# Patient Anxiety in Oro-Dental Procedures: A Retrospective Observational Study of Biopsychosocial Aspects

## TL;DR

This study explores how anxiety affects dental patients and finds that education level and information sources influence anxiety levels before dental procedures.

## Contribution

The study identifies biopsychosocial factors and educational influences on dental anxiety and patient preferences for anxiety reduction.

## Key findings

- Anxiety is higher before dental procedures and linked to psychological distress.
- More educated individuals experience lower anxiety during dental visits.
- Sources of oral health information influence anxiety levels and treatment preferences.

## Abstract

Aim of the study: Anxiety about dental treatment is one of the main barriers to accessing dental services and, at the same time, a well-known problem for dentists. The main objective of this observational pilot study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of dental anxiety and severe forms compatible with dental phobia among adult dental patients and to explore their association with psychological distress, as well as patients’ preferences for methods to reduce pain and anxiety during dental treatment. Materials and Methods: We carried out a pilot observational study using two well-established questionnaires, namely the BSI-18 (Brief Symptom Inventory-18), which assesses the psychological distress of patients visiting the dentist, and the DAS (Dental Anxiety Scale), which evaluates dental anxiety toward dental treatment. The questionnaires were administered in independent dental practices in Timisoara, and the study was conducted between August 2024 and January 2025 on a sample of 231 persons. Results: The results of our study revealed a clear link between sources of oral health information, the high prevalence of anxiety as a personality trait, anxiety towards the dentist, and referral to dental services. Conclusions: The intensity of dental anxiety is higher before the therapeutic manoeuvre. It has been found, however, that people who are more educated experience lower levels of anxiety in specific situations.