[Self-reported dental experience and dental anxiety among school children in a rural district of Norway].

Abstract

The article deals with the relationships between previous dental experience (STE in text and table) and self-reported dental anxiety (CDAS) and clinical anxiety (KAB). 155 children aged 10-13 from a rural district in Norway participated in the investigation. Previous dental experience was decided on the basis of three questions related to extraction, fillings, and toothache. With No/Yes as alternative answers the STE scale scores 3-6. There was a weak, but significant correlation between experience and self-reported dental anxiety. No significant correlation was found between experience and clinical anxiety. However, as a group, children with the broader experience (STE = 5-6) demonstrated a significantly higher level of clinical anxiety than children with lesser experience (STE = 3-4).