Patients’ Attitudes to Dental Treatment Using Ozone vs. Conventional Treatment

Ozone has been shown to clinically reverse primary root carious lesions and early occlusal fissure caries. Aim: This study aimed to assess patients’ attitudes in a typical high-street dental practice towards this novel form of treatment using Ozone¹ and compared it with their attitude towards conventional “drill and fill” techniques. The study was conducted in an area noted for dental-phobia and poor dental health. Methods: 100 patients aged 16 and over were surveyed. They completed a questionnaire, part of which was completed before, and the other part after, Ozone treatment. The questionnaire enquired about the patients’ previous dental experiences and their attitudes regarding the Ozone treatment. Dental Anxiety was measured on a 5-item inventory ranging from 5 (not anxious) to 21 (very anxious). Results: 83% were anxious about teeth being drilled and 80% were nervous about local analgesia. Having received a verbal explanation of the ozone process, only 33% remained slightly nervous prior to the procedure; the reminder having no anxiety. Immediately following ozone treatment, 100% were feeling no anxiety and were very satisfied with the treatment. 100% were very satisfied with the time taken for ozone treatment. 95% would recommend this treatment to family/ friends, whilst 80% would be happy to pay more for ozone treatment than conventional ‘drill and fill’. All patients surveyed would have Ozone treatment again faced with the same type of decay. Conclusions: In a general practice located in a geographical area where high anxiety about dental treatment is commonplace and dental decay rates are some of the worst in the UK, the results of this survey demonstrate that patients are less anxious when receiving Ozone treatment. This treatment has major potential for treating anxious patients. ¹HealOzone Unit, CurOzoneUSA.