Dental Phobia and Its Impact on the Quality of Life of a Ghanaian Adult Population

Abstract

Aim: Dental phobia is a significant cause of avoidance of dental treatment, which could result in poor oral health. This study sought to determine the  prevalence of dental phobia among a Ghanaian adult population and how this affects their quality of life.
Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted among 329 patients attending the University of Ghana Dental School Clinic.  Dental phobia was assessed with the Kleinknecht's Dental Fear Survey (DFS), and Quality of Life measured with the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP).  Data were analyzed using Stata 14 software and MS Excel. Descriptive statistics and measures of association between DFS and OHIP were done.
Results: About 46% of the study population had some level of dental phobia, with 8% having a high level of fear. More males (54.2%) were found to have  experienced dental phobia than females (45.8%). Common causes of dental phobia were injection (54.7%), x-ray (24.9%), the dental clinic environment (13.4%), and the sound and feel of the handpiece (0.9%).
Conclusion: Dental phobia was common among the dental clinic attendants. While further research is required in the subject area, clinicians and  stakeholders should not under-estimate its prevalence and potential effects.