Assessment of Dental Anxiety among Medical students studying in a Medical College, Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Background: Though significant advances have been made in the field of dentistry over a period of time but the fear of pain and anxiety for dental treatment remains widespread among patients and is a significant barrier to dental treatment. Aim: To provide information about various levels of anxiety patients experience while seeking dental treatment so as to minimize them and aid in planning stress-free treatment and environment to the patients.  Setting and Design: This is a cross-sectional survey conducted in a Maharishi Markandeshwar Medical College and Hospital (MMMC&H), Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Material and Methods: It utilized a self-reported questionnaire based on Modified Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). The study was performed on 250 medical students (aged 18- 25 years) studying in MMMC&H, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Statistical Analysis: The data was put into Microsoft Excel software and was analysed using SPSS 22. The level of significance was kept at 5%.  Results:  Out of 285 questionnaires, 250 questionnaires were returned (response rate – 97.3%). Overall, prevalence of dental anxiety was high (69.8%). It was seen to be significantly higher in females (mean 12.90) than in males (mean –10.95) . This difference being statistically significant (p = 0.0005). However, prevalence of severe anxiety (phobia) was quiet low (7.2%). Conclusion: Patients anxious about dental procedures are often more difficult to treat. Anxious patients should be identified and managed appropriately by behavioural/pharmacological measures. Communication between dental and behavioral health professionals is needed to implement a multidisciplinary team approach involving behavioural and psychological interventions.