SELF-REPORT MEASURES OF DENTAL FEAR - GENDER DIFFERENCES

Objective: Differences in dental fear between men and women were exami ned, and effective methods to reduce dental fear identified. Methods: Two-hundred fifty subjects (n=125 women; n=125 men) completed the Dent al Fear Assessment Scale which measures origins of fear and effective fear-reduction methods. Results: Men were more fearful of dentistry th an women. Most effective methods of reducing fear included a friendly dental team, and the chance to ask questions and interrupt the dentist when uncomfortable, Conclusion: Enhanced awareness and sensitivity to ward the 45 million people who suffer from dental fear should reduce t he number of patients who fail to seek treatment and are in danger of loosing teeth.