S. Lakshmi Priya¹, Joyson Moses¹, BN. Rangeeth¹, S. Sivakumar¹

Background: Extreme dental fear is a universal problem among children. The dental condition of patients with dental fear is generally worse than the condition of those without dental fear. The aim of the study was to assess the intensity of dental fear in children using Wong-Baker faces pain scale. Materials and Methods: A total of 110 patients in the age range of 8-11 years were recruited for the study. Dental fear was assessed using a structured questionnaire. Data was gathered, computed and statistically analysed to determine the most and the least fearful dental situation for children. Results: Younger children expressed more fear than older children. Fear of injections and sound of drill was most common among children of all the age groups. Conclusion: Dental fear leads to avoidance of dental treatment. The child should be taught that the dental office is not a place to fear and dentistry should never be employed by the parents as a threat or punishment.

dental fear, children, fear rating scale