Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Making MR Imaging Child's Play - Pediatric Neuroimaging Protocol, Guidelines and Procedure
Published on: July 30, 2009
NONPHARMACOLOGICAL INTERVENTIONS IN DENTAL PROCEDURES FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS:
Lili Rozgonyi1, Eszter Borbély2, Bence Szabó2
1Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
Nonpharmacological interventions like audiovisual distractions and sensory-adapted dental environments (SADE) effectively reduce dental anxiety and improve cooperation in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). These strategies offer promising, non-pharmacological approaches for managing dental care in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) often exhibit high dental anxiety and behavioral challenges, complicating routine dental care.
- Nonpharmacological behavior management strategies are increasingly used, but their effectiveness requires comprehensive quantification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the effects of nonpharmacological interventions on anxiety and cooperation during dental procedures in pediatric patients with NDDs.
Main Methods:
- A systematic search of 5 electronic databases was conducted up to February 2, 2026.
- Included studies focused on pediatric patients (≤21 years) with NDDs receiving nonpharmacological interventions (e.g., SADE, distraction, desensitization).
- Risk of bias was assessed using RoB2, ROBINS-I, and MINORS tools.
Main Results:
- The review included 42 studies with 1,809 NDD patients; 22 were synthesized for meta-analysis.
- Audiovisual distractions and SADE significantly reduced anxiety (objective tools, Venham Scale) and improved cooperation (Frankl Scale).
- Evidence certainty for most outcomes ranged from moderate to very low.
Conclusions:
- Audiovisual distractions and Sensory-Adapted Dental Environments (SADE) show potential for improving cooperation and reducing anxiety in pediatric dental care for NDD patients.
- Individualized strategies are recommended, and further research is needed to refine dental care protocols for this population.
