PREVALENCE OF DENTAL ANXIETY AMONG ADULT PATIENTS ATTENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA DENTAL SCHOOL CLINIC, ACCRA

Authors

  • Alfred Dickson Dai-Kos Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry, University of Ghana Dental School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana
  • Tormeti D Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry, University of Ghana Dental School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana
  • Adu-Kofi D 1 Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry, University of Ghana Dental School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana
  • Sackeyfio J 1 Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry, University of Ghana Dental School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana
  • Nyako EA Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Ghana Dental School, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana
  • Acquaye V A 3 Department of Psychological Medicine and Mental Health, University of Cape Coast, Ghana
  • Abbey EA Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon

Keywords:

prevalence, dental anxiety, dental phobia, dental fear, Ghana

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: There have been substantial efforts over the years to improve oral healthcare through technology, preventive methods, and dental behavioural management. Despite these efforts, dental anxiety poses considerable challenges to both patients and dentists. Its burden has however not been thoroughly explored in Ghana.
AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the prevalence of dental anxiety among adult patients attending the University of Ghana Dental School Clinic.
METHODS: This was a survey with cross-sectional approach which assessed the level of anxiety of patients by the use of the Modified
Dental Anxiety Scale. The results were presented in the form of charts and graphs while Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to test the
relationship between gender of patients.
RESULTS: The results revealed that 58% males, participated in the study and the prevalence of dental anxiety was 54% representing
moderate, high and ‘extreme anxiety’. The most commonly reported causes of dental anxiety were the sound and feel of the drill/handpiece (39%), followed by injection (37%). The level of dental anxiety was significantly influenced by the gender of patients and their experience of regularly accessing dental care.
CONCLUSION: The study found the prevalence of dental anxiety to be high among participants. Behavioural management in dental
practices should therefore be prioritized to optimize care and treatment outcomes.

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Published

2025-01-24

How to Cite

Dai-Kos, A. D., D, T., D, A.-K., J, S., EA , N., V A, A., & EA , A. (2025). PREVALENCE OF DENTAL ANXIETY AMONG ADULT PATIENTS ATTENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA DENTAL SCHOOL CLINIC, ACCRA. Ghana Dental JOURNAL, 22(1 Articles in Press). Retrieved from https://gdajournal.org/publications/index.php/gda/article/view/88