Table 5

Factor analysis and scores of items with respect to the factors in the group aged 8–10 years

Rotated CFSS–DS factor matrixFactors (% total scale variance)Mean CFSS-DS score of children aged 8–10 years old
Items in CFSS-DSI
(22.6)
II
(17.3)
III
(12.1)
IV
(7.9)
2008–20112012–20142015–2017
IHighly invasive dental procedures12.6312.0611.08
1Dentists0.4920.4510.2850.031
8Dentist drilling0.8160.1870.1230.074
9Sight of the dentist drilling0.7920.1130.0840.165
10Noise of the dentist drilling0.6080.2420.1360.045
11Having somebody put instruments in your mouth0.7140.1380.2020.087
12Choking0.5130.311−0.1460.378
15Having the nurse clean your teeth0.4420.1910.2850.011
IIGeneral medical aspects of treatment5.316.215.23
2Doctors0.3410.5680.0990.151
3Injections0.1240.6330.0210.012
13Having to go to the hospital0.1690.6960.1180.156
14People in white uniforms0.0860.6180.3040.077
IIILess invasive procedures and potential ‘victimisation’4.153.012.03*
4Having someone examine your mouth0.2560.3030.7640.099
5Having to open your mouth0.2330.0340.6570.113
IVDistrust of strangers or unfamiliar objects2.592.722.56
6Having a stranger touch you0.2010.189−0.0370.821
7Having somebody look at you0.0210.0160.2700.807
  • *Statistically significant (p<0.05).

  • CFSS-DS, Children’s Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale.