Prevalence of dental anxiety among adult patients attending the University of Ghana Dental school clinic, Accra

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Abstract Introduction: There have been substantial efforts over the years to improve oral healthcare through technology, preventive methods, and dental behavioral management. Despite these efforts, dental anxiety poses considerable challenges to both patients and dentists. Its burden has however not been thoroughly explored in Ghana. Aim of the study: To determine the prevalence of dental anxiety among adult patients attending the University of Ghana Dental School Clinic. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study which assessed the level of anxiety of patients by use of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present results in the form of charts and graphs while Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to test the relationship between categorical variables. Results: There were 72 participants included in the study, consisting of 41.7% females, and 58.3% males. The cumulative prevalence of dental anxiety was 95.8%, with 41.7% respondents having ‘low anxiety’, 33.3% with ‘moderate anxiety’, 16.7% with ‘high anxiety’ and 4.2% respondents had ‘extreme anxiety’. The most commonly reported causes of dental anxiety were the sound and feel of the drill/handpiece (38.6%), followed by injection (36.8%). The level of dental anxiety was significantly influenced by the gender of patients and their experience in visiting the dental clinic. Conclusion: This study found the prevalence of dental anxiety to be high among participants. Behavioural management in dental practices should therefore be prioritized to optimize care and treatment outcomes.

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