The management of dental anxiety: time for a sense of proportion?

Dental anxiety and fear are common and potentially problematic, both for the patient and for the dental team in managing such patients. Furthermore, dental fear still presents a major barrier to the uptake of dental treatment. This article will take as its premise an assumption that anxiety manifests at different levels and that consequently management of dental anxiety involves both assessment and proportionate intervention. Methods for undertaking both assessment and management are outlined.