Understanding fear and anxiety related to dental care
Official title: Developing an Ontology for Dental Care-Related Fear and Anxiety: Toward an Understanding of Problems in Dental Care Utilization
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11170446 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people feel and behave when they think about or go through dental care, especially those who feel anxious or scared, to find better ways to help everyone have a more positive experience at the dentist.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $611,444 |
| NIH project number | 5U01DE033978-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170446 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of all ages who experience fear or anxiety related to dental care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience any fear or anxiety regarding dental care may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the emotional and behavioral responses that people experience when thinking about or undergoing dental care, known as dental care-related fear and anxiety (DFA). It aims to develop a clear classification system to better understand how these feelings affect dental health and care utilization. By examining the relationship between DFA and oral health conditions, the study seeks to identify ways to improve patient experiences and outcomes in dental settings. The research will involve gathering data from various populations to create a comprehensive ontology that can be used by healthcare providers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for managing dental care-related fear and anxiety, ultimately enhancing patient access to necessary dental treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing psychological factors like fear and anxiety can significantly improve health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duncan, William — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Duncan, William
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.