Mental health screening and referral to treatment in dental practices: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to conduct a scoping review to examine and summarize the characteristics of research related to mental health (MH) screenings and/or referrals to treatment in dental practices. METHODS: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for Scoping Reviews and searched multiple databases for terms connected with dental care, MH concerns, screening, and referral. Included articles: (1) described care provided in a dental practice, (2) described a situation where the patient is experiencing the potential MH problem, (3) did not involve dental anxiety exclusively, and (4) involved some form of MH screening and/or referral to treatment. Article analysis included a summary of key study characteristics, types of evidence, study design, and central concepts and definitions. RESULTS: The search generated 2050 records, with 26 ultimately included. Most studies involved only adults (22, 85%), but only three (12%) reported on rurality (two urban; one mixed) and only two each (8%) reported race or ethnicity. Fifteen (58%) articles were prospective and 11 (42%) were retrospective. The studies varied widely in study designs, from 11 (42%) cross-sectional methodologies to only one (4%) randomized controlled trial. Thirty-four screening tools were used to screen for symptoms of 43 MH conditions, with depression and anxiety screened for most frequently. Few articles discussed making referrals, practice workflows, or follow-up outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Included studies provide evidence of viable options for dental practitioners regarding MH screening, referring, and conducting follow-up, but lack specificity regarding these processes. Overall, more research is needed to clarify what workflows are most efficient for dental practitioners and efficacious in identifying patients with MH concerns.

Validez y confiabilidad del cuestionario de ansiedad y miedo dental IDAF -4C+ en adultos mayores / Validity and reliability of the Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (IDAF-4C+) in Chilean older adults

RESUMEN: Objetivo: Determinar la validez aparente, validez de constructo y confiabilidad del cuestionario IDAF-4C+ versión en español, en adultos mayores de dos servicios de atención primaria de la Región Metropolitana, Chile. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, transversal aplicado a 42 adultos mayores de dos servicios de atención primaria de la Región Metropolitana. La validez aparente se determinó mediante el juicio de expertos, la validez de constructo a través del análisis exploratorio confirmatorio, mientras que la confiabilidad se determinó por consistencia interna, exploratorio a través del coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. Resultados: El juicio de expertos no realizó modificación al IDAF-4C+ versión en español. El análisis exploratorio confirmó la presencia de un solo factor, el cual explicó el 60,1% de la varianza, mientras que la confiabilidad arrojó un alfa de Cronbach de 0,901, considerado excelente. Conclusiones: El cuestionario IDAF-4C+ presentó una adecuada validez de contenido, validez aparente y una confiabilidad excelente. Se recomienda su uso para la medición de ansiedad dental en adultos mayores que acuden a los servicios de atención primaria evaluados.

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the face validity, construct validity and reliability of the Spanish version of the IDAF-4C + in older adults, patients in two primary health care from the Metropolitan Region, Chile. Material and methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study, 42 older adults from two primary health care centres from the Metropolitan Region set up the sample. Face validity was determined by experts' judgment, construct validity was determined by a confirmatory factorial analysis and reliability was determined by internal consistency exploratory through Cronbach's alfa. Results: The experts did not modify the Spanish version of the IDAF-4C+. The factorial analysis confirmed the presence of only one factor which explains the 60,1% of the variance, and Cronbach's alfa resulted in 0,901, considered as excellent. Conclusions: The Spanish version of IDAF-4C+ is valid and reliable for the measurement of dental anxiety and fear and its use is recommended among older adults who visit primary health care centres in the Metropolitan Region.

Validez de contenido, de constructo y confiabilidad del Dental Anxiety Scale en adultos chilenos / Content validity, construct validity and reliability of the Dental Anxiety Scale in Chilean adults

INTRODUCCIÓN: La ansiedad dental impacta profundamente en la salud oral de un paciente, determinando el pronóstico y adherencia a tratamiento, sin embargo, existe poca información de instrumentos validados que evalúen este constructo. El OBJETIVO de este estudio es evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del Dental Anxiety Scale versión en español en adultos en servicios de atención primaria de la Región Metropolitana, Chile. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio transversal descriptivo aplicado a 169 adultos acompañantes de un servicio de atención primaria. La validez de contenido se determinó con metodología Delphi, la validez de constructo a través del análisis factorial confirmatorio y la confiabilidad a través de análisis de consistencia interna mediante Alfa de Cronbach. RESULTADOS: El juicio de expertos no modificó la versión en español. El análisis factorial confirmó la presencia de un solo factor, el cual explicó el 65,44% de la varianza, mientras que la confiabilidad arrojó un alfa de Cronbach de 0,822, considerado bueno. DISCUSIÓN: El Dental Anxiety Scale presentó una adecuada validez de contenido, validez de constructo y buena confiabilidad. Se recomienda su uso para la medición de ansiedad dental en adultos que acuden a servicios de atención primaria en la Región Metropolitana.

