Insights about Dental Anxiety and Oral Health Behaviors: Dentist’s Perspective in a Qualitative Study

Abstract Background: Our understanding of human behavior with respect to compliance with preventive dental care, especially when it involves dental anxiety is still in its infancy. Aim: The aim of this study was to exploring dentist’s perspective of dental anxiety and oral health behaviors. Materials and Methods: This study utilized a qualitative approach in semi-structured interviews of dentists belonging to a tertiary dental institute for studying about oral health behaviors in the background of dental anxiety and fear. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results: Perception of the importance of oral health is the driving force to overcome widespread dental fear and anxiety. Perception of the importance of oral health is the driving force to neutralize the negative impacts of dental fear and anxiety as barriers to seeking preventive oral health care. Conclusion: Strategies directed at education about the significance of oral health extending to mental health, cardiovascular health, respiratory system, optimum functioning, and well-being may be helpful in seeking preventive oral health care amidst dental fear and anxiety.