Efficacy of a short behavioral intervention for the treatment of dental phobia. A randomized controlled trial

Background. Dental phobia occurs frequently and is associated with physical and mental distress (e. g. lower oral health, reduced oral health-related quality of life, increased feelings of shame). Objective. Aim of this randomized controlled trial is to assess the efficacy of a short behavioral intervention (VT-K). Method. 36 participants were randomly assigned to either VT-K or Motivational Interviewing (MG), both comprising of three sessions, or a waitlist condition. The effect was measured up to one year after the intervention. Results and conclusions. Both VT-K and MG led to significant improvements of self-reported dental anxiety (primary outcome) and oral health-related quality of life (secondary outcome) short as well as long term. The results of the behavioral test (primary outcome) mainly did not reflect the questionnaire results. Challenges in the recruitment process, however, raise questions concerning the implementation of treatments.