INTRODUCTION: Dental anxiety can strongly affect oral health, modifying the prognosis and treatment's adherence. The level of dental anxiety has to be considered when proposing a treatment plan. The AIM of this study is to measure the psychometric properties of the Dental Anxiety Scale in the Spanish version, applied to adults in primary health institutions of the Metropolitan Region, Chile METHODS: 169 adults were recruited. To determine content validity, the Delphi method was used; the confirmatory factor analysis was used to demonstrate the construct validity. Reliability was measured in terms of internal consistency with the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. RESULTS: The experts did not modify the Spanish version of DAS. The factorial analysis confirmed that there was a single factor that accounted for 65,44% of variance. A 0,882 Cronbach's alfa is considered as good reliability. CONCLUSION: Dental Anxiety Scale presents an appropriate construct and content validity, and a good reliability. It is a proper instrument to be used in adults in primary health care centers in the Metropolitan Region.

Anxiety and dental treatments in a hospital in Lima, Peru / Ansiedad y tratamientos dentales en un hospital de Lima, Perú

Background: The dental treatment anxiety affects patient care consultation, regardless of the dental specialty, each with own treatment acts. Objective: To determine the anxiety level of dental treatment of operative dentistry and oral surgery in a hospital of Lima. Methods: The study was conducted in the specialties of operative dentistry and oral surgery, with 72 patients from each specialty, chosen at random over a period of five months, through their answers at Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results: The level of anxiety of patients was similar in the two specialties (p = 0.402). No statistical significant difference was found between anxiety and the patient's sex (p = 0.06), nor with the age of the patient (p = 0.08), nor with the sex of the operator (p = 0.521). The higher frequency of anxiety was the minimum level, 86.1% in operative dentistry and 79.2% in oral surgery. A difference was found between anxiety levels of patients from each specialty (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The frequency of anxiety before entering the specialty was similar, minimum level. Other research is required to determine whether the degree of anxiety is related to the patient's care to dental specialties services.

Introducción: la ansiedad ante un tratamiento odontológico repercute en la asistencia de los pacientes a consulta, independientemente de la especialidad odontológica, cada una con actos propios de tratamiento. Objetivo: determinar el nivel de ansiedad ante el tratamiento de operatoria dental y de cirugía bucal en un hospital de Lima, Perú. Métodos: el estudio fue realizado en las especialidades de operatoria dental y cirugía bucal, con 72 pacientes de cada especialidad, elegidos de manera aleatoria durante un periodo de cinco meses, quienes respondieron el Inventario de Ansiedad de Beck. Resultados: el nivel de ansiedad de los pacientes fue similar en las dos especialidades (p = 0.402). No hubo diferencias entre ansiedad y sexo del paciente (p = 0.06), entre ansiedad y la edad del paciente (p = 0.08), y tampoco con el sexo del operador (p = 0.521). El nivel de ansiedad predominante en todos los pacientes, fue mínimo, 86.1% en operatoria dental y 79.2% en cirugía bucal. Al comparar por separado los niveles de ansiedad de los pacientes de cada especialidad, hubo diferencias en cada caso (p < 0.001). Conclusiones: el nivel de ansiedad antes de entrar a la especialidad de operatoria dental y cirugía bucal fue similar, mínimo. Se deben realizar otras investigaciones para establecer si el grado de ansiedad se relaciona con la asistencia del paciente a los servicios de especialidades odontológicas.

[Effect of psychological nursing based on relaxation training for the psychological state in patients with impacted third molar removal surgery].

Objective: To discuss the effect of psychological nursing based on relaxation training for the psychological state in patients with impatced third molar removal surgery. Methods: A total of one hundred patients with impacted third molar removal surgery were selected from June 2015 to June 2017 in People's Liberation Army No. 105 hospital. According to the nursing method, all patients were divided into psychological intervention group and the control group, 50 cases in each group, the control group was given routine nursing intervention and the psychological intervention group was given psychological nursing intervention based on relaxation training. Results: The after intervention Corah's modified dental anxiety scale (6.3±1.2), Stouthard dental fear scale (62.9±6.5) scores and heart rate [(76.4±5.2) bpm], systolic blood pressure [(102.5±6.3) mmHg], diastolic blood pressure [(75.3±3.1) mmHg] levels of psychological group were significantly lower than those of the control group. The once removal success rate, intraoperative relaxation sense rate of psychological group were significantly higher than those of the control group, the teeth extraction time of psychological group was significantly lower than that of the control group, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.013, P=0.003). Conclusions: Psychological nursing intervention based on relaxation training can effectively improve the mental state and stress state of patients with impacted third molar removal surgery, which is beneficial to the process of the surgery.

