March 2018

Objective: The Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ) is a valid and reliable instrument for oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) studies. This study aimed to assess the Turkish version of the DHEQ and determine the effects of degree of DH, sex, and age on OHRQoL. Materials: The study participants were 251 DH patients (age 18–78 years; 68.5% female) who completed the Turkish version of the DHEQ. The reliability of the instrument was assessed in terms of internal consistency, using item-total correlations and Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest reliability using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) among 51 patients who repeated the DHEQ following a 2-week interval. Construct validity was determined based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Convergent validity was tested through correlating DHEQ total and subscale scores with the global rating of oral health and effect on life overall. Discriminative validity was tested by comparing the total and subscale scores against the degree of sensitivity. Results: Patients with more severe hypersensitivity showed higher DHEQ scores and greater OHRQoL impairment. Female and older (>40 years) patients had significantly greater OHRQoL impairment. Cronbach’s alpha exceeded 0.70, indicating good internal consistency reliability. The ICC values were >0.60 for the overall scale and each subscale of the DHEQ, signifying good to excellent test-retest reliability. Conclusion: The results suggested that the Turkish version of the DHEQ is appropriate for assessing the OHRQoL among people with dentine hypersensitivity. Keywords: Quality of life, hypersensitivity, reliability, validity