Anxiety in a dental emergency service

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the frequency of dental anxiety among patients in an emergency dental service. Descriptive research was conducted based on interviews with 232 patients, aged 12 years-old and over, attending a dental emergency service in Rancagua, Chile, from October to November 2006. The Dental Anxiety Scale [DAS] was used to measure dental anxiety. The study group answered questions concerning age, gender, and previous dental trauma. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate these characteristics. It was found that 23.7% suffered from dental anxiety according to the DAS. Women were more anxious than men. A previous negative experience with dental treatment was identified in 16.8% of the sample. Dental anxiety is a frequent occurrence among patients accessing emergency care. Females are more likely to report high dental anxiety than males. Previous experience seems to be an important factor contributing to avoidance of dental care.