Sahel Medical Journal

ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Year
: 2014  |  Volume : 17  |  Issue : 4  |  Page : 159--163

Management of dental anxiety: A survey of Nigerian dentists


Akeredolu Patricia1, Akinboboye Bolanle Oyeyemi1, Gbotolorun Olalekan Micah2, CI Emeka2, AA Adesida3 
1 Restorative Dentistry, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, Lagos, Nigeria
2 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, Lagos, Nigeria
3 Depatment of Anaesthesia, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, Lagos, Nigeria

Correspondence Address:
Akinboboye Bolanle Oyeyemi
Restorative Dentistry, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi Araba, Lagos
Nigeria

Background: Dental anxiety is a major issue with respect to provisions of and access to dental care. We evaluated the knowledge and management of anxiety among Nigerian dentists. Materials and Methods: The study population included 192 Nigerian dentists recruited during an annual national dental conference in Abuja. The conference was a meeting point for dentists with post graduation experience ranging between 1 and 32 years and from different part of the country. They completed a structured questionnaire on dental anxiolysis. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. Results: Of the interviewed dentists, 122 (55.1%) practiced in teaching hospitals and 24% had their specialization in child dental health. A total of 34 (19.8%) dentists had been exposed to formal trainings on the practice of dental anxiolysis. Of this number, 66% had basic life support training and only 11.8% had refresher training programs. The most preferred route of administration of anxiolytic drugs was oral (57.3%). Most of the respondents were of the view that dental anxiolysis should not be instituted for all dental patients. Conclusion: The interviewed Nigerian dentists were knowledgeable and managed dental anxiety. Although some of them had no formal training on dental anxiolysis, the major consensus is that dental anxiolysis should not be instituted for all dental patients.


How to cite this article:
Patricia A, Oyeyemi AB, Micah GO, Emeka C I, Adesida A A. Management of dental anxiety: A survey of Nigerian dentists.Sahel Med J 2014;17:159-163


How to cite this URL:
Patricia A, Oyeyemi AB, Micah GO, Emeka C I, Adesida A A. Management of dental anxiety: A survey of Nigerian dentists. Sahel Med J [serial online] 2014 [cited 2024 Mar 28 ];17:159-163
Available from: https://www.smjonline.org/article.asp?issn=1118-8561;year=2014;volume=17;issue=4;spage=159;epage=163;aulast=Patricia;type=0