Knowledge Attitude and Practice of Usage of Anti-Anxiety Drugs in Paediatric Patients among General Dental Practitioners

Abstract

Aim : To assess the knowledge attitude and practice of usage of anti-anxiety drugs among the general dental
practitioners.
Background: Anti-anxiety drugs can act as effective way to manage patients with anxiety and dental fear
mainly children. Adequate knowledge is necessary for using anti-anxiety drugs. Usage of anti-anxiety drugs
can help to treat the patients in an effective way.
Material and Methods: Questionnaires consisting of 15 questions was distributed to 80 general dental
practitioners practicing in private dental hospitals and clinics in Chennai city in June 2017. The questionnaire
was designed to enquire about the knowledge and usage of anti anxiety drug in children
Results: 83.75% of dentists are aware of the pharmacological means of anxiety reduction. 51.25% are aware
of the side effects and over dosage reaction of using anti anxiety drugs. 12% of dentists are aware of the
method of managing side effects and over dosage reaction of using anti anxiety drugs
Conclusion : Anti-anxiety drugs can act as a better alternative and also an adjunct to the conventional
behaviour management. Proper knowledge about its mechanism of action, dosage, adverse effects are
essential for the dentist to use anti-anxiety drugs in an effective way. Hence the usage of anti-anxiety drugs
can be recommended and encouraged among dentists provided they have a sound knowledge about the drug