Evaluating Level of Dental Treatment-related Anxiety among Adolescent Patients Reporting to Dental Institutions of Central India: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract Introduction: Dentophobia, also referred to as fear of dental treatment, is a typical emotional reaction to any frightening stimuli in a dental environment. It is typified by a severe and enduring fear of either easily identifiable situations or dental-related objects in general. The aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of dental anxiety in adolescent patients undergoing dental treatment, which will allow for timely and appropriate therapy interventions. Materials and Methods: The study design used here is cross-sectional. This was done to evaluate the anxiety levels of adolescent patients visiting dental clinics in Central India regarding dental care. 120 adolescents who were coming to the Department of Pedodontics for dental work or regular checkups filled a questionnaire-based survey. “Corah’s Dental Anxiety Scale, Revised (DAS-R)” was utilized in the study, and “SPSS software version 24.0” was used to analyze the data for distribution of frequency and descriptive statistics. A “Chi-square test” and “Pearson’s correlation” were two of the statistical tests used to look at the relationships between participant variables and dental anxiety levels. Descriptive statistics and frequency distribution were employed to record survey responses. Results: According to the study participants’ levels of dental anxiety, out of 120 people, 56.6% were male subjects, 43.3% were female, and 28.33% of the patients showed anxiety and were anxious due to a lack of awareness and fear, which is a basic emotion every child possesses. Conclusion: This study highlights a significant prevalence of dental treatment-related anxiety among adolescent patients, primarily stemming from a lack of awareness and fear. The findings underscore the importance for practicing dentists to be vigilant in identifying children exhibiting signs of dental anxiety. Early detection through psychological evaluation, along with providing necessary support and therapy, can be instrumental in addressing this issue and ensuring that young patients receive the primary care they need for their dental health.