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Dental Fear and Anxiety in American Indians/Alaska Natives
The American Indian/Alaska Native population experiences decreased oral health care access and utilization. Previous studies have shown that dental anxiety is a major concern and can decrease utilization of dental care. However, previous studies have not looked specifically at dental anxiety in the American Indian/Alaska Native population.
This study describes the level of dental anxiety in American Indians/Alaska Natives and assesses the procedures and experiences at the dentist office that produce the highest level of anxiety.
Methods:
The survey relied on internet advertisements through Facebook and Survey Monkey to collect data. SPSS was used to complete a descriptive analysis of dental anxiety levels of participants and the specific factors that may cause anxiety in a dental patient. Kruskal Wallis tests were also used to determine statistical difference among access or demographics and anxiety levels.
Results:
The results showed a high prevalence of anxiety in AI/AN participants with 61.8% of participants experiencing some level of dental anxiety and 24.9% of respondents experiencing severe anxiety. Income, age, nor education made a significant difference in anxiety levels, but anxiety levels did increase for those without a usual dentist and those who avoided care even when they needed it. Dental procedures associated with pain or fear of pain produced the highest levels of anxiety.
Conclusion:
This study illustrated the importance of addressing and understanding dental anxiety in the AI/AN population or any other group. Dental providers need to be educated about dental anxiety and treatment in order to increase oral health utilization.
Learning Areas:
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programsLearning Objectives:
Identify Dental Anxiety in the American Indians/Alaska Natives
Keyword(s): Oral Health, Minority Health
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been the principal or co-principal of multiple federally funded grants involving the American Indian/Alaska Native Community. As a part of my doctorate program, I studied the impact of Dental Anxiety in many populations, but specifically the American Indian/Alaska Native Community.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.