DENTAL FEAR ASSESSMENT AMONG PATIENTS: A SURVEY STUDY OF A GROUP OF INDIAN DENTAL PATIENTS

Ruchita Singh, Dhara Shah, Vedanti Tirpude, Vinita Ved and Gabriela Fernandes*

ABSTRACT

Aim: The aim of this study is to better understand the dental fear and anxiety which is a major cause of irregular dental visit. Thus helping dentist all over to identify the stimuli and provide necessary care to the individual. Method: A survey was used to collect data from 100 individuals undergoing dental treatment in an Indian subpopulation via the means of electronic mail and social media. Result: The results revealed that the most fear provoking stimuli were the instruments used and the drilling machine (airotar) used by dentist. Conclusion: Once identified, dentist can use various methods to eliminate that fear by explaining, slowly and gradually introducing the instruments until the fear is eliminated.

Keywords: Dental fear, anxiety, survey study.