Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to establish the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the short version of the
Dental Anxiety Inventory (S-DAI).
Methods: The Japanese translated versions of the S-DAI and Dental Fear Survey (DFS) were administered to patients and
attendants who were visiting a general dental office.
Results: One hundred and sixty-seven participants (response rate = 90.3%) filled out two questionnaires assessing dental
anxiety (The Japanese S-DAI and DFS). Cronbach’s α for the reliability of the Japanese S-DAI in the present sample was
0.908. In the Japanese S-DAI, factor analysis revealed one factor with an eigenvalue >1. The Japanese S-DAI correlated with
the DFS (r=0.812, p < 0.001).
Conclusions: The Japanese version of the S-DAI appears reliable and demonstrates cross-cultural validity. It may be a
valuable tool for quantifying dental fear in Japanese populations.
