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Updated: Jun 17, 2025
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Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
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Dentally Anxious Patients' Perceptions of Oral Health Care
Marissa L Valastro1, Leciel K Bono2, JoAnn R Gurenlian1,3
1Dental Hygiene Department, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, USA.
Journal of Dental Hygiene : JDH
|August 13, 2024
Summary
Dental anxiety (DA) significantly impacts adult patients. Understanding patient perspectives reveals coping strategies like avoidance and highlights opportunities to improve dental care experiences through enhanced trust and comfort.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health
- Psychology
- Patient Experience
Background:
- Dental anxiety (DA) is a prevalent issue affecting many adults in the U.S.
- Understanding patient perspectives is crucial for improving dental care experiences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify patient perspectives on factors influencing dental anxiety in a dental practice setting.
- To explore the needs of patients experiencing dental anxiety.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative, descriptive case study design.
- Semi-structured virtual interviews with participants screened using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS).
- Thematic analysis of interview data to identify key themes and subthemes.
Main Results:
- Twenty-two individuals participated, many reporting lifelong dental anxiety.
- Seven themes emerged: Avoidance, Supportive Behaviors, Confidence in Provider, Diversion, Enduring, Adaptations, and Benevolence.
- Avoidance of dental appointments was the primary reported management strategy for dental anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Patients utilize various coping mechanisms and management strategies for dental anxiety.
- Opportunities exist to enhance patient-provider trust and comfort to reduce dental anxiety.
- Reducing dental anxiety can ultimately improve oral health outcomes for affected individuals.
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