Management of anxiety in dental practice in the UK

A postal questionnaire was sent to a random sample of dentists in the United Kingdom. The response rate was 59.9%. Anxiety was reported as a significant problem by 66% of dentists and information was gained regarding the techniques used to manage this anxiety. 'Patient management' and general anaesthesia were the techniques most commonly employed. The frequency of usage of intravenous and inhalational sedation varied according to the age of the patient. Only 55.3% of dentists in general practice had any training in a sedative technique.