Dental Fear among Adolescents in Khon Kaen, Thailand

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 300 students randomly selected from seven schools in Muang District of Khon Kaen. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Dental fear and anxiety were assessed by Dental Fear Survey (DFS) and Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). Dental caries was examined by one calibrated dentist.

Results: The response rate was 91% (n=272).  Majority of the subjects (86%) had experienced dental treatment. Among these, 70% reported having previous bad experience such as pain and discomfort during dental treatment or after. Major reasons for not visiting dentist were no symptoms and lack of time. The DAS score indicated that 8.4% of the subjects had moderate-to-high anxiety.  The anxiety level was higher when subjects expecting dental appointment the next day (2.51 out of 5 points) than that occurred while waiting in the dental office (2.12) or while waiting for drilling (1.91). The prevalence was 6% for high dental fear (DFS score ≥60), 34% for moderate fear (DFS 34-59), 53% for low fear (DFS 21-33) and 7% for no fear (DFS <20). Subjects with moderate-to-high dental fear had significantly higher dental caries (DT=3.29, DMFT=4.77) than those with low or no dental fear (DT=2.60, DMFT=3.88).  Dental fear was not associated with gender, family income, previous experience of dental treatment and oral hygiene behaviour.

Conclusions: Dental fear was common among adolescents in Khon Kaen, but the prevalence of high fear was relatively low. Dental fear is positively associated with dental caries experience.