Analysis of dental anxiety levels and oral health-related quality of life of patients attending a periodontology clinic

Authors : Hatice Yemenoğlu, Oğuz Köse, Pelin Cepni

Pages : 38-46

Doi:10.61139/ijdor.1497831

View : 53 | Download : 60

Publication Date : 2024-08-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background: Dental anxiety is a problem that develops against dental treatments and practices, has negative effects on the patient\'s oral health, and affects a large population. This situation may affect individuals\' oral health-related quality of life. The purpose of this study was to determine the dental anxiety levels and oral health-related quality of life of patients admitted to our clinic and investigate the relationship between them. Materials and methods: Three hundred volunteer individuals were included in the study. Participants were asked questions to determine personal characteristics. The Oral Health Impact Profile-14 Scale (OHIP-14) was used to determine the level of quality of life related to oral health, and the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to evaluate the level of dental anxiety. The periodontal status of the participants was evaluated using the gingival index, plaque index, clinical attachment levels, periodontal pocket depth, and the bleeding on probing index. Results: According to the results of the evaluations, a statistically significant relationship was found between educational status, the frequency of visiting the dentist, and OHIP-14 (p<0.05). MDAS scores of primary school graduates were significantly higher than the other groups (p<0.05). A positive correlation was observed between periodontal parameters and MDAS and OHIP-14 scores (p<0.001). There was also a statistically significant and positive correlation between MDAS and OHIP-14 scores (p<0.001). Conclusion: Learning factors that cause dental anxiety and taking actions to reduce dental anxiety during treatment may help make dental treatments more successful and improve oral health.
Keywords : dental anksiyete, modifiye dental anksiyete skalası, ağız sağlığı ile ilişkili yaşam kalitesi