Abstract
The purpose of this study was to assess dental hygienists' practices regarding anxiety-reducing techniques, their attitudes towards managing patients with dental anxiety, and the extent of their training on the topic. To collect data, an adaptation of the existing survey from the UNC Department of Dental Ecology Survey, was distributed to licensed dental hygienists. The findings of the research questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages. The results of this study indicate a substantial need for enhanced educational resources to better equip dental hygienists in managing patients with dental anxiety. Most participants do not use a dental anxiety screening tool prior to dental appointments. Many participants acknowledged that dental anxiety poses challenges for both patients and dental hygienists, further emphasizing the importance of empathy and communication in promoting stronger patient-provider relationships. A substantial interest in continued education on dental anxiety was evident, with 70% wanting to learn more about screening tools and 78% desiring additional courses on dental anxiety management. Although, participants felt confident in their ability to identify anxious patients. It is recommended that a screening questionnaire be used prior to dental appointments to accurately identify anxious patients.
Advisor
Emily Forsyth
Committee Member
Joseph Visker
Committee Member
Brigette Cooper
Date of Degree
2025
Language
english
Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Program of Study
Community Health Education
Department
Health Science
College
Allied Health and Nursing
Recommended Citation
Steiger, S. C. (2025). Assessing dental hygienist’s use of anxiety reducing practices toward patients with dental anxiety [Master’s thesis, Minnesota State University, Mankato]. Cornerstone: A Collection of Scholarly and Creative Works for Minnesota State University, Mankato. https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/etds/1528/
Rights Statement
