Saturday, July 26, 2025
The study investigated whether dental fear and anxiety (DFA) differed among children with and without disabilities in Trinidad and Tobago. It examined the prevalence of moderate and high levels of DFA in children aged 6–18 years, using a cross-sectional survey conducted between July 2022 and February 2023. The sample included 201 parents/caregivers from children with and without disabilities, assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and other covariates such as gender, age, ethnicity, accompanying adult, reasons for visits, dental attendance, and child's oral health rating. Results showed that children with disabilities had higher rates of moderate DFA compared to those without, with a significant increase in DFA levels in the 6–12 age group compared to the 13–18 group. Similarly, children with disabilities exhibited higher proportions of moderate anxiety levels than those without. Consistent with prior findings, the study highlighted that DFA is a common issue among children, affecting approximately one-third of young children globally. The findings suggest that dental fear and anxiety techniques can reduce the development and persistence of these conditions. Children with and without disabilities were found to have similar levels of anxiety in caregivers, with higher trait anxiety levels correlating with greater anxiety levels. The study emphasizes the importance of early identification and intervention in children with disabilities, as well as the role of caregivers in supporting their oral health. The study aims to provide insights into the prevalence and management of DFA in children with disabilities and highlights the need for further research in this area.
Reference: Dental anxiety among children attending university-affiliated special needs and child dental clinics in Trinidad and tobago: a cross-sectional studyLabels: BMC Oral Health
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