Elena Gabriela Strete, Andreea Sălcudean, Ramona Amina Popovici, Corneliu Constantin Zeicu, Dora Cimpian, Andreea Sasu, Cristina Raluca Bodo, Iustin Olariu
DOI : 10.62610/RJOR.2025.2.17.25
ABSTRACT
Aim of the study Anxiety about dental practice is one of the main barriers to accessing dental services and, at the same time, a common problem for dentists. The present study aimed to assess the patient’s perception of the dentist and the patient’s perception of dental anxiety toward the dental practice (i.e., general anxiety/fear and sensory over-responsiveness), respectively. Materials and methods We carried out a pilot observational study using two known questionnaires, namely the BSI-18 (Brief Symptom Inventory-18), which assesses the psychological distress of patients visiting the dentist, and the DAS (Dental Anxiety Scale), which evaluates dental anxiety towards the dentist and dental treatments. The questionnaires were administered in independent dental practices in Timisoara, and the study was conducted between August 2024 and January 2025 on a sample of 231 persons. Results The results of our study revealed a clear link between socio-economic factors, sources of oral health information, the high prevalence of anxiety as a personality trait, anxiety towards the dentist, and referral to dental services. Conclusions As a result of the study, we can conclude that the intensity of dental anxiety is higher before the therapeutic manoeuvre regardless of the patient’s socio-economic status. It has been found, however, that people who are more educated experience lower levels of anxiety in specific situations.
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