ANXIETY IN THE CHILD DENTAL CLINIC

Abstract

A study was made of differences between childdren who had a history of refusing dental treatment in the community and control children, as rated by their parents. History of treatment refusal was associated with a general fear of ''medical'' people, intolerance for any pain or discomfort and greater difficulty in approaching novelty or adapting to change. These children were also rated by their patents as being generally more negative in their mood and having greater difficulty in playing with unfamiliar children. The implications of these findings are discussed.