Related Experiment Videos
A dental support group for anxious patients
A N Crawford1, B J Hawker, M A Lennon
1Mancunian Community (NHS) Trust, Mauldeth House, Mauldeth Road West, Manchester M21 2RL.
British Dental Journal
|July 26, 1997
Summary
Attending a dental anxiety support group helps patients overcome fears and negative beliefs about dental care. This leads to increased confidence, reduced anxiety, and greater willingness to seek necessary dental treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dental Public Health
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Dental anxiety is a significant barrier to oral healthcare access.
- Patients with dental anxiety often avoid necessary treatment, leading to poor oral health outcomes.
- Support groups offer a novel approach to address psychological barriers to dental care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To qualitatively evaluate a support group designed for dentally anxious patients.
- To assess the impact of the support group on patients' attitudes and behaviors towards dental care.
- To explore the potential of support groups in reducing dental anxiety and improving treatment uptake.
Main Methods:
- Semi-structured interviews were conducted with support group members (n=14) via group discussion, face-to-face, or telephone.
- Thirteen interviewees were monitored during a course of dental treatment post-attendance.
- The Corah Dental Anxiety Scale was used to measure anxiety levels before and after the intervention.
Main Results:
- Support group attendance significantly reduced dental fears and negative beliefs.
- 13 participants (mean age 43) with a history of dental avoidance (mean 9 years since last visit) successfully completed treatment (mean 5.4 visits) with few failed appointments.
- A significant reduction (P < 0.01) in Corah Dental Anxiety Scale scores was observed.
Conclusions:
- The support group fostered empathy and confidence, encouraging members to seek dental treatment.
- Participation enhanced trust in dental professionals but may foster dependence on the group leader.
- Expanding access to such support groups could effectively reduce dental anxiety and increase treatment seeking in adults.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Tooth Anatomy
The human tooth enables us to eat a variety of foods, speak clearly, and even aid in shaping our faces. Teeth are composed of various elements that work together. Here's a detailed look at the anatomy of a human tooth.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
The Crown, Neck, and Root
The visible part of the tooth is referred to as the crown. It's covered by enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. The crown is uniquely shaped for each type of tooth, allowing for different functions such as cutting, tearing, or grinding food.
01:18Anxiety: Overview
Anxiety is a common mental disorder featuring excessive worry, fear, and apprehension, significantly affecting daily life. People with anxiety disorders experience persistent and intense anxiety, interrupting their everyday functioning.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.
01:28Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might face humiliation, rejection, embarrassment, or negative evaluation. This disorder leads individuals to avoid activities like casual conversations, public speaking, or seemingly simple tasks such as eating, signing documents, or swimming, in public settings. Its impact extends beyond discomfort, often significantly interfering with daily functioning and quality of life.
01:18Healthcare Agencies I
Healthcare agencies provide healthcare services to people. In the United States, voluntary agencies are often non-profit centers sponsored by donations, grants, or fundraisers. One such organization is Meals on Wheels, which provides meals to the elderly and homebound. The American Heart Association and the American Lung Association are other non-profit community organizations. Doctors and nurses are frequently active members of these organizations, which offer health checks and educational...
01:28Self-Help Support Groups
Self-help support groups are voluntary, community-based organizations that provide a platform for individuals with shared concerns to exchange support, insights, and practical strategies for coping with life challenges. Typically led by group members or paraprofessionals, these groups form a cornerstone of mental health care, especially in reaching populations that are underserved by traditional healthcare systems.
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
Accessibility and Cost-Effectiveness
One of the primary strengths of self-help...
01:30Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a chronic condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worry that persists for at least six months, significantly interfering with daily functioning. Unlike situational anxiety, which arises in response to specific stressors, GAD often occurs without a clear cause. Individuals may experience disproportionate worry about work, health, or relationships. For instance, a person might continuously fear poor health despite normal medical evaluations or...