Background: Dental anxiety is a common issue in pediatric patients and often leads to avoidance of dental care, delayed treatment, and behavioral management challenges.
Aim: To assess the prevalence, severity, and associated factors of dental anxiety in children aged 5–14 years.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 children attending the pediatric dental outpatient department. Anxiety levels were assessed using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS) and Facial Image Scale (FIS). Factors such as age, gender, previous dental visits, and parental anxiety were evaluated.
Results: 52% of children showed moderate to severe anxiety. Higher levels were observed in younger age groups (5–8 years), females, and children with no previous dental experience. Parental anxiety strongly correlated with child anxiety levels.
Conclusion: Dental anxiety is highly prevalent among children and influenced by age, prior experience, and parental behavior. Early psychological interventions and behavior management strategies are essential for improving pediatric dental care.