Comparative Evaluation of Behavioral Management Techniques in Reducing Dental Anxiety Among Children Aged 4-8 Years:...

Dental anxiety is a prevalent concern in pediatric patients, often leading to compromised oral healthcare outcomes. Effective behavioral management techniques are essential in reducing anxiety and facilitating successful dental treatments.

A randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 90 children aged between 4 and 8 years attending a pediatric dental clinic. The participants were randomly divided into three groups (n = 30 each): Group A (Tell-Show-Do), Group B (audiovisual distraction), and Group C (modeling). Anxiety levels were assessed before and after the intervention using the Facial Image Scale (FIS) and Pulse Rate Monitoring with a pulse oximeter.

All three techniques led to a significant reduction in anxiety levels post-intervention. The mean FIS score decreased from 4.2 ± 0.6 to 2.1 ± 0.5 in Group A, 4.3 ± 0.5 to 1.9 ± 0.4 in Group B, and 4.1 ± 0.7 to 2.3 ± 0.6 in Group C (P < 0.001). The pulse rate also showed a reduction: Group A (from 105.4 ± 8.2 bpm to 92.1 ± 7.4 bpm), Group B (from 106.8 ± 7.9 bpm to 89.3 ± 6.5 bpm), and Group C (from 104.6 ± 8.6 bpm to 95.8 ± 7.8 bpm). Audiovisual distraction showed the greatest reduction in both subjective and physiological parameters of anxiety compared to the other groups.

All three behavioral management techniques were effective in reducing dental anxiety among children aged 4-8 years. However, audiovisual distraction proved to be the most effective, followed by Tell-Show-Do and modeling.