A friendly, confident dentist is the best antidote to any fear a patient may feel visiting a dentist, according to a recent Australian study.
The study was a collaboration between psychology researcher Associate Professor Marie Caltabiano, and senior lecturer in dentistry, Dr Felicity Croker, along with fourth-year dentistry students, at James Cook University in Cairns.
The students surveyed patients at the JCU Dental Clinic, asking them about their anxiety levels before and after their appointments.
“We know dental anxiety plays a central role in the avoidance of dental treatment,” Associate Professor Caltabiano said.
“There is a cycle in which dentally anxious people avoid dental care and leave their oral health issues to worsen, until unbearable symptoms drive them to seek treatment.
“This pattern reinforces the fear of dental treatment and feelings of dental anxiety. Also, we know that those who have high levels of dental fear have poor oral health habits, which actually increases the need for treatment at check-ups.”
More than 100 patients took part in the study, which found that female patients reported higher dental anxiety than males, and younger patients were more anxious than older patients.
The survey confirmed that drills, needles and long appointments all inspired anxiety.
“We also looked at what could help patients feel less anxious,” Associate Professor Caltabiano said. “The results show that if the patient perceives their dentist—in this case a student dentist—to have good clinical ability and good interpersonal skills, they will feel less anxious.”
