The effect of a dentist administered cognitive behavioural therapy (D-CBT) in adult patients with dental fear

The effect of a dentist administered cognitive behavioural therapy (D-CBT) in adult patients with dental fear

Om prosjektet

Dental fear is common in adults and has a prevalence of about 10-25%. There are several studies that demonstrate reduced oral health in people with dental fear compared to the general population. Psychological interventions -usually in the form of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) performed by psychologists have proved to be useful in the treatment of dental fear in several studies.

An effective treatment method designed for a regular dentist general practice could make dental fear treatment more easily accessible to people suffering under the condition.

The present study means to develop and test such a method (named D-CBT -dentist administered cognitive behavioural treatment) and compare it to a combined pharmacological common-sense approach. This is done through a randomized controlled trial performed in a general dental practice. In addition to measure changes in dental fear levels, there will also be an assessment of quality of life, oral quality of life and ability to receive dental treatment. These measurements will be repeated 1 and 3 years following treatment.

80 patients will be included in the study. The inclusion criteria is self-reported strong dental anxiety that affects the patients ability to go through dental treatment and age over 18. The author will perform all treatments in both groups. Manuals detailly describe both methods and videos taken of all treatments will be evaluated to ensure adherence to the mentioned manuals

Om prosjektet.


Prosjektmedarbeidere: Mariann Saanum Hauge (ph.d.-kandidat, UiO/TkRog)

Prosjekteier: Universitetet i Oslo

Samarbeidspartnere: TkRog