Comparative analysis of anxiety in patients treated by male vs. female dentists

Objective: This study aims to compare the anxiety levels of patients treated by male versus female dentists in Jodhpur. Dental anxiety is a common issue that can significantly impact a patient's experience and willingness to seek dental care. Understanding the influence of the dentist's gender on patient anxiety can help improve patient management strategies and enhance overall dental care. Methods: The study was conducted with a sample of 385 patients visiting various dental clinics in Jodhpur. Participants were randomly assigned to male or female dentists for their treatments. Data on patients' anxiety levels were collected using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) both before and after treatment. Additional demographic information, including age, gender, previous dental visits, and frequency of dental visits, was also recorded. Results: The results indicated that patients treated by female dentists reported slightly lower anxiety levels post-treatment compared to those treated by male dentists. The mean reduction in anxiety scores was statistically significant, suggesting that female dentists might be more effective in alleviating dental anxiety among patients. The study also found that various demographic factors, such as age and previous dental visit experiences, influenced anxiety levels. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential benefits of considering the dentist's gender in managing patient anxiety. Female dentists in Jodhpur were found to be slightly effective in reducing anxiety levels among patients. These findings can inform dental practices and policies aimed at improving patient experiences and outcomes. Further research is recommended to explore the underlying reasons for these differences and to develop tailored anxiety management strategies for diverse patient populations.