Dental anxiety--how would you manage it?

Abstract

Dental anxiety is well documented within dental literature, and is a condition with which dentists and dental care professionals alike will be familiar. Its consequences may extend beyond dental implications alone, but can also have the potential to affect a patient's quality of life. It is important that as a dental profession we are aware of the methods which can be used to manage various forms of dental anxiety, and to refer to specialist services as appropriate. This paper focusses on detailing both the evidence-based behavioural and pharmacological strategies that may be employed for both dentally anxious adults and children.