New textbook highlights the role of psychology in dental care

Understanding patients’ behaviors, fears, and life circumstances is a central component of modern dental care, yet until now there has been no established, comprehensive textbook in the field.

“There has been a lack of a coherent textbook, particularly in Swedish. For undergraduate dental education, this marks an important step forward. Students now have access to a shared framework for understanding how psychological and social factors influence oral health and the clinical encounter,” says Ulla Wide, Professor at the Institute of Odontology, University of Gothenburg.

Biology, psychology, and sociology

The book is structured as an anthology, with contributions from numerous researchers, dentists, and psychologists. Its interdisciplinary approach reflects the way the field has evolved over the past several decades.

The content ranges from dental anxiety and pain perception to stress, quality of life, social factors, and patient communication. The biopsychosocial model serves as a consistent point of departure, integrating biological, psychological, and social perspectives on health and disease (caries, periodontitis and chronic pain).

Bild

“Psychological insight is a prerequisite for high-quality, person-centered care. This applies across the entire healthcare system, and dentistry is no exception. A substantial part of professional practice involves meeting individuals experiencing anxiety, avoidance, or pain-related problems,” says Magnus Hakeberg, Professor Emeritus at the Institute of Odontology, University of Gothenburg.

An inspiring collaboration

The University of Gothenburg has long held a strong position in research on oral health and psychology. This research has addressed dental anxiety and specific phobia, prevention and treatment, and how psychological and social factors influence dental care behaviors and oral health from a public health perspective. In recent years, attention has also focused on fear of pain and on integrating psychological and nutritional expertise into general dental practice, in a health psychology perspective.

Bild

The editors hope the textbook will be adopted as course literature at multiple higher education institutions and at different levels within dental and dental hygiene programs, as well as in complementary education programs for internationally trained dentists.

For the editors, the collaboration behind the book is a particular source of pride.

“We have brought together a strong group of co-authors from universities across the country. Bringing clinical experience, teaching, and research together in a single volume has been both inspiring and important,” says Ulla Wide.

The book is published by  Studentlitteratur.