year‐old female with dental phobia requiring an emergency extraction

AbstractPresenting problem: Female, 31, attended emergency appointment at dental surgery with pain, dental phobia prevented extraction.Aim: Manage dental phobia using hypnosis integrated into anxiety management treatment plan to facilitate extraction.Methods: Pre‐treatment questionnaire assessed dental anxiety, reasons for anxiety, and ascertained management options. Post‐treatment questionnaire assessed changes in dental anxiety and attitudes. Anxiety management techniques: needle desensitization and hypnosis.Results: Pre‐treatment questionnaire revealed high level anxiety (16/20 Corah score, and 25/30 modified Corah score) and anticipation of pain during future dental treatment (5/10 on a Visual Analogue Scale). Following the successful extraction of the tooth, a post‐treatment questionnaire revealed low level anxiety (7/20 Corah and 11/30 modified Corah) and low anticipation of future pain (1/10).Conclusion: Patient attended second emergency appointment and hypnotic intervention facilitated the removal of the troublesome tooth. Successful outcome of this treatment and new learned self‐hypnosis techniques allowed patient to feel more confident about accepting future dental treatment without need for pharmacological intervention. Copyright © 2006 British Society of Experimental &amp; Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Hypnosis with a blind 55‐year‐old female with dental phobia requiring periodontal treatment and extraction

AbstractPresenting problem: Jo is a 55‐year‐old female who has a phobia of dental treatment. She has been completely blind since birth and requires periodontal treatment and subsequent extraction.Aim: Treat Jo's periodontal condition and decrease her phobia and fear of treatment by using hypnosis as an adjunct to basic anxiety management techniques.Methods: In surgery, medical, dental and phobia history explored. Pre‐treatment questionnaires assessed dental anxiety, reasons for anxiety, and ascertained management options. Post‐treatment questionnaires assessed changes in dental anxiety and attitudes. Anxiety management techniques included Tell/Show/Do and hypnosis.Results: Pre‐treatment questionnaire revealed high level anxiety and anticipation of pain during future dental treatment. Following hypnotic intervention facilitating periodontal intervention and subsequent extraction, repeated questionnaires revealed significant reduction in anxiety and anticipation of pain.Conclusion: Hypnosis seems to have been successful as an adjunct in achieving the initial aim. Copyright © 2006 British Society of Experimental &amp; Clinical Hypnosis. Published by John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Dental caries and changes in dental anxiety in late adolescence.

Little is known about changes in dental anxiety with ageing and their association with changes in oral health. This study examined the relationship between changes in dental caries experience and dental anxiety from 15 to 18 years of age among adolescent participants in the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study. Dental anxiety was estimated using the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), and individuals with a DAS score of 13+ were identified as being dentally anxious. Dental examinations were performed on 649 individuals at ages 15 and 18, and a DMFS score was computed for each. Caries prevalence among those who were dentally anxious at both 15 and 18 years was significantly higher than for those who were not at either age. Regression analysis revealed that dental anxiety predicted caries incidence between ages 15 and 18 years. Dental anxiety is likely to be a significant predictor of dental caries experience, and may be a risk factor for dental caries incidence.

Stability of Dental Anxiety Scale scores: a longitudinal study of older adults

Abstract With the exception of studies of children, how dental anxiety changes with aging has not been the topic of research. Studies of non‐patient populations have been cross‐sectional in design and no truly longitudinal data have been reported. In this study, 272 adults aged 50 yr and over completed the Dental Anxiety Scale at baseline and at a 3‐yr follow‐up. The main finding was that DAS scores showed a high degree of stability in this group of subjects. At baseline the mean DAS score was 7.6 and at follow‐up it was 7.4. The proportion classified as having high levels of anxiety declined marginally from 7.0% to 5.4%. While 9.0% of subjects showed changes in DAS scores of 4 or more, it is not certain that this represents real change or a degree of unreliability in the measure. The only subject characteristic associated with change in scores was gender. The mean scores for men decreased while the mean scores for women increased. Overall, the magnitude of these changes was very small. However, for a minority of subjects more substantial changes were observed which may be clinically significant.

Dental anxiety, optimism–pessimism, and dental experience from childhood to adolescence

94 adolescents, 58% of the original study group, participated in a 5-yr follow-up questionnaire study to assess the predictive power of self-reported dental anxiety, optimism-pessimism dimension, and previous dental experience on dental anxiety level over the 5-yr period. The mean values on Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) and Dental Anxiety Question (DAQ) had increased for the girls and remained stable for the boys. The predictive power of DAS and DAQ on anxiety levels as measured by these same scales 5 yr later was weak to moderate, although statistically significant. The optimism-pessimism dimension and dental treatment experiences did not have any effect on dental anxiety changes from childhood to adolescence. DAS had an independent, weak, but statistically significant negative effect on optimistic disposition over the period. The internal reliability of DAS was high and highly similar results using DAS and DAQ were found. Except for significantly more dental experience in the drop-out group (n = 69) than in the current study group in the first study, there were no statistically significant differences in mean scores between the groups with respect to self-reported and clinical dental anxiety, and optimism. Methodological complications are discussed.