The aim of this article was to analyze the theories underpinning dental fear, anxiety and phobias. To be included, articles must have been published between the years of 1949 and 2013 concerning fears and phobias within dentistry and/or psychiatry. Of 200 articles originally under review, 140 were included and reviewed by the authors.Five specific pathways relating to dental fear and anxiety were identified; Cognitive Conditioning, Informative, Visual Vicarious, Verbal Threat, and Parental. Eight currently accepted management techniques across all dental disciplines for dental fear and anxiety were identified. Further research is required to identify clinical diagnosis and treatment for fears originating from different pathways.

The origin of patients' fears requires more attention in terms of treating endodontic-related fear and anxiety. More detailed research into the effects of demographics, causative factors and ethnicity on pathways of fear in dentistry is required to help dentists better manage patients in a multicultural society.

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This study assessed the influence of cultural changes (known as acculturation) on pathways of fear and anxiety in Endodontics. A purposive sampling technique identified patients of Saudi Arabian descent living in Australia and Saudi Arabia. Only patients with root canal fillings (or treatment planned for endodontic treatment) were included. Patients with intellectual disabilities, surgical root therapy, and aged under 20 were excluded. Consenting patients attending the dental clinics of University of Griffith University, Australia and University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia completed the "My Endodontic Fear Questionnaire." Three hundred and twenty-four patients (21-75 years) were included, 90% of participants reported more than one pathway. Australian Saudi Arabians mainly utilised vicarious pathway (94.9%), whilst Saudi Arabians utilised the verbal threat (93.5%) and parental pathway (78.3%). This study highlights the possible role of acculturation on the perception of fear and anxiety in Endodontics; however, further research with other ethnic groups is essential to enhance our understanding.

Objective. The differential diagnosis of pain in the mouth can be challenging for general medical practitioners (GMPs) as many different dental problems can present with similar signs and symptoms. This study aimed to create a treatment algorithm for GMPs to effectively and appropriately refer the patients and prescribe antibiotics. Design. The study design is comprised of qualitative focus group discussions. Setting and Subjects. Groups of GMPs within the Gold Coast and Brisbane urban and city regions. Outcome Measures. Content thematically analysed and treatment algorithm developed. Results. There were 5 focus groups with 8-9 participants per group. Addressing whether antibiotics should be given to patients with dental pain was considered very important to GMPs to prevent overtreatment and creating antibiotic resistance. Many practitioners were unsure of what the different forms of dental pains represent. 90% of the practitioners involved agreed that the treatment algorithm was useful to daily practice. Conclusion. Common dental complaints and infections are seldom surgical emergencies but can result in prolonged appointments for those GMPs who do not regularly deal with these issues. The treatment algorithm for referral processes and prescriptions was deemed easily downloadable and simple to interpret and detailed but succinct enough for clinical use by GMPs.