Exploring high dental anxiety subtypes using cluster analysis approach: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Dental anxiety (DA) arises from exogenous learning experiences and endogenous vulnerabilities, yet little is known about how these factors combine within highly anxious adults. The aim was to identify empirical subtypes of high DA based on endo/exogenous factors and compare them according to self-reported oral health, care-seeking behavior, and preferred dental treatment conditions.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey of 399 Japanese adults (mean ± S.D. age = 43.5 ± 13.1 years; 50% women) who rated "very frightening" on the Japanese Single Dental Anxiety Question. Seven predictors were entered into a two-step cluster analysis: four exogenous variables (distressing dental and medical experiences, family DA, exposure to frightening dentists in the media) and thr

SUBMITTER: Kajita M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12486690 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature