Self-Report Measures of Dental Fear: Gender Differences    

M. Michelle Rowe, PhD;  
Tracey A. Moore, RDH, MS 

Objective: Differences in dental fear between men and women were examined, and effective methods to reduce dental fear identified. Methods: Two hundred fifty subjects (n=125 women; n=125 men) completed the Dental Fear Assessment Scale which measures origins of fear and effective fear-reduction methods. Results: Men were more fearful of dentistry than 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 toward the 45 million people who suffer from dental fear should reduce the number of patients who fail to seek treatment and are in danger of loosing teeth.

Am J Health Behav 1998;22(4):243-247