Presentation Type
Poster
Keywords
Dental Care, Dental Anxiety, Empathy, MDAS, International Dental Care, Dental Trauma, Anxiety Measure, Standardized Measure
Department
Psychology
Major
Psychology
Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to improve upon the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) by developing the empathy-based International-Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (I-MDAS). This measure was produced and utilized to compare the dental experiences and anxiety levels of international patients versus national patients in the United States.
Methods
The I-MDAS is composed of the International scale and the original MDAS scale. Of 465 participants, 41.3% comprised the national population and 58.7% comprised the international population. Information about demographics, past negative dental experiences, and current dental anxiety was collected.
Results
There was no significant difference in dental anxiety levels between the international and national populations. The new measure shows evidence of validity and reliability. There was a significant and positive relationship between the International scale items and the MDAS scale items, indicating the criterion validity of the I-MDAS. In comparison to the MDAS, content validity was also strengthened by expanding the inquired topics in the new measure. The Cronbach’s alpha values show that the I-MDAS is reliable for clinical applications. Further, there was a significant difference in I-MDAS scores for women compared to men and nonbinary groups.
Conclusions
The I-MDAS improves upon the MDAS by providing dentists with a tool for encouraging empathy. Dental clinicians across nations can use the I-MDAS to provide more personalized dental care.
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Tomas Martinez
Funding Source or Research Program
Academic Year Undergraduate Research Initiative
Location
Waves Cafeteria
Start Date
25-3-2022 2:00 PM
End Date
25-3-2022 3:00 PM
Developing a Dental Trauma-Anxiety Measure Comparing U.S. and International Care
Waves Cafeteria
Background
The aim of this study was to improve upon the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) by developing the empathy-based International-Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (I-MDAS). This measure was produced and utilized to compare the dental experiences and anxiety levels of international patients versus national patients in the United States.
Methods
The I-MDAS is composed of the International scale and the original MDAS scale. Of 465 participants, 41.3% comprised the national population and 58.7% comprised the international population. Information about demographics, past negative dental experiences, and current dental anxiety was collected.
Results
There was no significant difference in dental anxiety levels between the international and national populations. The new measure shows evidence of validity and reliability. There was a significant and positive relationship between the International scale items and the MDAS scale items, indicating the criterion validity of the I-MDAS. In comparison to the MDAS, content validity was also strengthened by expanding the inquired topics in the new measure. The Cronbach’s alpha values show that the I-MDAS is reliable for clinical applications. Further, there was a significant difference in I-MDAS scores for women compared to men and nonbinary groups.
Conclusions
The I-MDAS improves upon the MDAS by providing dentists with a tool for encouraging empathy. Dental clinicians across nations can use the I-MDAS to provide more personalized dental care.