• Laura Beaton, Ruth Freeman, and Gerry Humphris.
• Dental Health Services Research Unit, School of Dentistry, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
• Med Princ Pract. 2014 Jan 1; 23 (4): 295301295-301.

ObjectiveThe aim of this review was to explore the peer-reviewed literature to answer the question: 'Why are people afraid of the dentist?'MethodRelevant literature was identified by searching the following on-line databases: PubMed, PsycInfo, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar. Publications were extracted if they explored the causes and consequences of dental fear, dental anxiety or dental phobia.ResultsThe research evidence suggests that the causes of dental fear, dental anxiety or dental phobia are related to exogenous factors such as direct learning from traumatic experiences, vicarious learning through significant others and the media, and endogenous factors such as inheritance and personality traits. Each individual aetiological factor is supported by the evidence provided.ConclusionsThe evidence suggests that the aetiology of dental fear, anxiety or phobia is complex and multifactorial. The findings show that there are clear practical implications indicated by the existing research in this area: a better understanding of dental fear, anxiety and phobia may prevent treatment avoidance.© 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

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