Exploring Dental Anxiety: The Impact of Academic Discipline on LIMU University Students’ Perceptions and Experiences.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Libyan International Medical University, Benghazi, Libya.

2 Graduate General Practionar, Faculty of Dentistry, Libyan International Medical University, Benghazi, Libya.

3 Assistant Prof, Faculty of Dentistry, Libyan International Medical University, Benghazi, Libya

Abstract

Background: Dental anxiety affects many college students and can have a negative effect on both their general academic achievement. The current study aims to ascertain the demographic parameters impacting anxiety levels about dental treatment in different faculties at LIMU University in Benghazi, Libya. Materials and Methods: The current cross-sectional study included 350 randomly selected students from a total of 1988 enrolled in various LIMU university faculties. Participants were given a printed, anonymous self-administered questionnaire to assess dental anxiety, which employed the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) developed by Humphris et al. in 1995. The MDAS is made up of five closed-ended questions that ask respondents to rate their anxiety about dental procedures on a scale of 1 (not anxious) to 5 (extremely hesitant), with scores ranging from 5 to 25. In this study, those who scored 20 or higher were considered to have significant dental anxiety, which could imply dental phobia. Results: The age range of the respondents was 17 to 28. The greatest anxiety levels—22.3% within the high range—students in the Applied Medical Sciences outscored those in Information Technology (19.4%) and Pharmacy (18.1%). Conclusion: The majority of respondents had moderate degrees of anxiety, with higher percentages of worry in some faculties. These results highlight the need for focused treatments to address and reduce dental anxiety, especially for students in the faculties of pharmacy, information technology, and applied medical sciences.

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Egyptian Dental Journal
Volume 71, Issue 2 - Serial Number 1
April (Orthodontics, Pediatric & Preventive Dentistry)
April 2025
Pages 1033-1040

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