[Dentists about dental anxiety and the treatment of anxious patients; a pilot study].

Dentists' attitudes towards dental anxiety and management of anxious patients were objects of a pilot study. Dentists from The Netherlands participated in a group discussion. Results show that dentists understand dental anxiety in their patients. However, upon closer consideration the picture they give of themselves in this respect appears to be too positive. The role of the dental assistant is generally considered to be very important.