Analgesic effects of preinjection low-level laser/light therapy (LLLT) before third molar surgery: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on preinjection sites in patients scheduled for third molar removal. STUDY DESIGN: This double-blind randomized controlled trial included 163 healthy patients undergoing third molar extractions. The study participants were randomly divided into an LLLT and a placebo group. Objective and subjective data sets were obtained from physiologic feedback (heart rate and sweat response) and a questionnaire, respectively. In the LLLT group, each targeted injection site was irradiated twice with 198 mW continuous wave for 30 seconds with a 0.088 cm2 focal spot at an applied energy of 5.94 J and fluence of 67.50 J/cm2. Measurements were recorded from 4 time-points during data acquisition. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the LLLT and placebo groups in pain experience scores associated with the injected sites for maxillary or mandibular third molar extractions. Mean heart rates before and during injection were lower in the LLLT group than in the placebo group for both maxillary and mandibular regions. No statistically significant differences were observed for any remaining parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The present data indicated that preinjection LLLT did not effectively decrease the pain felt during local anesthetic injections before third molar surgery.

Propiedades psicométricas de la versión española de la Abeer Children Dental Anxiety Scale (ACDAS) para la medición de ansiedad dental en niños / Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Abeer Children Dental Anxiety Scale (ACDAS) to dental anxiety in children

El proceso de validez y fiabilidad de las escalas de ansiedad dental en español para niños ha sido escasa. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar las propiedades psicométricas de la adaptación española de la Abeer Children Dental Anxiety Scale (ACDAS) como una medida de auto-reporte de ansiedad dental en niños. El ACDAS incluye 13 ítems sobre las reacciones de ansiedad a estímulos de la atención odontológica y un componente cognitivo evaluado a los niños, padres y operadores. Se adaptó la ACDAS al idioma Español, luego se determinaron las propiedades psicométricas en una muestra de 200 pacientes niños de la Clínica Odontológica de la Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Pasto, Colombia. La validez estructural de la escala fue estimada con un Análisis Factorial Exploratorio (AFE) y su fiabilidad fue establecida a través de la consistencia interna (a de Cronbach). La muestra consecutiva fue comprendida de 112 hombres y 88 mujeres y sus edades estuvieron entre 5 a 10 años. El AFE determinó una estructura de cuatro factores que representó el 72,12 % de la varianza explicada. Se nombró a los factores de acuerdo con las reacciones de ansiedad a estímulos potencialmente nocivos como "estímulos pre-intervención", "estímulos restrictivos/invasivos", "estímulos inocuos (tacto, gusto)" y "estímulos inocuos (olfato, oído)". La consistencia interna de las sub-escalas fue 0,88; 0,71; 0,84 y 0,76 respectivamente. Las sub-escalas mostraron una buena convergencia, ser discriminantes y validez de constructo. Los resultados sugieren que la ACDAS es un instrumento válido y fiable, y clínicamente útil para la evaluación de la ansiedad dental en niños.

The validity and reliability process of dental anxiety scales for children in Spanish has been scarce. The aim of this research was to determine the psychometric properties of a Spanish adaptation of the Abeer Children Dental Anxiety Scale (ACDAS) as a self-report measure of dental anxiety in children. The ACDAS includes 13 items about the anxiety reactions of receiving dental care and a cognitive component assessed to children, parents and operators. We adapted the Abeer Children Dental Anxiety Scale to Spanish language, and then determined its psychometric properties in a sample of 200 children patients from the Dental Clinic at Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Pasto, Colombia. The scale's structural validity was estimated through an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and the reliability was established by examining its internal consistency (Cronbach's a). The consecutive sample was comprised of 112 men and 88 women and their ages ranged from 5 to 10 years. The EFA loaded a four-factor structure which accounted for 72.12 % of the variance. We labeled to those factors according to anxiety reactions to potential harmful stimuli as "pre-intervention stimuli", "invasive/restrictive stimuli", "innocuous stimuli (touch, taste)" and innocuous stimuli (smell, hearing)". The internal consistencies of the sub-scales were 0.88, 0.71, 0.84 and 0.76, respectively. The sub-scales showed good convergent, discriminant and construct validity. The results suggest the ACDAS is a valid, reliable, and clinically useful instrument for assessing dental anxiety in children.

