[Interaction of dental treatment anxiety and oral health]

Measurements of oral health (PBI, DMFS), dental treatment anxiety (DAS) and frequency of dental utilization were taken in a sample of 474 dental patients. Regression analysis shows that DAS scores are significantly correlated with DS, but not with MS and FS. Dental anxiety has a negative impact on the frequency of dental utilization, which is a predictor variable of oral health status. These results permit the conclusion that our attention should be focussed on reducing dental treatment anxiety to improve oral health.