Abstract
Aim: This study describes the effect of age, gender and socioeconomic status on perceived dental anxiety of 4 to 8 year old children.
Materials & Method: The study group included 109 children age 4 to 8 year old (54 girls and 55 boys). Dental anxiety was assessed by giving scores using Facial image scale and Venham picture test after asking the question as to how a child would feel if he/she has to visit a dentist.
Results: Statistical analysis was done using one way analysis of variance test, independent student's t test and paired Student's t test. The results obtained showed that there was no effect of age and gender on dental anxiety while it was found more for children from low socioeconomic status.
Conclusion: Age, gender and socioeconomic status play an important role as determining factors in dental anxiety, hence should be considered while measuring dental anxiety.