Assessment of Anxiety and Local Anesthesia Experiences in Dental Students Using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS).

Background and Objectives: Dental anxiety can hinder both treatment delivery and dental education. Few studies have examined this issue among Romanian dental students. This study assessed the prevalence, intensity, and main procedural triggers of dental anxiety, with a focus on experiences related to local anesthesia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted (January-May 2024) among 122 fourth-year students using the validated Romanian version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and additional items on demographics, prior anesthesia and perceived complications. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and t-tests. Results: Overall, 21.3% of respondents scored in the low anxiety range, 75.4% in the moderate range, and 3.3% in the severe range (MDAS ≥ 19). No significant gender differences were identified (p > 0.05). Injections with local anesthetic were rated as the most distressing procedure, followed by drilling, whereas scaling was reported as least stressful. The majority (86.9%) had undergone previous local anesthesia, with very few adverse events recalled. Conclusions: Romanian dental students reported moderate dental anxiety overall, with local anesthesia injections as the main trigger. The lack of gender differences points to a potential buffering effect of clinical exposure. Incorporating structured anxiety management into dental curricula may enhance both student well-being and patient care.