15 Questions
What is the most common way people develop dental fears?
From traumatic or painful dental experiences
Which factor does NOT explain why people develop dental phobia?
Positive dental experiences
What is an important variable that can result in high dental fear in patients?
The dentist being uninterested
How might bad experiences with doctors or hospital environments contribute to dental fear?
By leading to fear of white coats and antiseptic smells
What role does helplessness play in the development of dental phobia?
It leads to experiencing helplessness if there is a perceived lack of control
Why do dentists nowadays often choose to wear less 'threatening' apparel?
To overcome patients' fear of white coats and antiseptic smells
What is the role of dentists perceived as 'uncaring' or 'uninterested' in the development of dental phobia?
They can contribute to high dental fear, even in the absence of painful experiences.
How might indirect experiences contribute to the development of dental fear?
By hearing about others' traumatic experiences or negative views of dentistry.
Which factor is NOT mentioned as a cause of dental phobia?
Positive portrayals of dentistry in mass media.
What does the text suggest about patients who develop dental fear despite having caring and warm dentists?
They may not always have had painful dental experiences.
How can a perceived lack of control contribute to developing dental phobia?
It results in feelings of helplessness during negative events.
In what context might stimulus generalization lead to the development of dental fear?
In non-dental contexts following traumatic experiences.
What is a possible reason why some people might fear white coats and antiseptic smells?
Following bad experiences with doctors or hospitals.
What does the text suggest about the role of perceived demeanor in dentists and dental fears?
It influences patients' perceptions alongside other factors.
How might mass media contribute to the development of dental fear?
Through negative depictions of dentistry in media and cartoons.
Study Notes
Direct Experiences
- Direct experience is the most common way people develop dental fears
- Most people report that their dental fear began after a traumatic, difficult, and/or painful dental experience
- Painful or traumatic dental experiences alone do not explain why people develop dental phobia
- The perceived manner of the dentist is an important variable in developing dental fear
Indirect Experiences
- Dental fear may develop as people hear about others' traumatic experiences or negative views of dentistry
- Negative portrayal of dentistry in mass media and cartoons can contribute to the development of dental fear
- Stimulus generalization: bad experiences with doctors or hospital environments may lead people to fear white coats and antiseptic smells
- Wearing less "threatening" apparel can help reduce dental fear
Helplessness and Perceived Lack of Control
- If a person believes they have no means of influencing a negative event, they will experience helplessness
- Feeling helpless can contribute to the development of dental phobia
Explore the various causes of dental phobia such as direct experiences during dental visits. Learn about the impact of perceived dentist behavior and how it can contribute to developing fear of dental procedures.
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