Table 9 Interview insights on DFS items from individuals with moderate to high dental fear
Themes | Categories | Codes | Representative Sentences |
|---|---|---|---|
Physical Reactions to Dental Procedures | Increased Heart Rate | DS 1.14 | “I can feel my heart pounding in my chest as soon as I sit in the dentist’s chair.“ |
Increased Breathing Rate | OP 1.20 | “My breathing becomes erratic and shallow when I’m undergoing a dental procedure.“ | |
Perceptions and Fears of Surgical and Restorative Procedures | Existential Threat | DS 2.16 | “I’m always scared that something might go terribly wrong during the procedure.“ |
Unpleasantness of Procedures | OP 2.06 | “The noise of the drill, the smell of the clinic, everything is just so unpleasant.“ | |
Gender and Environmental Factors in Dental Fear | Female Admission of Fear | DS 3.09 | “As a woman, I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m scared of dental procedures.“ |
Male Reluctance to Admit Fear | OP 3.04 | “I don’t really like admitting it, but I am terrified of the dentist.“ | |
Approach-related Fear | DS 3.18 | “The mere thought of approaching the dentist’s office makes me nervous.“ | |
Interactions with Dentists | Perceived Lack of Empathy | DS 4.19 | “I feel like the dentist doesn’t really care about my fear or try to comfort me.“ |
Vulnerability in the Dental Chair | OP 4.07 | “Sitting in the dental chair, I feel exposed and helpless, which just increases my fear.“ |