Análise dos fatores associados à ansiedade pré-atendimento odontológico em pacientes da Faculdade Metropolitana de Rondônia

Introduction: Anxiety prior to dental care may stem from a fear of pain, apprehension regarding instruments, previous negative experiences, or a perceived lack of control; therefore, understanding patients' perceptions of their treatment is highly relevant. Objective: To analyze factors associated with pre-dental appointment anxiety among patients at the Dental Clinic of the Faculdade Metropolitana de Rondônia. Methodology: This is a descriptive, exploratory field study employing a quantitative approach. Data were collected via 30 questionnaires containing sociodemographic information and predominantly closed-ended questions concerning anxiety, frequency of dental visits, past experiences, and perceptions of the care received. Data were organized into an electronic database and analyzed using descriptive statistics, with absolute and relative frequencies presented in tables and charts. Results: Preliminary tabulation revealed that eight respondents (26.7%) experienced anxiety before their appointment, and five (16.7%) reported having considered canceling or postponing their treatment for this reason. Across all responses, fear of needles or anesthesia was noted by eight individuals (26.7%). Among the eight respondents who reported anxiety, a lack of control was the most frequently cited factor (mentioned by three, or 37.5%). All participants valued receiving explanations about the procedures, and 28 (93.3%) perceived the dental team as attentive and understanding. Conclusion: The findings indicate that some respondents experienced anxiety, which coexisted with a predominantly positive perception of the dental team. The importance placed on receiving explanations, combined with the specific fears identified, underscores the significance of a welcoming approach and effective communication in the patient experience—though no causal relationships between the investigated factors were established.