Abstract：
Purpose Many adults in the United States struggle with mild, moderate, or severe dental anxiety (DA). Understanding the perspectives of patients with DA may help oral health professionals gain greater insight into their needs and learn how to provide an improved experience for these patients. The purpose of this study was to identify patients\' perspectives on factors that impact anxiety in a dental practice setting.Methods A qualitative, descriptive case study design was used to identify patients\' perspectives on factors impacting anxiety in a dental practice setting. Potential participants were screened using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and needed a moderate DA score to qualify for the study. An interview guide focused on obtaining information about the etiology, contributing factors, management strategies, and participant experiences of DA was used for the semi-structured virtual interviews. Responses were coded using a qualitative research analytic platform (Dedoose; Los Angeles, CA, USA). The co-investigators systematically reviewed the codes using the classic qualitative analysis strategies and journal notes to identify themes and subthemes.Results Twenty-two individuals qualified for participation in this study. Most participants reported having DA beginning in early childhood and throughout their adult life. Seven themes, including Avoidance, Supportive Behaviors, Confidence in Provider, Diversion, Enduring, Adaptations, and Benevolence emerged. Participants reported their primary method for managing DA was to avoid attending their dental appointments.Conclusion Participants in this study expressed various coping mechanisms and management strategies to alleviate the symptoms of DA. Multiple opportunities exist for increasing patient-provider trust and patient comfort to reduce DA, and ultimately improve the oral health status of individuals with DA.
摘要：
目的在美国许多成年人与温和的斗争，中度,或严重的牙科焦虑（DA）。了解DA患者的观点可能有助于口腔健康专业人员更好地了解他们的需求，并学习如何为这些患者提供更好的体验。这项研究的目的是确定患者对牙科实践中影响焦虑的因素的看法。方法A定性，描述性案例研究设计用于确定患者对牙科实践环境中影响焦虑因素的看法。使用改良牙科焦虑量表（MDAS）对潜在参与者进行筛查，并且需要中等的DA评分才能符合研究的资格。采访指南专注于获取有关病因的信息，促成因素,管理策略，并将DA的参与者经验用于半结构化虚拟访谈。使用定性研究分析平台(Dedoose；洛杉矶，CA,美国）。共同研究者使用经典的定性分析策略和期刊注释系统地审查了代码，以识别主题和子主题。结果22名受试者有资格参与本研究。大多数参与者报告说，DA始于儿童早期和整个成年生活。七个主题，包括回避,支持行为,对供应商的信心，改道,持久,适应,仁慈出现了。参与者报告说，他们管理DA的主要方法是避免参加牙科预约。结论本研究参与者表达了各种应对机制和管理策略以缓解DA症状。存在多种机会来增加患者-提供者的信任和患者的舒适度，以减少DA，并最终改善DA患者的口腔健康状况。
