Research Project

Management of Dental Anxiety

• Presenting health related topics at the Wellness Health Fair in New York City of Technology.
• Presented and educated listeners about dental anxiety
• Explained what dental anxiety was and the method for management  of dental anxiety.
• This research project enhanced my clinical understanding because it helped me to ease my patient’s anxiety.

Dental anxiety was a significant problem in the United Stated. It affected both the patients and dental professional. Dental anxiety, or feeling stressed or uneasy at the thought of dental treatment, is a multi-faceted disorder that involves patients’ somatic, cognitive, and emotional behavior responses. Multiple factors may contribute to a patient’s susceptibility to developing dental anxiety. Approximately one out of every three adult women become anxious before, during, or after dental treatment. Typically, once seated in the dental chair, anxious patients may appear to be irritable, uncooperative, have higher blood pressure, experience heightened sensitivities, and have impaired social or cognitive function, and provide negative commentary. Anxious patients can also become fearful or cry without warning, become aggressive, have a greater chance of being self-medicated, and frequently cancel, delay, or reschedule appointments.

Method for management of dental anxiety:

• Nitrous Oxide Sedation
• Patient’s Control
• Relaxation
• Distraction
• Voice Control
• Biofeedback
• Hypnosis
• Acupuncture

The dental hygienist should be able to identify anxious patients and assess the severity of their anxiety as well as trigger stimuli. Such assessment will allow the clinician to provide and individualized, patient-focused treatment plan that includes specific strategies to manage anxiety incrementing patient’s trust, comfort and cooperation. A more pleasant experience for the patient will translate in decreased tension for the dental hygienist and improved performance.