Preferences of Dentist's Attire by Anxious and Nonanxious Indian Children

The purpose of this study was to evaluate preferences of dentist's attire and gender by anxious and nonanxious children in India.

This cross-sectional study included 1,008 nine- to 14-year-old children. Anxiety levels were measured using the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale. Children were provided with a series of photographs of dentists in different attires and were asked to choose in which attire they would prefer their dentists to perform treatment. The data obtained was analysed using Pearson's test and chi-square analysis.

There were 603 boys (60 percent) and 405 girls, among whom 56 percent were anxious. Anxious children preferred female dentists in formal attire (19 percent). Nonanxious children equally preferred female dentists in formal attire and white coat with glasses (15 percent).

Irrespective of the anxiety levels, the female dentist was the preferred choice among most of the children. However formal attire might be more appropriate for anxious children.