Abstract
Dental fear is often a treatment limiting factor. Preschoolers represent a vulnerable group not only due to anatomical conditions of the oral cavity, but also for their still-developing communication skills.
The aim of the study was to describe the preschool children's level of dental fear and to assess its relationship to age, gender, dental status and place of residence. The appropriate sample size of the study was calculated.
Nurseries to be invited in the study were selected using stratified randomization from the registry of public nurseries and dental offices. The study was approved by the Ethics committee.
Dental fear evaluation was performed using Venham picture test and dental status was evaluated using caries dmfs index. The study investigated dental status and dental fear relationship in preschoolers depending on the area of residence.
It also investigated relationship of dental fear and past dental treatment, gender and age. The results of the study could help select the appropriate treatment method in preschoolers with the aim to reduce dental fear.