Using a kaleidoscope or cartoons to reduce pain and anxiety during dental injections for children
Official title: The Effect of a Kaleidoscope and Cartoons on Pain and Anxiety Associated With Local Anesthetic Injection for Dental Treatment in Children
Run by Dicle University · NCT07462364 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test will see if using a kaleidoscope or watching cartoons reduces pain, fear, and anxiety during local anesthesia injections in children aged 7–12.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 7 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 126 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Dicle University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Diyarbakır, Diyarbakır) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | May 10, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07462364 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 7–12 who require local infiltration anesthesia, attend the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at Dicle University, have positive or definitely positive Frankl behavior ratings, and whose parents provide consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with chronic illnesses, prior hospitalization/surgery, neurological or behavioral disorders (for example autism or ADHD), learning disabilities, significant sensory impairments, or active dental abscesses are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from these distraction techniques.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial will enroll 126 children aged 7–12 who need local infiltration anesthesia and who show positive or definitely positive behavior on the Frankl scale. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: kaleidoscope distraction, cartoon distraction, or routine care without distraction. Pain, fear, and state anxiety will be measured using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale, the Children's Fear Scale, and the Children's Anxiety Scale-State, and behavior will be recorded with the Frankl Behavior Rating. The trial is conducted at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Dicle University in Diyarbakır, Turkey.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these low-cost, nonpharmacological distractions could reduce injection pain and anxiety and make dental visits easier for children and clinicians.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pediatric dentistry work has shown that distraction methods such as watching cartoons or using visual devices often reduce pain and anxiety, though results vary by technique and patient age.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged between 7 and 12 years * Children requiring local infiltration anesthesia for dental treatment * Children who apply to the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic of Dicle University Faculty of Dentistry * Children and their parents who voluntarily agree to participate in the study and provide informed consent * Children with positive or definitely positive behavior according to the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale Exclusion Criteria: * Children with chronic diseases * Children with a history of hospitalization or surgery * Children with neurological or behavioral disorders such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or learning disabilities * Children with mental retardation, hearing impairment, or speech problems * Children with dental abscesses or fistulas
Where it's running
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Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Dicle University
Diyarbakır, Diyarbakır, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Elif Bilsin Kocamaz, PhD
- Email: elifbilsin-86@hotmail.com
- Phone: +904122411000
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.