Psychologic interventions for the anxious dental patient

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Dentistry

Background:

• Pain perception involves somatic, affective, and cognitive elements.
• Anxiety and fear significantly impact dental patient experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline strategies for reducing pharmacologic usage in dentistry.
• To emphasize addressing the psychological aspects of dental anxiety.

Main Methods:

• Assessing anxiety via self-report, dental records, the Dental Anxiety Scale, and interviews.
• Implementing a treatment program for high-anxiety patients focusing on relaxation and coping.
• Recommending psychologist consultation for treatment-resistant cases.

Main Results:

• Basic clinic care suffices for moderate anxiety.
• A structured program can improve relaxation, coping, and confidence in anxious patients.
• Praise is beneficial for managing dental stress at all anxiety levels.

Conclusions:

• Dentists should proactively manage patient anxiety and fear.
• A multi-faceted approach, including psychological support, is crucial for dental patient care.
• Reducing reliance on pharmacologic interventions is achievable through psychological strategies.