Influence of Caregiver Dental Anxiety on Adolescent Oral Health and Anxiety

Background Adolescence (ages 12–17) is a critical period for the development of long-term health behaviors, yet oral health outcomes in this group remain poor. U.S. adolescents continue to experience high rates of untreated dental caries, particularly among low-income populations. While parental dental anxiety is known to influence children’s dental behaviors, its impact on adolescents is less understood, especially in U.S. contexts where cultural and healthcare factors differ. Objectives This study examines the relationships between caregiver dental anxiety and adolescents’ dental anxiety and oral health outcomes via the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), which has been validated for both age groups. Methods We analyzed data from 167 caregiver–adolescent dyads in western New York via the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Caregiver (MDASc) and adolescent (MDASa) scores were categorized as elevated (≥ 19) or low (< 19). Chi-square tests, kappa statistics, and logistic regression were used to assess associations and agreement between MDASc and MDASa, adjusting for sociodemographic and health-related covariates. Results Most caregivers (61.1%) and adolescents (67.7%) reported elevated dental anxiety (MDAS score ≥ 19). Caregiver and adolescent anxiety were significantly associated (p < 0.001); 80.4% of anxious caregivers were anxious. Kappa analysis revealed moderate agreement (κ = 0.337, p < 0.001). Adolescent anxiety was also linked to race (p = 0.036), low household income (p = 0.002), and poor oral health (p = 0.001). Logistic regression confirmed that caregiver anxiety and race were significant predictors of adolescent anxiety. Conclusion Caregiver dental anxiety significantly predicts adolescent anxiety, although other factors, such as income and oral health, have weaker effects. The model had moderate explanatory power, highlighting the need for further research and targeted interventions.