Scale-Description

The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS-5) is an assessment tool designed to measure the severity of anxiety related to dental visits. The scale is a modified version of the original Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), adapted to include five key items that address common causes of dental anxiety.
The MDAS-5 consists of questions related to typical situations and procedures in dental care that may provoke anxiety in patients. Each question is rated on a five-point scale, reflecting the severity of the anxiety experienced by the patient.

Data Analysis and Usage

Data Analysis:
Data from the MDAS-5 is analyzed by calculating a total score from the sum of the ratings on the five items. Each item is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, with the total score ranging from 5 (low anxiety) to 25 (high anxiety).
Statistical analyses include evaluating the scale’s reliability using Cronbach’s alpha and validity through correlations with other measures of dental anxiety. Factor analysis may also be performed to assess the scale’s structural validity.
Data Usage:
The MDAS-5 data is used to evaluate the level of anxiety a patient experiences before a dental visit. This information allows the dentist to adjust their approach to reduce patient anxiety, potentially by providing additional support or employing anxiety-reducing techniques.

Purpose

The primary goal of the MDAS-5 is to provide a quick and reliable method for assessing dental-related anxiety. The scale helps identify patients who may need extra support or modifications in their dental care process to alleviate their anxiety.

Calibration

Calibration of the MDAS-5 involves evaluating the psychometric properties of the scale, such as reliability and validity.
Reliability: Cronbach’s alpha is used to assess the internal consistency of the scale’s items.
Validity: The validity of the MDAS-5 is assessed through correlations with other dental anxiety scales and structural validity through factor analysis.

References

Armfield, J. M. (2010). The Efficacy of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS-5) in Assessing Dental Anxiety. Journal of Dental Research, 89(5), 491-496.
Humphris, G. M., & Blinkhorn, A. S. (2000). Validation of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS-5) in a Clinical Setting. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 28(3), 217-223.