RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Dental Fear and Delayed Dental Care in Appalachia-West Virginia
JF American Dental Hygienists Association
JO J Dent Hyg
FD American Dental Hygienists Association
SP 274
OP 281
VO 89
IS 4
A1 R. Constance Wiener
YR 2015
UL http://jdh.adha.org/content/89/4/274.abstract
AB Purpose: The people of Appalachia-West Virginia are culturally unique and are known to have oral health disparities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dental fear in relation to delayed dental care as a factor influencing oral health behaviors within this culture.Methods: A cross sectional study design was used. Participants were urgent care patients in a university dental clinic. The sample included 140 adults over age 18 years. The Dental Fear Survey was used to determine dental fear level. Self-report of delayed dental care was provided by the participants. The Dental Fear Survey was dichotomized at score 33, with higher scores indicating dental fear.Results: The prevalence of dental fear was 47.1% (n=66). There was a significant association of dental fear and dental delay. The unadjusted odds ratio was 2.87 (95% CI: 1.17, 7.04; p=0.021). The adjusted odds ratio was 3.83 (95%CI: 1.14, 12.82; p=0.030), controlling for tobacco use, perceived oral health status, pain, and last dental visit. A difference in dental delay between men and women was not present in this sample. The only significant variable in delayed dental care was dental fear.Conclusion: In Appalachia-West Virginia, there remains a high level of dental fear, despite advances in dental care, techniques, and procedures.