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Potential fear-provoking patient experiences during treatment
A A Weiner1, A Forgione, L K Weiner
1Tufts University, School of Dental Medicine, One Kneeland Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
General Dentistry
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Negative dentist behaviors can increase patient anxiety and avoidance of dental care. Understanding these behaviors is crucial for improving the patient experience and ensuring consistent dental treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dental Medicine
- Psychology
Background:
- Patient anxiety significantly impacts dental care.
- Negative dental professional behaviors are suspected to exacerbate patient fear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between dental professional behaviors and patient anxiety.
- To identify specific behaviors that provoke fear and avoidance in dental patients.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was administered to 250 new patients at a dental school clinic.
- 121 women and 82 men completed surveys evaluating dental professional behaviors linked to anxiety categories.
- Analysis considered age and gender as demographic factors.
Main Results:
- The study data indicate that dentists frequently display negative behaviors and attitudes.
- These behaviors were found to heighten patient concern and act as fear stimuli.
- This can lead to increased dental fear and treatment avoidance.
Conclusions:
- Negative dentist behaviors contribute to patient anxiety and fear.
- Addressing these behaviors is essential for reducing dental phobia.
- Improving patient-provider interactions can enhance dental care adherence.