The transfer of dental anxiety from parent to child

Dental anxiety is a well-known barrier to care. Anxiety sufferers are more likely to be late or miss a scheduled appointment, refuse essential treatment and hence, experience more dental pain and infections. While mild anxiety in children can be expected when faced with new and unknown situations, many are deemed to be ‘uncooperative’. As a result of this an increasing number of children are being referred to specialist paediatric units for regular treatment, putting a strain on limited NHS services and funding.

Dental nurses can play a significant role in the behavioural management of anxious patients and those in general practice should aim to reduce the number of unnecessary referrals to secondary care by managing fit and well children within their practice. A good nurse can be the difference between successful treatment under local anaesthetic and a potentially hazardous general anaesthetic.