Behaviour & Anxiety Systematic review ✓ Peer reviewed

Non-pharmacological and physical strategies for managing dental anxiety: a systematic review with implications for dental education.

Public health reviews · Wawrzyniak A, Sadowska N, Pawlak-Mojsiewicz M, Walczuk N, Masłyk D, Barczyk I, Skomro P, Sroczyk-Jaszczyńska M, Kijak K, Gronwald H, Szczucka L, Garstka AA, Lietz-Kijak D · 2026-07-31

Researchers reviewed 126 studies of non-drug and physical methods for reducing dental anxiety, finding that computer-controlled anesthesia had the strongest evidence, while aromatherapy, laser interventions, and audiovisual distraction showed moderate support for effectiveness.

A plain-English summary of the study's own findings — we don't add our own claims or interpretation. Read the full paper for the complete methods and results, and apply your own clinical judgement.

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