A REVIEW AND POLICY ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF MUSIC INTERVENTIONS TO ALLEVIATE DENTAL ANXIETY

Abstract

Dental anxiety is a prevalent issue worldwide, resulting in many patients avoiding dental providers and leading to oral health complications. Dental anxiety in a dental office often manifests as lack of patient cooperation, making it difficult for dentists to effectively perform and complete procedures. As dental anxiety adversely impacts both patients and providers, it should be recognized as a public health issue in order to minimize its impact on patient populations. Currently, various forms of sedation and general anesthesia are the most common anxiety management practice, as highlighted by the American Dental Association. However, within the past few decades, interest and research has emerged on the effectiveness of psychological techniques in alleviating dental anxiety symptoms. One of the anxiety management methods of interest is music interventions/therapy, which is often utilized to induce relaxation in patients. This technique has become increasingly employed within certain medical settings, but still requires a great amount of research in dental settings. This paper insight on different music interventions and a review of existing literature regarding music interventions in dental settings. Also included is a policy analysis, offering suggestions as to which potential policies will best address the public health issue of dental anxiety, and an in-depth analysis of the benefits and downside of each alternative.