Relationship between dental anxiety, dental utilisation, oral health- related quality of life and oral healthcare delivery among Malaysian young adults in Selangor

Low rates of dental utilisation among Malaysian young adults may be attributed to dental anxiety, a psychological barrier that discourages patients from obtaining necessary dental care. This study aims to explore the prevalence of dental anxiety, dental utilisation, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL), and their potential implications for the provision of future oral healthcare delivery services in reducing dental anxiety among Malaysian young adults in Selangor. Objectives: 1) To systematically review the status and relationship between dental anxiety, dental utilisation and OHRQoL among adult groups and summarise the available evidence; 2) To measure the current level of dental anxiety and dental utilisation in relation to barriers and facilitating factors; and OHRQoL among Malaysian young adults in Selangor; 3) To assess the association of dental anxiety and dental utilisation; and its relationship with OHRQoL among Malaysian young adults in Selangor; 4) To explore the best and recommended provision of oral healthcare delivery service in reducing dental anxiety among Malaysian young adults from the perspective of young adults, dentists, psychologists and psychiatrists