Evaluating a digital pain measurement tool for children during dental treatment

Validation of a Novel Digital Pain Measure, Faces Thermometer Scale (FTS) in a Swedish Dental Context

Observational Malmö University · NCT05322018

This study is testing a new digital tool to help children aged 8 to 17 report their pain during dental treatment to see if it works better than traditional methods.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages8 Years to 17 Years
SexAll
SponsorMalmö University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Malmö, Skåne County)
Trial IDNCT05322018 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the validity and reliability of the Faces Thermometer Scale (FTS), a novel digital self-report tool for measuring pain in children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 years undergoing dental procedures. Participants will score their pain using the FTS alongside two established tools, the Faces Pain Scale-Revised (FPS-R) and the Color Analog Scale (CAS), to compare effectiveness. The study addresses the common issue of underreported pain in pediatric dental settings, where professionals often underestimate the pain experienced by young patients. By utilizing a digital platform, the study seeks to enhance communication of pain experiences among children, potentially improving their dental care outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children and adolescents aged 8 to 17 years who are undergoing dental procedures.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot understand Swedish or the instructions for using the pain measurement tools will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more accurate pain assessments in children, improving their dental treatment experiences and reducing anxiety.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar self-report pain measurement tools, indicating a promising approach to improving pain assessment in pediatric populations.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 8 to 17 years of age, undergoing dental procedures and/or examinations

Exclusion Criteria:

* cannot understand Swedish nor instructions on how to use the pain measure tools

Where this trial is running

Malmö, Skåne County

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pain
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.