Evaluation of the Effect of Parental Absence on Child's Dental Anxiety and Behaviors During Dental Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Detailed Summary

The basis of pediatric dentistry is to provide cooperation in children with various behavioral management techniques. The presence or absence of the parent during dental treatments can be used to ensure the child's compliance with the treatment. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of the presence or absence of the parent on the child's dental anxiety and child's behavior during dental treatment. The secondary aim is to examine the relationship between the child's dental fear and the parent's dental fear. Healthy children between the ages of 4-7, who have no dental experience and need restorative treatment will be included in the study. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three study groups (Group 1: Parental absence, Group 2: Parent behind a barrier and Group 3: Parental presence). Psychometric and projective tests will be applied to assess child's and parent's dental anxiety at the beginning of the study. At the second appointment scheduled for the operative treatment of decayed primary molar tooth, first the child will be administered topical and local anesthesia, a rubber dam will be placed on the decayed tooth, the caries will be removed with high and low speed rotary instruments and the cavity will be restored with a compomer filling. Children's heart rates and blood oxygen saturation will be measured by a pulse oximeter during treatment in order to evaluate dental anxiety. Children will be videotaped during treatment so that their behaviour can be evaluated later by another researcher. After treatment, psychometric and projective tests used to measure the child's dental anxiety will be re-administered.

Study Details

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Interventions