Non-Pharmacological Anxiety Management — NDEB AFK MCQ
Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.
Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.
Reveal the answer and explanation
Correct answer: A — Providing a sense of control by allowing the patient to signal (raise hand) to stop the procedure
Non-pharmacological strategies for managing dental anxiety include: providing a 'stop signal' (patient raises hand to pause the procedure — gives sense of control); tell-show-do; distraction (music, TV, virtual reality); relaxation techniques (progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, guided imagery); cognitive behavioural techniques; desensitisation; positive reinforcement; and empathetic communication. The stop signal is particularly effective because it restores the patient's sense of control, which is often the core issue in dental anxiety.
Reference: Malamed – Sedation: A Guide to Patient Management, 6th ed., 2018