Introduction:

In Cuba there is no measuring instrument validated to the Cuban cultural context, nor designed by researchers to measure anxiety before stomatological treatment. Consequently, it is not possible to obtain information on this occurrence, because the tool has not been determined.

Objective:

To adapt the modified dental anxiety scale to the Cuban cultural context.

Methods:

Research with an exploratory sequential design, in the derivative modality, in an adult population of Havana province. The cultural adaptation included the processes of translation-retrotranslation, consolidation by experts and pilot testing in 30 subjects. These procedures were carried out so that the resulting scale would maintain equivalence with the original version. The empirical methods used were expert consultation and the group technique (nominal group) in teaching professionals, as well as the qualitative interview method with patients.

Results:

From the original version, seven comments were recorded by the experts that made it possible to establish the preliminary version of the scale, which was examined in a pilot test. The average time to answer the scale was 3.4 minutes. The application of the scale was carried out continuously and without obstacles. The preliminary version was adjusted and the definitive version was established.

Conclusions:

A scale adapted to the Cuban cultural context was obtained, composed of 6 items, with a range of 6 to 30 evaluation points and categories for different levels of anxiety.