Fatimah Anwar

Date of Submission

5-2-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Advisor

Taylor M. Bigelow

Keywords

poor mental health, fear of Dentists, negative connotations, suicide

MeSH

dental anxiety, dentist-patient relations, mental health, suicide awareness,

LCSH

sh2005008215, sh85083615, sh85129742

Abstract

The work of Dentists is important for oral and general health, yet public opinion on Dentists does not reflect an eagerness to associate with Dentists. A common fear children and adults share is the fear of Dentist. Years of rigorous training are done by a Dentist to be able to help patients, yet this help may not be appreciated. Previous research findings have found that those in the Dental Profession reported poor mental health and physical health (Westgarth 2022) , as well as substance abuse issues (Federico and Ruiz 2010) yet limited research has been conducted on if negative connotations about Dentist is playing a part on poorer mental health for Dentist. The present research study sought to find the negative impacts of poor connotations about Dentist on dentist themselves to help the field of Dentistry to learn how to be equipped to help the public. Specifically, patients be more comfortable during Dental visits, as well as prioritizing the mental health of Dentist and reducing the high suicidality rates of Dentists. The study found that dentists are aware of the negative connotations about them, and their field and it does tend to affect them and their mental health/outlook on themselves and their profession.

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