Impact of tell show do and audio-visual distraction techniques on pediatric dental anxiety: A comparative study

Effective behavior management is crucial in pediatric dentistry to alleviate anxiety and improve treatment outcomes. The current research was conducted to compare the effectiveness of behavior management techniques, specifically Tell Show Do (TSD) and Audiovisual Distractions (AVD), on apprehension levels in children undergoing the extraction of primary teeth. Forty children aged 4 to 8 years, all experiencing their first dental visit with a tooth indicated for extraction, were assigned to Group A (TSD) and Group B (AVD). Dental anxiety was assessed using Venham's Picture Test both pre-operatively and post-operatively. Results showed a statistically significant decrease in anxiety levels for Group B, along with notable differences between the two groups. Thus, the findings suggest that the Audio-visual Distraction method is an effective approach for managing anxiety in pediatric dental patients.