PREVALENCE OF DENTAL ANXIETY AMONG ADULT PATIENTS ATTENDING THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA DENTAL SCHOOL CLINIC, ACCRA

INTRODUCTION: There have been substantial efforts over the years to improve oral healthcare through technology, preventive methods, and dental behavioural management. Despite these efforts, dental anxiety poses considerable challenges to both patients and dentists. Its burden has however not been thoroughly explored in Ghana. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine the prevalence of dental anxiety among adult patients attending the University of Ghana Dental School Clinic. METHODS: This was a survey with cross-sectional approach which assessed the level of anxiety of patients by the use of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale. The results were presented in the form of charts and graphs while Pearson's Chi-square test was used to test the relationship between gender of patients. RESULTS: The results revealed that 58% males, participated in the study and the prevalence of dental anxiety was 54% representing moderate, high and 'extreme anxiety'. The most commonly reported causes of dental anxiety were the sound and feel of the drill/handpiece (39%), followed by injection (37%). The level of dental anxiety was significantly influenced by the gender of patients and their experience of regularly accessing dental care. CONCLUSION: The study found the prevalence of dental anxiety to be high among participants. Behavioural management in dental practices should therefore be prioritized to optimize care and treatment outcomes.