Changes in the dental office environment during the pandemic may affect the children's dental anxiety. This double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical study aimed to assess children's dental anxiety focusing on changes in the dental office environment with the Child Drawing: Hospital (CD: H) picture test.The results showed that most children exhibited positive or very positive behavior and were not significantly affected by changes in the dental environment or clinical attire. The evaluations from the psychiatrist and dentist using CD: H were highly consistent.
The study involved 120 children aged 5-7 years. All patients and their parents were informed about the purpose and method of the study before the study and signed informed consent forms. Children's behaviors and attitudes before the dental exam were assessed using the Frankl behavioral scale. The children were then divided into two groups:The Pandemic Clinical Conditions (PCC) group, who were examined in an isolated dental office with special attire, and the Conventional Clinical Conditions (CCC) group, who were examined in a standard dental office with typical clinical attire. After the exam, the children were asked to draw a picture, which was then evaluated by a pediatric dentist and child psychiatrist using CD: H. The results showed that most children exhibited positive or very positive behavior and were not significantly affected by changes in the dental environment or clinical attire. The evaluations from the psychiatrist and dentist using CD: H were highly consistent. In conclusion, the changes in the dental office and clinical attire during the pandemic did not significantly impact children's anxiety levels.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
120
The pre-examination behaviors and attitudes of the children included in the study were measured by an independent dentist (Ş.Y.İ) using the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale (FS). Following this, the children were randomly divided into two groups PCC and CCC . The oral examination of PCC group was done in an isolated dental environment with white overalls, an FFP3 mask, and a visor. The oral examination of CCC group was done in normal dental environment with a standard white coat and surgical mask.After that, patients were asked to draw themselves or the pediatric dentist who performed the examination. A child psychiatrist (B.A.S.) and a pediatric dentist (R.D) with an internationally valid "Child Drawing Analysis" training certificate evaluated the children's drawings independently.
Gazi University
Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
Assessment of Children's Dental Anxiety During the Pandemic: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Utilizing Child Drawing: Hospital (CD:H) Picture Test
It is aimed to assess children's dental anxiety focusing on changes in the dental office environment with the Child Drawing: Hospital (CD: H) picture test.
Time frame: 3 months
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