Causes of Dental Phobia

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Questions and Answers

What is the most common way people develop dental fears?

From positive experiences with dentists

By watching dental horror movies

From traumatic or painful dental experiences (correct)

Through indirect experiences

Which factor does NOT explain why people develop dental phobia?

Perceived manner of the dentist

Traumatic dental experiences

Positive dental experiences (correct)

Indirect experiences

What is an important variable that can result in high dental fear in patients?

The dentist having a scary-looking office

Wearing white coats by the dentist

The dentist being perceived as caring and warm

The dentist being uninterested (correct)

How might bad experiences with doctors or hospital environments contribute to dental fear?

By leading to fear of white coats and antiseptic smells Signup and view all the answers

What role does helplessness play in the development of dental phobia?

It leads to experiencing helplessness if there is a perceived lack of control Signup and view all the answers

Why do dentists nowadays often choose to wear less 'threatening' apparel?

To overcome patients' fear of white coats and antiseptic smells Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

How might indirect experiences contribute to the development of dental fear?

By hearing about others' traumatic experiences or negative views of dentistry. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as a cause of dental phobia?

Positive portrayals of dentistry in mass media. Signup and view all the answers

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. Signup and view all the answers

How can a perceived lack of control contribute to developing dental phobia?

It results in feelings of helplessness during negative events. Signup and view all the answers

In what context might stimulus generalization lead to the development of dental fear?

In non-dental contexts following traumatic experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible reason why some people might fear white coats and antiseptic smells?

Following bad experiences with doctors or hospitals. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the role of perceived demeanor in dentists and dental fears?

It influences patients' perceptions alongside other factors. Signup and view all the answers

How might mass media contribute to the development of dental fear?

Through negative depictions of dentistry in media and cartoons. Signup and view all the answers

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

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Description

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.