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Acceptability of behaviour therapy for dental phobia
M D L Forbes1, C A Boyle, T Newton
1Department of Sedation & Special Care Dentistry, King's College London Dental Institute, UK.
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology
|August 16, 2011
Summary
Dental phobia patients find behavioral therapy more acceptable when they perceive positive treatment outcomes. Past sedation experiences may reduce confidence in overcoming dental fear.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Therapy
- Dental Phobia Research
Background:
- Dental phobia significantly impacts individuals' oral health.
- Behavioral therapy offers a non-pharmacological approach to managing dental anxiety.
- Understanding patient perceptions of therapy acceptability is crucial for treatment adherence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the acceptability of behavioral therapy for dental phobia.
- To compare the acceptability of behavioral therapy versus intravenous sedation.
- To investigate the influence of treatment history and outcome on therapy acceptability.
Main Methods:
- A vignette-based experimental design was employed with 120 participants exhibiting dental phobia.
- Factors investigated included dental treatment history, intervention type (behavioral therapy vs. intravenous sedation), and treatment outcome.
- Participants rated the acceptability of eight different treatment scenarios.
Main Results:
- Treatment outcome significantly influenced acceptability ratings (P < 0.001).
- Behavioral therapy was rated as more acceptable than intravenous sedation (P < 0.05).
- A history of intravenous sedation correlated with lower perceived ability to overcome dental fear.
Conclusions:
- Perceived treatment outcome is a key determinant in the acceptability of behavioral interventions for dental phobia.
- Behavioral therapy is viewed favorably, particularly when positive outcomes are anticipated.
- Past experiences with sedation may impact expectations for managing dental anxiety.
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