Assessment of dental anxiety in children and their caregivers using norman corah's dental anxiety scale

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Original Article

Author Details : Nanda J , Sharma D , Vashista K , Sandhu M , Jasmine Nanda*

Volume : 1, Issue : 2, Year : 2013

Article Page : 21-26

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Abstract

Background: Dental anxiety in children still remains a major reason for avoidance of dental treatment. It is challenging for apediatric dentist to managesuch anxious children Therefore, assessment ofanxiety in children would helpthe professional to modify the child's behaviourand deliver the treatmenteffectively and efficiently.

Aim: This study was aimed at assessing the correlation betweenthe dental anxiety level in children and their caregivers andto evaluate the dental procedure which elicits the maximmmanxiety in both children and them caregivers.

Materials and Methods: The study comprised of 120children aged8-14 yrs and 120adultsie their caregivers. The Norman Corah's Dental anxiety scale (DAS) was used to measure dental anxiety and Dental Concem Assessment scale was used to evaluate the maximum anxiety-eliciting procedure amongst children as well as their caregivers.

Statistical Analysis: Frequency distribution methodand Pearson coefficient test wereusedto assessthecorrelation andassociation, respectively, betweendental anxiety level in childrenandtheir caregivers. Pearson Chi Squaretest was also usedto test theassociation betweenthe dental procedureseliciting maximumanxiety in children and their caregivers.

Results and Conclusion: There was not a significant correlation between anxiety level in children and caregivers using Norman Corah DAS. But asignificant correlation was foundbetweenthe procedureeliciting maximumanxiety in both childrenand their caregivers (r = 0.384. p = 0.00 ). asboth were most anxious about injections, followedby tooth Extractions in case of children and sound and vibration of the drill in case of caregivers.

Key words: Dentalanxiety, Norman Corah's scale, Caregiver, Children

How to cite : Nanda J, Sharma D, Vashista K, Sandhu M, Nanda J , Assessment of dental anxiety in children and their caregivers using norman corah's dental anxiety scale. J Dent Spec 2013;1(2):21-26

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