Interventions to Reduce Dental Phobia in Children and Adults
Keywords:
Dental phobia, Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Exposure therapy, Virtual reality, Pharmacological treatmentsAbstract
Introduction:
Dental phobia, a significant barrier to accessing dental care, affects both children and adults, leading to poor oral health outcomes and decreased quality of life. With varying prevalence rates reported across different populations, the impact of dental phobia extends beyond dental health, influencing psychological and social well-being. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce dental phobia in children and adults, addressing the critical need for evidence-based treatment approaches.
Methods:
A comprehensive search strategy was employed across PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases, focusing on interventional studies and clinical trials published in the last five years up to 2022. Inclusion criteria targeted randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and controlled clinical trials that specifically measured outcomes related to dental anxiety levels. The selection process involved rigorous screening and data extraction by independent reviewers, focusing on study design, participant characteristics, intervention details, and outcomes.
Results:
Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a range of interventions including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, virtual reality (VR) interventions, and pharmacological treatments. CBT and exposure therapy showed significant efficacy in reducing dental phobia, with risk ratios ranging from 0.5 to 0.8. VR interventions indicated a promising reduction in anxiety levels by up to 30%, while pharmacological approaches had variable success rates. The diversity in intervention effectiveness highlights the importance of tailored treatment approaches.
Conclusions:
This systematic review underscores the effectiveness of CBT and exposure therapy as primary interventions for reducing dental phobia, with VR interventions offering novel therapeutic potential. The findings advocate for a personalized approach to treating dental phobia, integrating evidence-based psychological interventions to improve patient outcomes and access to dental care. Future research should aim to standardize outcome measures and explore the long-term effects of these interventions.
