Pre-operative anxiety assessment in the dentistry prior a third molar surgery

OBJECTIVES Evaluate trait anxiety and state anxiety in a group of dentists subjected to a stressful event such as surgical extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS Healthcare professionals are often at risk of developing anxiety disorders. In this study, the authors administered the psychometric test STAI -Y to 25 Italian dentists to assess their levels of anxiety before third molar surgery. The STAI -Y assesses both state and trait anxiety. RESULTS The results showed that the average raw scores for state and trait anxiety were 33.12 and 34.64, respectively. DISCUSSION Compared to other studies conducted using the same psychometric instrument, the Italian dentists in this study displayed lower levels of state and trait anxiety, suggesting a lower risk of developing anxiety disorders prior to third molar surgery compared to other healthcare professionals. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests seeking support from peers or mental health professionals, using stress -reduction practices including mindfulness practices and meditation, and ensuring adequate rest and self -care. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE In this way, healthcare professionals can provide the best possible care to their patients, while also prioritizing their own well-being.