Priority 11 from the Oral and Dental Health PSP

UNCERTAINTY: What is the best way to treat patients who are dentally anxious? (JLA PSP Priority 11)
Overall ranking 11
JLA question ID 0079/11
Explanatory note

Not available for this PSP
Evidence

Sedation: no definitive conclusion on which was the most effective drug or method of sedation used for anxious children

Oscillating tips vs rotating drills: low quality evidence, unable to conclude whether oscillating tips are effective the management of pain and dental fear in children or adolescents

Non-pharmacological interventions: Low quality evidence regarding the effectiveness of behavioral interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy/behavioural therapy results in a reduction in dental anxiety, and improves the patients' acceptance of dental treatment. Insufficient/inconsistent evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions such as music therapy, hypnosis, relaxation training and meditation.

Dental staff communication/behviour: limited understanding of how routine clinical behaviour of dental staff affects children's dental anxiety/behaviour and treatment success
Health Research Classification System category  Oral and gastrointestinal
Extra information provided by this PSP
Original uncertainty examples Original questions probed the means of supporting members of the public requiring dental attention, but are too anxious to visit a dentist. How many people in all age groups are struggling with this fear, and which cost/effective tools are available to tackle this? Could it be as simple as finding a dentist you trust? 
Submitted by  8 x patients, carers or members of public, 6 x health professionals
PSP information
PSP unique ID 0079
PSP name Oral and Dental Health
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP 38  (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop 12 December 2018