Cognitive behavior therapy ‘can help to overcome dental phobia’

New UK research has offered evidence of the usefulness of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in helping people with dental phobias to overcome their fear.

The study by King's College London looked at the characteristics of 130 patients attending a psychologist-led CBT service, three-quarters of whom scored 19 or higher on the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), indicating dental phobia.

Fear of dental injections and the dental drill were the most common phobias, while 94 percent of the patients reported a knock-on effect from problems with their teeth, mouth or gums on their daily living and quality of life.

Of all patients referred for support services, 79 percent went on to have dental treatment without the need for sedation, with an average of five CBT appointments required before they were able to do so.

Study leader Professor Tim Newton, from the Dental Institute at King's College London, said: "Our service should be viewed as complementing sedation services rather than as an alternative, the two together providing a comprehensive care pathway for the ultimate benefit of patients."

CBT is a talking therapy that can help people manage their problems by changing the way they think and behave, while challenging negative modes of thought. It is widely seen as a useful and accessible intervention for many mental health issues.