MDAS
Also written as: MDAS — Modified Dental Anxiety Scale
Abbreviation for Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, a five-item validated questionnaire assessing dental anxiety including responses to local anaesthetic injection.
Full Definition
The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) is an expanded version of Corah's original DAS, adding a fifth item addressing anxiety about local anaesthetic injection, which research identified as a key anxiety trigger. Each item is scored on a five-point Likert scale, with a maximum total score of 25; a score of 19 or above is generally considered indicative of high dental anxiety or dental phobia. The MDAS is encountered frequently in dental public health research, behavioural dentistry, and sedation studies. Editors should confirm the correct threshold is cited and that the scale is not confused with the original DAS or other anxiety tools.
Usage
Usage note: Always define on first use. Note that the threshold score for high anxiety (≥19) should be cited with its original validation source.
In Context
- "Participants with an MDAS score ≥19 were classified as dentally anxious and stratified separately at randomisation." — Dental sedation trial eligibility criteria
- "The MDAS was administered in the waiting room prior to each clinical appointment." — Behavioural dentistry study protocol