Characteristics of dental fear amongst dental and medical students
Rao, A.; Sequeire, P.S.; Peter, S.
Indian Journal of Dental Research Official Publication of Indian Society for Dental Research 8(4): 111-114
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0970-9290 PMID: 9586524 Document Number: 471322
A survey using a modification of the Dental Fear Survey (3) was carried out among 304, 17-22-year-old college students in Mangalore, India, in order to determine the prevalence and characteristics of dental fear. Feeling tense was found to be the most frequently reported physiologic arousal. Among the dental situations, the needle and the drill were the most fear-provoking stimuli. About 51% of the students reported some fear of dentistry with females and dental students being more fearful than males and medical students. They also reported higher avoidance behaviour. This study also suggested that dental fear could be influences by family and friends.