The effects of lavender scent on dental patient anxiety

[Anonymous]

Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology-Volume 38 Issue 1, Pages 83 – 87

In a cluster randomized-controlled trial, patients’ (N = 340) anxiety was assessed while waiting for a scheduled dental appointment, either under the odor of lavender or with no odor. Current anxiety, assessed by the brief State Trait Anxiety Indicator (STAI-6), and generalized dental anxiety, assessed by the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) were examined.
Analyses of variance (anovas) showed that although both groups showed similar, moderate levels of generalized dental anxiety (MDAS F(1,338) = 2.17, P > 0.05) the lavender group reported significantly lower current anxiety (STAI: F(1,338) = 74.69, P < 0.001) than the control group.

Conclusions: Although anxiety about future dental visits seems to be unaffected, lavender scent reduces present state of anxiety in dental patients.

        

[Anonymous]

aromatherapy should be used in dental clinics. auxiliary staff also must be given a deodorant or a perfume for their aprons. this is especially important because the auxliary staff also are in close contact with patients especially the chair side assistants.

        

[Author]

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