Salivary Alpha Amylase, Dental Anxiety, and Extraction Pain: A Pilot Study.

The primary intention of this study was to determine whether salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) factors or the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) was a better predictor of dental extraction pain. This study followed a cross-sectional design and included a convenience sample (n = 23) recruited from an outpatient oral surgery clinic. While waiting for their scheduled appointments, consenting patients completed both basic demographic/medical history questionnaires and Corah's DAS as well as submitted sublingual saliva samples. After their extractions, patients marked visual analog scales (VAS) to indicate the intensity of their intraoperative discomfort. Results of this study confirm that there is a relationship between a patient's dental anxiety and intraoperative extraction pain (r[21] = .47, P = .02). This study did not find that preoperative sAA factors (concentration and output rate) were related to either VAS extraction pain or DAS score. A strong positive relationship was observed between the concentration of sAA and the rate of sAA output (r[21] = .81, P < .001). Based on the results of our study, we conclude that dental anxiety has a moderate but significant correlation with intraoperative dental pain. Factors of sAA do not appear to be predictive of this experience. Therefore, simply assessing an anxious patient may be the best indication of that patient's extraction pain.

Confiabilidade e validade do questionário children's fear survey schedule-dental subscale para avaliação do medo e ansiedade ao tratamento odontológico em crianças / Reliability and validity of the Brazilian version of the children's fear survey schedule-dental subscale

Identificação precoce da ansiedade em função do tratamento odontológico é uma ferramenta que pode auxiliar o profissional no atendimento e contribuir para pesquisas, especialmente com crianças. Este estudo teve como objetivo testar a confiabilidade e validade da versão brasileira do Childrens Fear Survey Schedule- Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS). A amostra foi composta por 136 crianças, que são atendidas sob livre-demanda na clínica de Odontopediatria da Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, Bauru - SP, Brasil. Todas recrutadas aleatoriamente. A versão em português brasileiro do CFSS-DS foi respondida por crianças previamente ao atendimento odontológico. A escala foi testada quanto à consistência interna e confiabilidade teste-reteste. Para testar a validade do critério, o comportamento das crianças foi avaliado utilizando a escala de Frankl durante o atendimento odontológico, e os resultados foram comparados com os escores de CFSS-DS das crianças. A análise fatorial também foi utilizada. Os resultados evidenciaram que a versão brasileira do CFSS-DS mostrou alta confiabilidade, quanto à confiabilidade testereteste (ICC = 0,76, p <0,001) e consistência interna ( de Cronbach = 0,90). Demonstrou boa validade de critério, as crianças com comportamento negativo apresentaram pontuação no CFSS-DS significativamente maiores (t = 16,64, p <0,001). A análise fatorial identificou os seguintes fatores: "medo de procedimentos habituais e anestesia", "medo de estranhos" e "medo de aspectos médicos gerais". Após análise dos resultados pode-se inferir que a versão brasileira do CFSS-DS é uma medida confiável e válida para aferir ansiedade em função do tratamento odontológico em crianças brasileiras de língua portuguesa. Dentistas e pesquisadores de Odontopediatria podem usar esta versão validada do CFSS-DS para identificar o medo do tratamento odontológico em crianças brasileiras.(AU)

Early recognition of anxiety caused by dental treatment is a tool that could help the dentist during the treatment as well as contribute to research, especially when dealing with children. The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Brazilian version of the Childrens Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSSDS). The sample was composed by 136 random children that attended the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic in the Bauru School of Dentistry, Bauru SP, Brazil. The children answered the CFSS-DS Brazilian-Portuguese version previously to dental treatment. The Scale was tested according to its internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Frankl Scale was used to evaluate the childrens behavior during dental treatment in order to test the criteria validity. Results were compared to CFSS-DS score. Factorial analysis was used as well. According to the results, CFSS-DS Brazilian version presented high reliability, both in test-retest reliability (ICC = 0,76, p <0,001) and internal consistency ( de Cronbach = 0,90). Good criteria validity was also demonstrated, children with negative behavior presented significantly higher CFSSDS score (t = 16,64, p <0,001). Factorial analysis identified the following factors: fear of habitual procedures and anesthesia, fear of strangers and fear of general medical aspects. After results analysis, we can conclude that the CFSS-DS Brazilian- Portuguese version is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to measure anxiety caused by dental treatment in Brazilian children. Pediatric Dentists and researchers can use this validated CFSS-DS version to identify dental treatment fear in Brazilian Children.(AU)

Changes in heart rate during third molar surgery.

Anxiety is an undesirable psychological phenomenon. Patients are usually anxious when subjected to third molar surgery, but the pattern of anxiety is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the intensity and course of anxiety during third molar surgery. This study included 48 consecutive patients (mean age 25±6 years) who had a third molar removed surgically under local anaesthesia. The heart rate was monitored continuously during treatment as a measure of anxiety. Preoperative anxiety was scored with the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale. Each patient's anxiety level was assessed when in the waiting room, sitting down in the dental chair, during the application of local anaesthesia, application of surgical drapes, time-out procedure, incision, alveolotomy, removal of the third molar, and suturing, and at the end of the procedure. The lowest heart rates were recorded in the waiting room, in the dental chair, during anaesthesia, when applying surgical drapes, during suturing, and at the end of the procedure. The highest values were obtained during the time-out procedure, incision, and alveolotomy (P<0.005). In conclusion, the intensity and course of anxiety has a specific pattern during third molar surgery, with the lowest levels of anxiety prior to surgery and directly postoperative and the highest during the time-out procedure and the actual surgery.

Influência da experiência odontológica na infância e do conhecimento em saúde bucal no medo odontológico na idade adulta / Influence of childhood dental experience and knowledge on oral health dental fear in adulthood

Os objetivos deste estudo foram verificar a associação entre o relato de experiência odontológica negativa na infância e o alto medo odontológico entre universitários da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brasil e avaliar a influência do conhecimento em saúde bucal no medo odontológico entre universitários de odontologia, após cinco anos de curso. Este estudo será apresentado em formato de dois artigos científicos. O primeiro apresenta um estudo caso-controle aninhado a um estudo transversal, cujos participantes eram universitários de odontologia, psicologia e matemática. O segundo artigo descreve um estudo longitudinal de cinco anos, realizado entre universitários de odontologia. Este estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa com Seres Humanos da UFMG (COEP/UFMG) protocolo (# 0201.0.203.000-10). Os instrumentos utilizados para a coleta de dados foram o Dental Fear Survey (DFS) e um questionário autorrelatado sobre experiência odontológica. A variável dependente em ambos os artigos foi o medo odontológico. No primeiro artigo, os universitários foram alocados em dois grupos: alto medo e baixo medo odontológico, pareados por gênero, curso de graduação e condição sociodemográfica (1 caso: 4 controles). O grupo caso incluiu universitários com alto medo (n=65) e o grupo controle incluiu aqueles com baixo medo (n=260), definidos pela análise de cluster. O segundo artigo incluiu 48 universitários de odontologia da UFMG que responderam os mesmos instrumentos quando iniciaram o curso, em 2010 e no final do curso, em 2015. No primeiro artigo a análise estatística incluiu análise descritiva, bivariada e regressão logística multivariada condicional com nível de significância de 5%. No segundo artigo foram utilizados os testes de Wilcoxon e Qui-quadrado de McNemar com nível de significância de 5%. O estudo caso-controle demonstrou que os estudantes com maior chance de apresentar alto medo odontológico relataram experiência odontológica negativa na infância (OR= 2,97; 95% IC: 1,44 - 6,14), experiência de dor de dente nos últimos 12 meses (OR=11,31; 95% IC: 4,79 - 26,68), incômodo durante o tratamento odontológico (OR=5,36; 95% IC: 2,53 - 11,36) e autoavaliação da saúde bucal ruim (OR=3,62; 95% IC: 1,61-8,11). Os resultados do estudo longitudinal mostraram que houve redução de visitas/ano ao dentista dos estudantes de odontologia, ao finalizarem o curso (p=0,012). As médias dos escores totais do DFS foram semelhantes nas duas ocasiões: no início do curso (31,7 ± 9,3) e no final do curso de odontologia (29,6 ± 6,6) (p=0,318). Universitários no final do curso de odontologia apresentaram menores escores médios em relação ao fator estrutural do DFS "medo de situações e estímulos específicos do tratamento dentário" (12,3 ± 3,5) do que quando iniciaram o curso (14,0 ± 5,4) (p=0,042). Concluiu-se que experiências odontológicas negativas na infância influenciaram o alto medo odontológico entre os universitários, mesmo na presença de outros fatores. O percurso curricular no curso de odontologia diminuiu o medo de estímulos específicos do tratamento odontológico, mas não contribuiu para a redução dos níveis de medo odontológico de maneira geral. As faculdades de odontologia devem enfatizar temas do comportamento humano para a compreensão do medo odontológico

