Self-reported efficacy of an online dental anxiety support group: a pilot study

/Home/Dental Phobia/Dental Phobia Articles

Self-reported efficacy of an online dental anxiety support group: a pilot study
Published article online:
23 May 2007
Issue online:
15 Jan 2008
Submitted 8 July 2006; accepted 12 September 2006
To cite this article: Neil S. Coulson, Heather Buchanan (2008)
Self-reported efficacy of an online dental anxiety support group: a pilot study
Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology 36 (1), 43Ò46.
doi:10.1111/j.1600-0528.2007.00349.x
Blackwell Synergy

Neil S. Coulson and Heather Buchanan

Institute of Work, Health and Organisations, University of Nottingham, UK

Neil S. Coulson, Institute of Work, Health and Organisations, University of Nottingham, 8 William Lee Buildings, Nottingham Science and Technology Park, University Boulevard, Nottingham NG7 2RQ, UK
Tel: +44 115 846 6642
Fax: +44 115 846 6625
e-mail: neil.coulson@nottingham.ac.uk
Coulson NS, Buchanan H. Self-reported efficacy of an online dental anxiety support group: a pilot study. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2008; 36: 43Ò46. © 2007 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2007 Blackwell Munksgaard

Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to explore the self-reported effectiveness of an existing online dental anxiety support group in terms of perceived level of anxiety since accessing the group.

Methods: An online questionnaire was completed by 91 individuals who accessed the Dental Fear Central, an online support group bulletin board, during an 8-week period in 2005. Participants reported background demographic information, their own self-reported evaluation of the efficacy of the support group, as well as completing the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS).

Results: In total, 60% of the sample considered that the support group had ÎsomewhatÌ or Îgreatly lessenedÌ their anxiety. Overall MDAS scores were significantly lower in the Îgreatly lessenedÌ group.

Conclusions: The results of this nonrandomised pilot study suggest some individuals retrospectively considered that, since accessing the online group, they experienced a reduction in dental anxiety. Future research should employ a randomised controlled design in order to determine the contribution of the online group to self-reported changes in dental anxiety over time.

Blackwell Synergy? is a Blackwell Publishing, Inc. registered trademark

This article may be viewed in its entirety by subscription or by purchase at the website.