Professor Gerry Humphris of the University of St Andrews would like to encourage readers of the BDJ to access a new website he has prepared for detailed information on the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) along with free copies, instructions and various language translations.

The MDAS consists of five self-complete questions each with a five category rating scale, ranging from 'not anxious' to 'extremely anxious'. It is quick and simple to complete and has been shown not to raise patients' fears. The scale has been used in numerous studies in the UK and overseas. It has a cut-off score for dentists to know when their patients will need extra assistance.

www.st-andrews.ac.uk/dentalanxiety/