Self-reported efficacy of an online dental anxiety support group: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to explore the self-reported effectiveness of an existing online dental anxiety support group in terms of perceived level of anxiety since accessing the group.


METHODS
An online questionnaire was completed by 91 individuals who accessed the Dental Fear Central, an online support group bulletin board, during an 8-week period in 2005. Participants reported background demographic information, their own self-reported evaluation of the efficacy of the support group, as well as completing the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS).


RESULTS
In total, 60% of the sample considered that the support group had 'somewhat' or 'greatly lessened' their anxiety. Overall MDAS scores were significantly lower in the 'greatly lessened' group.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this nonrandomised pilot study suggest some individuals retrospectively considered that, since accessing the online group, they experienced a reduction in dental anxiety. Future research should employ a randomised controlled design in order to determine the contribution of the online group to self-reported changes in dental anxiety over time.
Coulson
Neil S
NS
Institute of Work, Health and Organisations, University of Nottingham, UK. neil.coulson@nottingham.ac.uk
Buchanan
Heather
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016854:Dental Anxiety / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008347:Manifest Anxiety Scale; D008875:Middle Aged; D009862:Online Systems; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires