Why a Dental Anxiety Cinic?

The Dental Anxiety Clinic

Why a clinic for dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is a common problem for patients and dentists. Studies have indicated that the prevalence of high dental anxiety varies between 5 and 20%.1

Dental anxiety may cause management problems during dental treatment and also partial or total avoidance of treatment. This has been linked to poor oral health.2

It is therefore important for dental staff to be able to appreciate the implications of dental anxiety for both the patient and the practice. It is also necessary to assess dental anxiety as early as possible in order to identify those who are of special need with regards to their fear. This then enables the practitioner to evaluate the effectiveness of patient management techniques, of particular salience when the patient is a child.

1. Ter Horst, G., Wit, C.A. (1993). Review of behavioural research in dentistry 1987-92: Dental anxiety, dentist-patient relationship, compliance and attendance. International Dental Journal, 43, 265-78.

2. Hakeberg, M., Berggren, U., Grondahl, H.G. (1993). A radiographic study of dental health in adult patients with dental anxiety. Community Dental Oral Epidemiology, 21, 27-30.

Aims of the clinic
Who will benefit?
Material to be covered
Recent research & links
Clinic format