Dental anxiety is not typically associated with orthodontic treatment because of the lack of evoking stimuli (i.e., drills, needles). Its prevalence in orthodontic patients is unknown but reported anecdotally. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors contributing to dental anxiety in future and current orthodontic patients. University dental clinics and private orthodontic office patients completed a questionnaire including the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), MDAS-Ortho (both scored 1-not anxious to 5-extremely anxious; sum score >15=dentally anxious), and list of concerns about orthodontic treatment. 675 patients participated (60.4% private practice; 64.3% female; 24.9% new patients; 85.5% aged 12-20 years). University clinic patients reported significantly higher MDAS and MDASO scores (p<0.05). 22.8% were dentally anxious and 18.7% anxious about orthodontic treatment, with concerns related to their relationship with the orthodontist, perceptions of orthodontic treatment and treatment factors. Results confirm dental anxiety in orthodontic patients and factors contributing to that anxiety.

Dental anxiety is not typically associated with orthodontic treatment because of the lack of evoking stimuli (i.e., drills, needles). Its prevalence in orthodontic patients is unknown but reported anecdotally. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors contributing to dental anxiety in future and current orthodontic patients. University dental clinics and private orthodontic office patients completed a questionnaire including the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), MDAS-Ortho (both scored 1-not anxious to 5-extremely anxious; sum score >15=dentally anxious), and list of concerns about orthodontic treatment. 675 patients participated (60.4% private practice; 64.3% female; 24.9% new patients; 85.5% aged 12-20 years). University clinic patients reported significantly higher MDAS and MDASO scores (p<0.05). 22.8% were dentally anxious and 18.7% anxious about orthodontic treatment, with concerns related to their relationship with the orthodontist, perceptions of orthodontic treatment and treatment factors. Results confirm dental anxiety in orthodontic patients and factors contributing to that anxiety.

Dental anxiety is a common problem found in approximately 80% of the adult population in the United States. This study examined the role of dental anxiety within the dentist/patient relationship. Negative experiences were found to be the most significant contributor of dental anxiety. The negative experiences result largely from the relationship between the dentist and the patient. Both dentist and patient are affected from the effects of dental anxiety. Therefore it is important for the dentist to establish a trusting relationship with the patient to ensure that proper dental care can be provided.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oklahoma State University, 1996. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (doctoral)--University of Göteborg, 1993. / Added t.p. with thesis statement inserted. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Oklahoma State University, 1996. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (doctoral)--University of Göteborg, 1993. / Added t.p. with thesis statement inserted. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (D.P.H.)--University of Pittsburgh, 1996. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Commonwealth University, 1999. / Prepared for: Dept. of Psychology. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Case Western Reserve University, 1996. / eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references.