RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, qualitatively, a support group for dentally anxious patients reluctant to visit the dentist and obtain dental care. DESIGN: Semi-structured interviews by group discussion, face-to-face or telephone. SETTING: Community: primary health care centre. SUBJECTS: 14 (50%) of the members of the support group. INTERVENTIONS: 13 interviewees were also monitored during a course of treatment following support group attendance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Views of interviewees concerning dental attendance and dental care before, during and after attendance at the support group. RESULTS: Attendance at the group was a major factor in dispelling fears and negative beliefs about dental care. The 13 interviewees whose progress was monitored through a subsequent course of treatment had a mean age of 43 years and had last attended for dental care 9 years previously. Treatment lasted for a mean of 5.4 visits with few failed appointments. They showed a significant (P < 0.01) reduction in Corah dental anxiety scale score. CONCLUSIONS: Attendance at the support group generated empathy between members and confidence to seek treatment. It increased trust in the dental team but tended to lead to dependence on the dentist group leader. Wider availability of such groups could help to reduce dental anxiety in non-attending adults and encourage treatment uptake.