pathdoc/Adobe Stock Photos

8.1 INTRODUCTION

There is a range of different modalities that can assist with the anxious patient. These include behaviour management techniques, behavioural therapy, conscious sedation or general aesthetic. It is essential that the practitioner understands these different approaches so that the patient receives the most appropriate combination of treatments for their circumstance and procedure [1] (B).

8.2 PATIENT MANAGEMENT

Fear of dental treatment can limit the nature of the proposed treatment, and this may have significant effects on the patient’s quality of life. All patients may have some level of anxiety about their treatment and therefore it is essential that the patient’s level of anxiety is assessed and the appropriate intervention prescribed (B).

There are a number of instruments available to assess the levels of anxiety, such as the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, which may be used as a simple and robust assessment [1]. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale can be found at https://www.st‐andrews.ac.uk/media/dental‐anxiety/documents/MDAS%20English.doc.

8.3 PREOPERATIVE CARE, ADMINISTRATION AND POSTOPERATIVE CARE IN ANXIETY MANAGEMENT

Patients with low levels of anxiety may be managed with evidenced‐based approaches, such as enhancing the sense of control [2], cognitive distraction [3] and environmental change [4].