Validation of the Malay version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale and the prevalence of dental anxiety in a Malaysian population

Aim The aims of the present study were to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Malay version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), and to determine the prevalence of dental anxiety and associated factors in a Malaysian population. Methods A Malay-language questionnaire with questions to elicit demographic and dental care-related information, and the Malay version of the MDAS, were administered to 455 patients at the dental outpatient clinics of the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Factor analysis and internal consistency statistics were generated. A test–retest of the questionnaire was performed with 30 participants. Results Cronbach's alpha was 0.854, indicating good internal consistency. Factor analysis yielded results showing good validity. Approximately 3.5% of the participants expressed the highest levels of anxiety. Dental anxiety was significantly higher among females than males. Age correlated inversely with dental anxiety. Individuals seeking dental care only if a problem appeared had significantly more anxiety than regular attendees. Patients who postponed treatment because of fear had significantly higher anxiety levels than those who delayed treatment for other reasons. Past adverse dental experience exacerbated dental anxiety. Conclusion The Malay version of the MDAS had good reliability and validity. Anxiety levels found in the Malaysians studied were comparable to participants from other countries.