PURPOSE: Many adults in the United States struggle with mild, moderate, or severe dental anxiety (DA) in the United States. The purpose of this study was to identify patients’ perspectives on factors that impact anxiety in a dental practice setting. Understanding the perspectives of patients with DA may help oral health professionals gain greater insight into their needs and learn how to provide an improved experience for these patients.
METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive case study research design was used to identify patients’ perspectives on factors that impact anxiety in a dental practice setting. To determine eligibility for this study, participants were screened using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and had to have moderate DA to qualify for the study. An interview guide that focused on obtaining information about the etiology, contributing factors, management strategies, and experiences of DA was used for the semi-structured interviews that Zoom recorded. The qualitative responses were coded using the qualitative research analytic platform Dedoose. The co-investigators systematically reviewed the codes using the classic analysis strategy and journal notes to identify themes and subthemes.
RESULTS: Twenty-two individuals participated in this study. Most individuals reported having DA from early childhood throughout their adult life. Participants reported their primary method for managing DA was to avoid attending their dental appointments. Seven themes emerged including Avoidance, Supportive Behaviors, Confidence in Provider, Diversion, Enduring, Adaptations, and Benevolence.
CONCLUSION: Participants in this study expressed various coping mechanisms and management strategies to alleviate the symptoms of DA. Multiple opportunities exist for increasing patient-provider trust and patient comfort to reduce DA, and ultimately improve the oral health status of those with DA.
IRB #: IRB-FY2024-23
NDHRA: NDHRA priority area, Client level: Oral health care (new therapies and prevention modalities).
All abstract authors: Marissa L Valastro, RDH, AAS, BS, MS Leciel Bono, RDH-ER, MS, EdD(c), FADHA JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AFAAOM, FADHA
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