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Why are people afraid of the dentist? Observations and explanations

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Humphris_2014_MPP_WhyArePeople.pdf (717.3Kb)
Date
07/2014
Author
Beaton, Laura
Freeman, Ruth
Humphris, Gerald Michael
Keywords
Dental anxiety
Dental phobia
Aetiology

RK Dentistry
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Abstract
Objective: The aim of this review was to explore the peer reviewed literature to answer the question: ‘Why are people afraid of the dentist?’ Method: Relevant literature was identified by searching the following on-line databases: PubMed, PsycInfo, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Publications were extracted if they explored the causes and consequences of dental fear, dental anxiety or dental phobia. Results: The research evidence suggests that the causes of dental fear, dental anxiety or dental phobia are related to exogenous factors such as direct learning from traumatic experiences, vicarious learning through significant others and the media, and endogenous factors such as inheritance and personality traits. Each individual aetiological factor is supported by the evidence provided. Conclusions: The evidence suggests that the aetiology of dental fear, anxiety or phobia is complex and multifactorial. The findings show that there are clear practical implications indicated by the existing research in this area: a better understanding of dental fear, anxiety and phobia may prevent treatment avoidance.
Citation
Beaton , L , Freeman , R & Humphris , G M 2014 , ' Why are people afraid of the dentist? Observations and explanations ' , Medical Principles and Practice , vol. 23 , no. 4 . https://doi.org/10.1159/000357223
Publication
Medical Principles and Practice
Status
Peer reviewed
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1159/000357223
ISSN
1011-7571
Type
Journal article
Rights
© 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel. This is an Open Access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial 3.0 Unported license (CC BY-NC) (www.karger.com/OA-license), applicable to the online version of the article only. Distribution permitted for non-commercial purposes only. CC license terms can be viewed here: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/
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  • University of St Andrews Research
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10023/5280

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