Summary of research on Dental Anxiety & CBT Intervention
This research, conducted by a team at Kornberg School of Dentistry (including Amid Ismail, Elizabeth Konneker, Eugene M. Dunne and Marisol Tellez), investigated the origins and coping mechanisms related to dental anxiety, and the effectiveness of a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based intervention.
Key Findings:
* Prevalence: dental anxiety affects approximately 19% of adults and 24% of children/adolescents in the U.S.
* Origins: Dental anxiety stems from three main sources: traumatic childhood dental experiences, traumatic adult dental events, and pre-existing general anxiety. Common contributing factors include loss of control, lack of trust in providers, and fear of pain.
* coping Mechanisms: Patients utilize a variety of coping strategies, including 30 identified in the study. Avoidant coping (listening to music, fidgeting, etc.) is common, and is correlated wiht higher levels of dental anxiety (measured by MDAS and FQBII scales).
* CBT Intervention Effectiveness: An hour-long online CBT intervention significantly reduced the use of avoidant coping strategies in patients. Participants spontaneously reported using skills learned in the intervention to manage their anxiety.
* Study Design: A clinical trial randomized patients experiencing high dental anxiety into three groups: intervention with trained staff, intervention with psychology personnel, and a control video. Data was collected using the Anxiety and Related Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS) and scales like the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and Fear questionnaire Blood-Injury Injection Subscale (FQBII).
Overall Message:
The research highlights the widespread nature of dental anxiety and the importance of providing accessible resources and tools (like CBT interventions) to help patients manage their fears and improve their dental experiences. The study suggests that reducing reliance on avoidant coping strategies is a key component of addressing dental anxiety.
