Prevalence of dental fear and anxiety in children between 5 and 14 years old in Medellín, Colombia.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) using CFSS-DS scale in children between 5 and14 years old in the city of Medellin, Colombia
Methods: The previously validated Spanish version of the CFSS-DS survey was applied to 250 children who attended 18 randomnly selected public and private dental clinics in Medellin. A statistical analysis was completed using STATA version 12 sofware program in order to estimate the prevalence of Dental Fear and Anxiety (DFA) as well as the associated factors.
Results: Overall prevalence of DFA was of 28.5 (SD 11.4) in the CFSS-DS scale (15-75). Values greater than 32 were considered to be indicative of DFA indicating a prevalence of 30.4%. No significant differences were observed between Dental Fear and Anxiety (DFA) and age, gender, socioeconomic level, age of parents or school grade
Conclusions: Results indicate that the prevalence of Dental Fear and Anxiety in the city of Medellín is low. No differences were observed between possible associated factors and DFA