Treatment of Dental Anxiety and Phobia—Diagnostic Criteria and Conceptual Model of Behavioural Treatment

Abstract

Dental anxiety and dental phobia are still prevalent among adult individuals and should be considered a dental public health issue. Dental anxiety/phobia is often described as a vicious cycle where avoidance of dental care, poor oral health, and psychosocial effects are common features, often escalating over time. Treatment should include therapy for dental anxiety/phobia and oral diseases. This paper discusses aetiology, prevalence, and diagnosis of dental anxiety/phobia and, in detail, presents a conceptual treatment model at the Dental Fears Research and Treatment Center in Gothenburg, Sweden. In addition, based on systematic reviews, evidence-based treatment for dental anxiety is revealed including the interdisciplinary approach between psychology and dentistry.

Keywords

• dental anxiety
• dental phobia
• adults
• diagnosis
• treatment manual
• cognitive behaviour therapy