The objectives of the present study were to investigate the association between negative dental experience in childhood and high dental fear among undergraduates of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil, and to evaluate the effect of oral health education on dental fear among dental students after five years of university study. The study is divided into two manuscripts. The first manuscript describes a case-control study, nested to a cross-sectional study, whose participants were dentistry, psychology and mathematics undergraduate students. The second manuscript describes a 5-year longitudinal study of dental students. The present study was approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of UFMG (COEP / UFMG) under protocol number # 0201.0.203.000-10. The instruments used for data collection were the Dental Fear Survey (DFS) and a self-reported questionnaire about previous dental experiences. The outcome variable for both manuscripts was dental fear. In the first manuscript, the students were allocated into two dental fear groups, and matched for gender, undergraduate course and sociodemographic condition (1 case group: 4 controls). The case group included students with high fear (n = 65) and the control group included those with low fear (n = 260), as defined by cluster analysis. The second manuscript included 48 dental students who responded to the same instruments at the beginning of the course in 2010 and at the end of the course in 2015. Statistical analysis of the case-control study included descriptive analysis, bivariate and multivariate conditional logistic regression with a 5% significance level. The Wilcoxon test and the Chi-square McNemar's test with a 5% significance level were used in the longitudinal study. The case-control study showed that students with a greater chance of presenting high dental fear reported a negative dental experience in childhood (OR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.44 - 6.14), having experienced toothache the last 12 months (OR = 11.31; 95% CI: 4.79 - 26.68), discomfort during dental treatment (OR = 5.36; 95% CI: 2.53 - 11.36) and poor oral health self-assessmet (OR = 3.62; 95% CI: 1.61- 8.11). The longitudinal study found that there was a reduction in visits to the dentist per year among dental students by the end of the course (p = 0.012). The mean total DFS scores were similar at both the beginning of the course (31.7 ± 9.3) and the end of the course (29.6 ± 6.6) (p = 0.318). At the end of the course dental students had lower mean scores for the DFS structural factor of "fear of specific situations and dental treatment stimuli" (12.3 ± 3.5) than when they started the course (14.0 ± 5 4) (p = 0.042). It was concluded that negative dental experiences in childhood influence high dental fear among undergraduates, even in the presence of other factors. The curricular pathway in dentistry course decreased fear of specific dental treatment stimuli, but did not contribute to the reduction of general dental fear levels. Dental schools should emphasize the study of human behavior to the understanding of dental fear

Validation and Invariance of the Dental Anxiety Scale in a Brazilian sample

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the properties of the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) when applied to Brazilian adults and to test its invariance across independent samples and different sociodemographic groups. Sociodemographic data, reports on previous unpleasant dental experiences and DAS responses were collected through telephone interviews. Metric properties of the one and two-factor models were evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis. The analysis included the chi-square ratio divided by degrees of freedom (χ2/df), the comparative fit index (CFI), the goodness of fit index (GFI) and the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA). Convergent validity was evaluated using the average variance extracted (AVE). Cronbach's alpha (α) and composite reliability (CR) were calculated. In the two-factor model, discriminant validity was evaluated. The invariance of the models was evaluated using a multigroup analysis of the independent samples (pΔχ2λ, pΔχ2 i and pΔχ2 Res ≥ 0.05). Telephone interviews were held with 350 individuals (74.3% women). Of the participants, 135 (38.6%) had previous unpleasant dental experiences, and 117 (33.4%) knew someone who had had this type of experience. The one- and two-factor model (χ2/df < 2.0; CFI,GFI > 0.90; RMSEA < 0.10; AVE > 0.50; α,CR > 0.70) were adjusted to the data. Discriminant validity was limited (ρ2 = 0.66). Both models presented strong invariance across independent samples, but the invariance was weak (pΔχ2i < 0.05) when samples were defined by socioeconomic variables. In conclusion, both DAS models were valid and reliable when applied to a sample of Brazilian adults. However, the weak invariance of the models suggests that sample characteristics interfered with the measurement of dental anxiety.

Evaluation of children's dental anxiety levels at a kindergarten and at a dental clinic

Abstract This study evaluated the dental anxiety levels of preschool children at a kindergarten and at a dental clinic. The anxiety levels of ninety 4-6-year-old (4.99 ± 0.81) preschool children were evaluated according to pulse rates, the facial image scale (FIS), the Venham picture test (VPT), and the Frankl behavior rating scale. The children's mothers were asked to complete the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) forms 1 and 2 (STAI 2 and STAI 2). The sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson's correlation test were used. A statistically significant difference was observed between the children's pulse rates when measured at the dental clinic and those when measured at the kindergarten (p < 0.001). Although the results were not statistically significant, more negative facial expressions were observed in the children at the dental clinic than in those at the kindergarten when assessed using FIS and VPT (p = 0.090 and p = 0.108, respectively). There was a statistically significant correlation between the transient anxiety levels (STAI 1) of mothers and the VPT scores of their children evaluated at the dental clinic (r = 0.506, p < 0.001). The continuous anxiety level of the mothers of males was found to be significantly higher (p = 0.033) than that of the mothers of females (STAI 2). Although the children had been informed about dentistry and were introduced to a dentist at the kindergarten, their anxiety levels seemingly increased as they arrived at the dental clinic. The significant increase observed in the children's pulse rates was a physical indicator that their anxiety levels had increased. It can be concluded that the children felt more anxious at the dental clinic that at the kindergarten.

