Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess level of DA among dental students in different gradesand patients and to evaluate associations between DA and presence of dental caries. Material and Methods:Both four hundred all-grade dental students of Istanbul University and patients of Istanbul University Hospitalwere included in the study after random selection. Data regarding gender, oral hygiene habits, frequency ofdental visits, and educational level were obtained via questionnaire. DA of participants were measured usingboth Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and Dental Fear Survey (DFS). The prevalence of caries wasdetermined using International Caries Detection and Assessment System Criteria (ICDAS). Data were analyzedusing Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U and Chi square tests. Results: Female patients and female 4th-yearstudents had significantly higher MDAS scores (p<0.05). First-year students had significantly higher MDAS andDFS scores than 4th and 5th-year students (p<0.05). Patients who had caries and brushed their teeth less thantwice a day had significantly higher MDAS scores (p<0.05). Among 3rd-year students, individuals who visiteddentist regularly had lower MDAS scores (p<0.05). Conclusion: DA among senior dental students was lowerthan that in younger students with an increase in knowledge about dentistry. Tooth brushing frequency andcaries prevalence was associated with DA in patient group. No association was found between DA and frequencyof dental visits, except in 3rd-year students.KEYWORDSDental anxiety; Dental caries; Dental student; Prevalence.