A dental support group for anxious patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate, qualitatively, a support group for dentally anxious patients reluctant to visit the dentist and obtain dental care.


METHODS
Semi-structured interviews by group discussion, face-to-face or telephone.


METHODS
Community: primary health care centre.


METHODS
14 (50%) of the members of the support group.


METHODS
13 interviewees were also monitored during a course of treatment following support group attendance.


METHODS
Views of interviewees concerning dental attendance and dental care before, during and after attendance at the support group.


RESULTS
Attendance at the group was a major factor in dispelling fears and negative beliefs about dental care. The 13 interviewees whose progress was monitored through a subsequent course of treatment had a mean age of 43 years and had last attended for dental care 9 years previously. Treatment lasted for a mean of 5.4 visits with few failed appointments. They showed a significant (P < 0.01) reduction in Corah dental anxiety scale score.


CONCLUSIONS
Attendance at the support group generated empathy between members and confidence to seek treatment. It increased trust in the dental team but tended to lead to dependence on the dentist group leader. Wider availability of such groups could help to reduce dental anxiety in non-attending adults and encourage treatment uptake.
Crawford
A N
AN
Mancunian Community (NHS) Trust, Mauldeth House, Mauldeth Road West, Manchester M21 2RL.
Hawker
B J
BJ
Lennon
M A
MA
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016854:Dental Anxiety / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D012657:Self-Help Groups