Modified Dental Anxiety Scale: validation of the Italian version.

AIM: Anxiety is a relevant problem in dental practice. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) is a brief, simple questionnaire consisting of five questions with a total score ranging from 5 to 25, the Italian version of which is not available yet. The aim of the study was to provide an Italian version of the MDAS and check its reliability in oral surgery, which is a major cause of dental anxiety due to the expected perception of pain and suffering. METHODS: The Italian version of the test was administered to 230 patients (98 male and 132 female patients, ages 14-88 years) undergoing oral surgery. Further recorded data were: American Society of Anaesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA-PS), frequency of visiting the dentist and any previous distressing experiences in dental or medical setting. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the test was high, with a Cronbach's alpha=0.92. The MDAS score was significantly higher in females (P<0.0001) and in patients with previous distressing experiences in medical and/or dental settings (P<0.0001); the correlation with age (P=0.01) and frequency on visiting the dentist (P=0.02) were also significant. CONCLUSIONS: The patients' selection (oral surgery only) may be a limit of the study, which might not provide an estimation of anxiety prevalence in the general dental population; however our result agree with those of studies performed in other Countries in the generic population, suggesting the absence of major differences with respect to the surgical setting and show the reliability and manageability of the Italian version of MDAS.

Dental Fear and Delayed Dental Care in Appalachia-West Virginia.

PURPOSE: The people of Appalachia-West Virginia are culturally unique and are known to have oral health disparities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental fear in relation to delayed dental care as a factor influencing oral health behaviors within this culture. METHODS: A cross sectional study design was used. Participants were urgent care patients in a university dental clinic. The sample included 140 adults over age 18 years. The Dental Fear Survey was used to determine dental fear level. Self-report of delayed dental care was provided by the participants. The Dental Fear Survey was dichotomized at score 33, with higher scores indicating dental fear. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental fear was 47.1% (n=66). There was a significant association of dental fear and dental delay. The unadjusted odds ratio was 2.87 (95% CI: 1.17, 7.04; p=0.021). The adjusted odds ratio was 3.83 (95%CI: 1.14, 12.82; p=0.030), controlling for tobacco use, perceived oral health status, pain, and last dental visit. A difference in dental delay between men and women was not present in this sample. The only significant variable in delayed dental care was dental fear. CONCLUSION: In Appalachia-West Virginia, there remains a high level of dental fear, despite advances in dental care, techniques, and procedures.

Anxiety before extraction of impacted lower third molars.

OBJETIVES: Assess levels of trait anxiety, state anxiety and dental anxiety before extraction of lower third molars and check the correlation and reliability of the scales used for the measurement of preoperative anxiety. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study of patients treated with extraction of a lower third molar between September 2010 to December 2010 was carried out. A total of 125 patients were included in the study. All of them were patients of the Oral Surgery and Implantology Department (Valencia University Medical and Dental School, Valencia, Spain). Before surgery, patients had to complete a preoperative protocol with 4 scales: the STAI-T (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait) for measuring trait anxiety, the STAI-S (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State) for measuring state anxiety, and DAS (Dental anxiety Scale of N. Corah) and APAIS (Amsterdam Preoperative anxiety and Information Scale) for measuring dental anxiety. RESULTS: Patients undergoing extractions of an impacted lower third molar showed low levels of trait anxiety and moderate levels of state anxiety and dental anxiety. Higher levels of trait anxiety were obtained for older patients. Women had higher mean levels of dental anxiety and state anxiety that men with a statistically significant difference in STAI-S scales, DAS, and APAIS. Patients with higher trait anxiety and state anxiety showed higher levels of dental anxiety. A significant correlation (p ≤ 0.01) (p = 0.00) was found between the four scales used to measure anxiety. The scale showed higher correlation was STAI-S scale. The 4 scales showed high reliability (α of C.> 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with highest levels of trait anxiety and state anxiety, had more dental anxiety. The STAI-T, STAI-S, DAS and APAIS scales provided useful information about anxiety before the extraction of lower impacted third molars. The STAI-S is the scale with highest correlation and reliability.

