Results of practical application of questionnaire to determine the level of dentophobia and dynamics in the doctor— patient relationship

Objective: to develop a questionnaire for assessing the level of dentophobia and dynamics of the relationship in the «doctor-patient» in the course of treatment and to conduct its clinical trials. Material and Methods. 90 patients aged 26-56 years with chronic generalized periodontitis have been examined. The research has been conducted by Hospital Anxiety and depression (HADS) questionnaire to determine the level of dentophobia; psychophysiological testing was carried out on the hardware-software complex (APC) «NS-Psychotest» (LLC «Neurosoft», Russia, Ivanovo, 2007). Clinical examination included examination of the mouth and the index of assessment of hard tissue of teeth and peri-odontal tissue: a defining simplified oral hygiene index (UIG), sulcus bleeding index (IR), gingival index (PMA). The survey was carried out before the treatment and 3 months after the treatment. Statistical analysis was performed in the program Statistica. Using non-parametric methods (Wilcoxon test, criterion A2, Spearman correlation coefficient). Statistically significant differences with p < 0,05 were considered. Results. The development of the questionnaire was carried out in accordance with all generally accepted standards. The initial testing was performed easily by patients. During the clinical trials visible results of the proposed questionnaire were obtained that proved its sensitivity to the changes in dental and psychological status of the oral cavity. Conclusion. The practical application of the questionnaire determines the level of dentophobia during the first visit. The data of the questionnaire identify the differentiated deontological approach. It improves the relationship with the patient, reduces his level of dentophobia. The reduced dentophobia promotes compliance and psychologically comfortable communication in the doctor-patient system, which also contributes to the prevention of emotional burn out among dentists.