title: Pre-treatment anxiety in a dental hygiene recall population: a cross-sectional pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Increased levels of anxiety may affect a patient's receptiveness to treatment, health care information and behaviour modification. This study was undertaken to assess pre-treatment anxiety in a dental hygiene recall population maintaining a schedule of regular preventive care appointments.
  
  
  METHODS
  The sample population consisted of 46 consecutive adult recall patients waiting for their regularly scheduled dental hygiene appointment. Pre-treatment state (current) anxiety was assessed using the State-Trait-Anxiety Inventory (STAI), State form; dental anxiety with the Hierarchical Anxiety Questionnaire (HAQ); subjective stress using a visual analogue scale (VAS); and mood/alertness/calmness using the Multidimensional Mood Questionnaire (MDMQ).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two distinct groups, based on state anxiety scores, were formed; one displaying increased levels of pre-treatment anxiety (n = 14), the other low anxiety (n = 32). The HA group was characterized by significantly higher dental anxiety and subjective stress levels prior to treatment; as well as worse mood, lower alertness, and less calmness in the dental office setting. There was no correlation between anxiety level and years in dental hygiene recall.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A high level of pre-treatment anxiety was present in about one third of the sample population. The prevalence of this anxiety demonstrates the need for both early recognition and patient management strategies (psychological and pain management) to positively influence their treatment experience.
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, University of Zurich, Center of Dental Medicine, Plattenstrasse 11, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland. deborah.hofer@zzm.uzh.ch.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hofer
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Myriam V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Thoma
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, University of Zurich, Center of Dental Medicine, Plattenstrasse 11, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Patrick R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Schmidlin
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Cariology, University of Zurich, Center of Dental Medicine, Plattenstrasse 11, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Attin
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Ulrike
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Ehlert
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Urs M
authors.initials: UM
authors.lastname: Nater
mesh_terms: D001007:Anxiety; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D016854:Dental Anxiety / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003729:Dental Care; D006801:Humans; D010865:Pilot Projects; D064232:Visual Analog Scale
keywords: Anxiety; Dental hygiene; Recall