Abstract

MAUTZ-MIRANDA, Claudia et al. Prevalence of dental anxiety in children treated at public health services in Valdivia, Chile. Odontoestomatología [online]. 2017, vol.19, n.30, pp.59-64. ISSN 0797-0374.  https://doi.org/10.22592/ode2017n30a7.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of dental anxiety (DA) in children between 6-10 years of age treated at public health services (PHS) in Valdivia, Chile.

Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was designed. The prevalence of DA before dental treatment was measured using the Facial Image Scale (FIS) in children between 6-10 years of age treated at public health services (PHS) of Valdivia, Chile, from March to June 2015.

Results: Of the 200 children surveyed, 22.5% had dental anxiety; 51% were girls (n=102); average age 7.9 ± 1.45.

Conclusion: The prevalence of DA in Valdivia is higher than that observed in a similar study conducted in Santiago, Chile. We suggest the implementation of FIS in pediatric dental care, to ensure better adaptation and adherence to the dental treatment.

Keywords : dental anxiety; prevalence; pediatric dentistry.

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