Purpose:

  The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental anxiety among children and adolescents using self-reported questionnaires.

  Methods:

 One hundred thirty 7- to 18-year-old patients (mean age=11.37±2.84) who attended a clinic were asked to complete the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) and the Dental Fear Survey (DFS) in the waiting room.

 Results:

  Females demonstrated higher dental anxiety than males. Higher anxiety was observed among patients who had their last dental visit over a year prior to the current visit and among patients who expected operative procedures. Extraction was the most anxiety-producing item. While in the dental chair, teeth cleaning produced significantly more anxiety than restoration. A significant correlation existed between the DAS and the DFS.

  Conclusions:

  Pediatric dentists can expect high dental anxiety among: females patients who wait long periods between visits and patients expecting operative procedures. Teeth cleaning should not be considered an absolutely non-anxiety producing procedure for the patient.

 Source: Journal of American Academy of ‍ Pediatric Dentistry

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