Dental anxiety among patients visiting a dental institute in Faridabad, India.

Abstract

Despite advances in dentistry, anxiety about dental treatment and the fear of pain remains widespread among patients and is a significant barrier to dental treatment. This study would therefore provide information so as to minimize levels of anxiety and aid in planning stress-free treatment. The cross-sectional study utilizing a self-reported questionnaire based on Modified Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) framed in Hindi (local language) was performed on 1032 patients (aged 14-68 years). Around 1004 questionnaires were returned (response rate--97.3%). Overall, prevalence of dental anxiety was high (50.2%), but severe anxiety (phobia) was low (4.38%). The prevalence of anxiety was seen mostly in the 20-30-year age group (37.3%). Anxiety was also seen to be significantly higher in females (mean - 11.79) than in males [mean - 9.47] (p < 0.0000). Patients anxious about dental procedures are often more difficult to treat. Anxious patients should be identified and managed appropriately by behavioural/pharmacological measures.