IngentaConnect Dental fear in adults: a meta-analysis of behavioral intervention...

Abstract:

Kvale G, Berggren U, Milgrom P. Dental fear in adults: a meta-analysis of behavioral interventions. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2004; 32: 250–64. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2004 Abstract – Objectives:

The aim of this meta-analytic and systematic quantitative approach is to examine the effects of behavioral interventions for dental anxiety and dental phobia. Methods:

Eighty studies were identified where dental fear treatment with behavioral methods was evaluated. Thirty-eight of 80 met entry criteria and were included in a meta-analysis. Results:

The calculated effect sizes (ESs) for self-reported anxiety after intervention indicate positive changes in 36 of the 38 studies and no changes in two. The overall ES = 1.8 (95% CI: 1.6, 1.8). The percent of subjects with post-treatment dental visits in the first 6 months post-treatment varied between 50 and 100%. The overall ES for attendance at dental visits, weighted by sample size, is 1.4 (95% CI: 1.3, 1.6). The homogeneity analysis indicates that the studies cannot be adequately described in one ES. The reported percentage of subjects with a dental visit between 6 months and 4 years post-treatment varied from 48 to 100%. The overall weighted ES for visiting the dentist, adjusted for drop-outs in the studies, is 1.2 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.4). Conclusions:

Despite extensive heterogeneity, changes in self-reported anxiety represent medium to large ESs. Patients signing up for a behavioral intervention for dental fear can be expected to report a significant reduction in their fear, and this effect generally seems to be lasting. Mean long-term attendance (>4 years after treatment) is 77%.

Keywords: behavior therapy; cognitive therapy; dental anxiety; meta-analysis; treatment outcome

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0528.2004.00146.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway 2: Department of Oral Medicine, Faculty of Odontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden 3: Dental Fears Research Clinic, Department of Dental Public Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

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