Key Points
In brief
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Psychological treatments for dental anxiety are a feasible option that some patients prefer when given a choice.
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Dentists have a duty to discuss the full range of treatment options for dental anxiety with patients and, where necessary, refer to specialist dental and clinical psychology services.
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Stronger links between general and specialist dental and psychology services will improve service provision for patients with dental anxiety.
Abstract
Objectives
This study aimed to determine the methods suggested by general dental practitioners for management of patients with dental anxiety whom they refer to a dental hospital setting, the treatment modalities eventually used with such patients and the relationship between patient's previous sedation experience and the current referral.
Methods
Consecutive referral letters (n=125) for management of patients with dental anxiety over a 16 month period were analysed for content, including reason for referral and suggested treatment modalities. Patient records were also examined for previous sedation experience.
Results
From 115 referrals eligible for analysis, the dentists requested management of anxiety using pharmacological methods in 113 referrals with only two referrals mentioning psychologically-based treatments. In secondary care, 29% of the adult referrals opted for dental treatment using psychological techniques alone.
Conclusions
In spite of the efficacy of psychological treatments for dental anxiety, primary and secondary care dentists appear not to be suggesting or promoting their use for patients with dental anxiety. Further research into the availablility of, and barriers to accessing the full range of services for those with dental anxiety, including patient perspectives, needs to be undertaken.
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References
Berggren U, Linde A . Dental fear and avoidance: a comparison of two modes of treatment. J Dent Res 1984; 63: 1223–1227.
Dailey Y-M, Crawford A, Humphris G, Lennon M . Long term effects on dental anxiety, dental beliefs and dental attendance behaviour, following anxiety treatment in a primary care setting. Primary Dent Care 2001; 8: 19–24.
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Humphris, G. Dentally-anxious patients —— a study of secondary care referrals in Scotland. Br Dent J 191, 676 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4801267
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4801267
