Dental anxiety and needs in low‐income pregnant women

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Abstract
This study utilized the dental anxiety scale (DAS) in examining 128 pregnant women, aged 15-34. Of the women, 71% had not been to the dentist within the past year, 58% made their last visit to the dentist because of pain and 36% presented to the dentist in pain. These patients had a mean of 7.3 tooth surfaces, or almost 2 teeth, that needed to be extracted and 11.3 tooth surfaces, or almost 3 teeth, that were extracted previously. Fillings were almost non-existent in this group of women. The moderately high anxiety scores were anticipated due to the inverse association between socioeconomic status and dental anxiety. Knowing the anxiety level and needs prior to treatment prepared the operator to use caution and tact during each procedure. This brief test is invaluable in dental treatment situations.

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