DOI: 10.17343/sdutfd.1671786 ISSN: 1300-7416

COVID-19 Phobia and Dental Anxiety Among Patients Applying to a University Faculty of Dentistry During The Pandemic Period

Simge Kaplan Yatğın, Mine Öztürk Tonguç, Ersin Uskun, İrem Tosun Balcı
Show PDF Cite
ObjectiveThis study examined the sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, oral health perspectives, and dental service utilization of individuals who applied to a university faculty of dentistry during the controlled normalization period of the COVID-19 pandemic in Türkiye. COVID-19 phobia and dental anxiety levels were assessed, and the relationship between these two constructs was evaluated.Material and MethodThis study was carried out with 390 individuals who applied to a university faculty of dentistry for any reason between January 3 and March 31, 2021, a period corresponding to the controlled normalization phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey during which dental services were delivered under strict infection control measures. In addition to sociodemographic data, participants’ health-related behaviors; perspectives on oral and dental health; and contact, infection, and quarantine status during the pandemic were recorded. The Coronavirus Phobia Scale (C19P-S) was used to assess COVID-19 phobia, and the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) to evaluate dental anxiety. Data were analyzed using a statistical software package.ResultsCOVID-19 phobia was higher in women (p < 0.001), in individuals with chronic diseases (p < 0.05), and in those without a history of COVID-19 infection (p < 0.01). Individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 showed lower phobia scores (p < 0.01). Dental anxiety was higher in women (p < 0.001) and showed a weak but significant positive correlation with COVID-19 phobia (r = 0.32, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe weak but significant association between COVID-19 phobia and dental anxiety suggests that these psychological factors may be present together in some individuals. Taking such factors into account during clinical evaluations may contribute to a better understanding of patients’ approaches to seeking dental care.

More from our Archive