An epidemiological study concerning the prevalence of dental anxiety and fears among the adult population of grand metropolitan area of Costa Rica

As a contribution to the development of the Behavioral Dentistry research program in Costa Rica, it was considered important io establish the prevalence para: meters of dental anxiety and fears among the male and female adult population of the country's zone with the highest population density. Research was also intended to determine the prevalence of related risk factors such as aversive learning experiences which are critical for the acquisition of the characteristic behavior components. A sample oi 520 male and female adult subjects living in the ''Gran Area Metropolitana'' was surveyed Dental anxiety and dental fears were measured by means oi standardized self-report scales; a general data questionnaire was administered to obtain demographical and self-perceived-dental-anxiety-and-fears related data. Results show a considerably lifted prevalence pattern for dental anxiety (59%) and for dental fears (68%) among others. These findings con tribute to stress again the need of the application of the behavioral psychology principles to the dental health field in this country.