Increased self-reported dental anxiety following completion of a dental history questionnaire

Since traumatic dental experiences have been identified as a leading cause of dental anxiety, dental anxiety should be increased when subjects are asked to recall these experiences and describe them in writing. 74 undergraduates completed dental history questionnaires, viewed slides of dental procedures, or received no manipulation prior to completing the Dental Anxiety Scale and the Dental Fear Survey. The Questionnaire group reported significantly higher dental anxiety and fear than did the Slide and Control groups. Recalling personal experiences elicits greater emotional arousal than does viewing procedures or merely completing surveys.