Assessment of anxiety in patients who undergo surgical procedures for tooth implants: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate general anxiety using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and dental anxiety using the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (Corah-DAS) in patients who underwent surgical procedures for dental implants. METHODS: The study was performed with 55 patients who underwent implant surgery, of whom 37 were treated at a university and 18 were treated at a private office. General anxiety (STAI) and dental anxiety (Corah-DAS) were assessed at three different time points: appointment prior to clinical procedures (T1), day of procedures (just before the procedures; T2), and first post-procedure appointment (T3). The data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by the Duncan test or Student's t-test. RESULTS: State anxiety increased on the day of surgery (T2), whereas trait anxiety was higher at T1 (both p < 0.05). Women (n = 41) presented higher state anxiety at T2 than men (n = 14). Patients who were treated at the university (n = 37) exhibited higher state anxiety at both T1 and T3 than patients who were treated in a private practice (n = 18). Individuals with lower dental anxiety at T1 were those who reported having good experiences with dental treatment. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in state anxiety was observed immediately before surgical procedures, and this increase was more pronounced in females. Although the Corah-DAS has been used as an indicator of dental anxiety, the STAI appears to be more sensitive for the measurement of anxiety. The application of appropriate methods is essential for ascertaining anxiety in patients, which should be considered in oral surgeries.

Relação entre ansiedade ao tratamento odontológico e fatores sociodemográficos: estudo com adultos em Santa Catarina (Brasil) / Relationship between anxiety to dentaltreatment and socidemographic factors:a study with adults in Santa Catarina(Brazil)

Introdução: O medo e a ansiedade são emoções preocupantes no consultório odontológico por desencadearem diferentes tipos de comportamento e causarem repercussões somáticas indesejáveis. A reversão do quadro de ansiedade ao tratamento odontológico requer intervenções de diferentes enfoques. Neste sentido, o papel do cirurgião-dentista no processo de redução dos efeitos negativos da ansiedade é essencial. Frente à importância da temática é desejável melhor se conhecer o fenômeno de ansiedade ao tratamento odontológico. Objetivo: identificar a influência de fatores sociodemográficos na determinação de ansiedade ao tratamento odontológico, junto a uma amostra de adultos residentes em Santa Catarina. Métodos: pesquisa descritiva, do tipo transversal, mediante levantamento de dados primários. A população-alvo foi constituída por adultos, residentes em três cidades da região oeste de Santa Catarina (Brasil) e uma cidade do litoral norte catarinense. O plano amostral foi não probabilístico e a obtenção da amostra deu-se por conveniência. A determinação do nível de ansiedade foi efetuada com base numa adaptação da escala de Corah - Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). Resultados: a amostra constou de 1219 sujeitos, com idades variando de 18 a 87 anos. Os sujeitos classificados entre muito pouco a levemente ansioso (Grupo A - baixo nível) foram os mais frequentes (80 por cento) e 20 por cento eram portadores de moderada a extrema ansiedade (Grupo B - alto nível). A não efetivação de consultas de modo regular foi um pouco mais frequente entre os sujeitos do Grupo B. Conclusão: a maioria do grupo classificado com baixo nível de ansiedade (Grupo A) era de homens, da faixa etária de 50 ou mais anos e com grau de escolaridade superior.

Introduction: Fear and anxiety are disturbing emotions in the dental office for triggering different types of behavior and causing undesirable somatic repercussions. Reversal of anxiety disorders to dental treatment interventions requires different approaches. In this sense, the dentist's role in the reduction process of the negative effects of anxiety is essential. Considering the relevance of the theme it is desirable to understand clearly the anxiety phenomenon to dental treatment. Objective: to identify the influence of socio-demographic factors on the determination of anxiety related to dental treatment, in a sample of adults living in Santa Catarina. Methods: descriptive research, cross-sectional, through primary data collection. The target population consisted of adults living in two cities of the western region and one city of the north coast in Santa Catarina (Brazil). The sampling plan was not probabilistic and obtaining by convenience. To determine the level of anxiety was used an adaptation of Corah Scale - Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). Results: The sample consisted of 1219 subjects, aged 18-87 years. The subjects rated between very little to look forward slightly (Group A - Low level) were the most common (80 per cent) and 20 per cent suffered from moderate to extreme anxiety (Group B - High level). The non-effective dental appointment was more frequent among subjects with high levels of anxiety (Group B). Conclusion: most in the group rated low anxiety (Group A) were men, older adults (50 or more years) and higher education. In the group with high levels of anxiety (Group B) the majority were women, young adults (18-24 years) and with higher education. The chi-square test revealed a significant association between anxiety and sexy and age.