Adult Dental Anxiety: Recent Assessment Approaches and Psychological Management in a Dental Practice Setting.

Dental anxiety of patients is a common feature of the everyday experience of dental practice. This article advocates the use of regular assessment of this psychological construct to assist in patient management. Various tools, such as the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), are available to monitor dental anxiety that are quick to complete and easy to interpret. Patient burden is low. A new mobile phone assessment system (DENTANX) is being developed for distribution. This application and other psychological interventions are being investigated to assist patients to receive dental care routinely. Clinical relevance: This article provides evidence and expert opinion on the worth of regular dental anxiety assessment in dental practice using structured tools, such as the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, and consideration of psychological intervention development.

[1]  G. Humphris,et al.  The Video Interaction Guidance approach applied to teaching communication skills in dentistry. , 2016, European journal of dental education : official journal of the Association for Dental Education in Europe.

[2]  J. Harding,et al.  What are dental non-attenders' preferences for anxiety management techniques? A cross-sectional study based at a dental access centre , 2015, BDJ.

[3]  A. Soltanifar,et al.  Comparison of the effects of cognitive behavioural therapy and inhalation sedation on child dental anxiety , 2015, European archives of paediatric dentistry : official journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry.

[4]  R. George,et al.  Pathways of fear and anxiety in dentistry: A review. , 2014, World journal of clinical cases.

[5]  Rachel Menzies,et al.  Applying the Verona coding definitions of emotional sequences (VR-CoDES) in the dental context involving patients with complex communication needs: An exploratory study. , 2014, Patient education and counseling.

[6]  G. Humphris,et al.  Reassurance and distress behavior in preschool children undergoing dental preventive care procedures in a community setting: a multilevel observational study , 2014, BDJ.

[7]  G. Humphris,et al.  Why Are People Afraid of the Dentist? Observations and Explanations , 2013, Medical Principles and Practice.

[8]  J. Crawford,et al.  UK population norms for the modified dental anxiety scale with percentile calculator: adult dental health survey 2009 results , 2013, BMC Oral Health.

[9]  M. Hakeberg,et al.  Psychological treatment of dental anxiety among adults: a systematic review. , 2013, European journal of oral sciences.

[10]  R. Heimberg,et al.  A critical review of approaches to the treatment of dental anxiety in adults. , 2013, Journal of anxiety disorders.

[11]  R. Freeman,et al.  Adult Dental Health Survey 2009: relationships between dental attendance patterns, oral health behaviour and the current barriers to dental care , 2013, BDJ.

[12]  G. Humphris,et al.  Using the verona coding definitions of emotional sequences (VR-CoDES) and health provider responses (VR-CoDES-P) in the dental context. , 2012, Patient education and counseling.

[13]  K. Wilson,et al.  A joint approach to treating dental phobia: a re-evaluation of a collaboration between community dental services and specialist psychotherapy services ten years on , 2011, BDJ.

[14]  G. Humphris,et al.  The prevalence of dental anxiety across previous distressing experiences. , 2011, Journal of anxiety disorders.

[15]  A. Banerjee,et al.  Management of the petrified dental patient. , 2008, Dental update.

[16]  G. Humphris,et al.  Conversion tables for the Corah and Modified Dental Anxiety Scales. , 2007, Community dental health.

[17]  G. Humphris,et al.  Do Dental Anxiety Questionnaires Raise Anxiety in Dentally Anxious Adult Patients? A Two-Wave Panel Study , 2007, Primary dental care : journal of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners.

[18]  G. Humphris,et al.  Does completing a dental anxiety questionnaire increase anxiety? A randomised controlled trial with adults in general dental practice , 2006, British Dental Journal.

[19]  O. Vassend,et al.  Effects of cognitive therapy, applied relaxation and nitrous oxide sedation. A five-year follow-up study of patients treated for dental fear , 2003, Acta odontologica Scandinavica.

[20]  M. Lennon,et al.  Reducing Patients' State Anxiety in General Dental Practice: A Randomized Controlled Trial , 2002, Journal of dental research.

[21]  M. Lennon,et al.  Factors Affecting Dental Attendance following Treatment for Dental Anxiety in Primary Dental Care , 2001, Primary dental care : journal of the Faculty of General Dental Practitioners.

[22]  G. Humphris,et al.  The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale: validation and United Kingdom norms. , 1995, Community dental health.

[23]  N. L. Corah,et al.  Development of a Dental Anxiety Scale , 1969, Journal of dental research.