Anxiety levels in dental patients

ABSTRACT

The aims of the study were to describe the level of dental anxiety in a representative sample population. Experimental study.This study was conducted at the Fatima Jinnah Dental College, Karachi. The study was conducted 1[st] to 31[st] of March 2013. All patients coming to the dental OPD for different dental procedures during the month of March 2013 were included in the study. Study sample comprised of 213 patients 135 Females and 78 Males. The age of the patients ranged from 5 to 75 years. The study sample was divided into three groups 1] 5-24 years 2] 25-39 years and 3] 40-75 years According to the performed dental procedures the sample was divided into two groups; 1] undergoing invasive procedures 2] undergoing non-invasive procedures Measurement of anxiety levels were recorded on the proforma using Norman Corah's anxiety scale data was entered on Microsoft Excel work sheet and was analyzed using SPSS 14. The results of this study showed women having higher DAS values as compared to men both in educated and non-educated strata regardless of the nature of the procedure being performed invasive or non-invasive. In the study 40% males and 25.5% females were relaxed when asked for their anxiety levels when visiting for a dental checkup and considered it as an enjoyable experience. 49.1% Males and 47.3% Females were relaxed waiting in the dental office. When asked regarding the noise of a drill 3.6% Males and 8.2% Females felt very anxious. For question relating to tooth cleaning and instrument preparation 5.5% Males and 8.2% Females were very anxious. This study has shown that educated individuals in both the genders have more anxiety as compared to uneducated individuals. Government funding should be directed towards awareness programs for population regarding dental treatments. Training of dental practitioners in patient counseling should be emphasized in the management of anxious patient