title: Children's experiences of dental anxiety.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dental anxiety is common among children. Although there is a wealth of research investigating childhood dental anxiety, little consideration has been given to the child's perspective.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This qualitative study sought to explore with children their own experiences of dental anxiety using a cognitive behavioural therapy assessment model.
  
  
  METHODS
  Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with dentally anxious children aged 11-16 years. The Five Areas model was used to inform the topic guide and analysis. Data were analysed using a framework approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 13 children were interviewed. Participants described their experiences of dental anxiety across multiple dimensions (situational factors and altered thoughts, feelings, physical symptoms, and behaviours). Participants placed considerable value on communication by dental professionals, with poor communication having a negative influence on dental anxiety and the dentist-patient relationship.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study confirms the Five Areas model as an applicable theoretical model for the assessment of childhood dental anxiety. Children provided insights about their own dental anxiety experiences that have not previously been described.
authors.affiliation: School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Annie G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.affiliation: School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Helen D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Rodd
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Sociology and Politics, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Jenny M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Porritt
authors.affiliation: School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Sarah R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Baker
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Creswell
authors.affiliation: Population and Patient Health, Dental Institute, King's College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Newton
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
authors.forename: Zoe
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Marshman
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003142:Communication; D016854:Dental Anxiety / Q000523:psychology*; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D036301:Qualitative Research