Acceptability and Feasibility of Conscientious Circular Breathing to Reduce Dental Anxiety

Objectives: Research indicates that around 19% of individuals experience moderate to high dental anxiety. Dental anxiety is multifaceted and subjective to the patient; thus, there is no monotherapy for management. Current management of dental anxiety includes pharmacological intervention and cognitive behavioral techniques. This study aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of conscientious circular breathing techniques (CCBT) in reducing dental anxiety in dental patients.
Methods: This study will recruit 16 patients from Temple University Dental School clinics, aged 18- 65, who exhibit moderate dental anxiety. Eligible participants will provide informed consent and complete the following set of questionnaires at baseline and post-intervention: Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Daily Spiritual Experience Scale (DSES). Participants will also complete the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire to determine the acceptability of CCBT. The CCBT protocol will include six sessions over the course of two weeks. Participants will attend three live sessions in the first week, where they will learn the CCBT technique using a guided pre-recorded practice video. For the following week, participants will be instructed to practice the CCBT up to three times on their own time. Participants will complete a brief survey following each CCBT session (up to 6 total) to assess stress and anxiety levels.
Results: To date, 9 participants have been enrolled and recruitment is ongoing. Mean age of participants is 30.5 (SD=6.36) years and baseline MDAS score is 13 (SD=2.83). Additional results will examine participant satisfaction with the CCBT intervention, as well as any changes in dental anxiety, general state anxiety, and perceived stress.
Conclusions: The results of this pilot study will indicate whether CCBT is feasible and acceptable for management of dental anxiety in a dental school setting. Further research is needed to understand whether CCBT may be a promising self-management technique for dental anxiety.