Is music an effective tool to decrease anxiety in dental patients?

Why is this important?9% to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the

dentist because of anxiety and fear (Columbia University College of Dental Medicine).

36% of those who didn't see a dentist regularly said that fear was the main reason (Columbia University College of Dental Medicine).

Dental Anxiety vs. Dental PhobiaDental anxiety:

Psychological response to a dental stimulus (or potential stimulus)

Dental phobia:Panic attackExcessive fearInterferes with normal functioning

CausesPain

Helplessness/loss of control

Embarrassment

Negative past experiences

How can the cycle be broken?

How can it be treated using the arts?

Music distraction vs. brief relaxationMusic distraction: listened to music during

the procedureBrief relaxation: focused on functional

releaxation“It is based on a widely held perception that

in a dental setting, music can reduce pain and anxiety, which are linked closely and lead to a mutual amplification” (Lahmann 4).

Music distraction in pediatric patients

SO WHAT?

Are there any ethical issues involved when it comes to distracting patients during medical/dental procedures?

“The power of music to move us is something quite special as an artistic phenomenon” (Copland 9).

What do you think are the most effective ways to address anxiety at the dentist’s office or any other healthcare setting?

How does this impact the dentist/patient relationship?

Works Citedhttp://blog.smilesfirst.com/wp-content/upload

s/LIKE-this-if-you-love-listening-to-music-while-in-the-dentists-chair.jpg

http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/dentalanxiety/faq/

http://www.identalhub.com/userfiles/image/Dental%20Anxiety%20pic2.jpg

http://search.proquest.com/docview/1242006204

http://www.researchgate.net/publication/5541080_Brief_relaxation_versus_music_distraction_in_the_treatment_of_dental_anxiety_a_randomized_controlled_clinical_trial

http://www.silenceofmusic.com/pdf/dentists.pdf

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6231/6312760311_96df7bf8ae_z.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQ54aXDkVRE