Using medical play to help kids cooperate during dental visits
The Impact of Medical Play in the Dental Clinic Setting on the Cooperation of Neurotypical Patients at Children's Hospital Colorado Dental Center
This study tests if playing with medical toys before dental visits can help kids aged 5-10 behave better and feel more comfortable during their check-ups.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 10 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT05571423 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study investigates how medical play can improve the behaviors and cooperation of neurotypical children aged 5-10 during routine dental exams. It compares the behaviors of children who engage in medical play before their dental visit to those who do not. The study also evaluates the perceptions of dental providers, caregivers, and patients regarding the effectiveness of medical play in enhancing the dental experience. Up to 100 patients will be recruited from the Children's Hospital Colorado Dental Center for this prospective, randomized controlled trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are neurotypical children aged 5-10 who have previously shown mild anxiety during dental visits.
Not a fit: Patients who have severe dental anxiety or are diagnosed with Autism or other neurologically atypical conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce dental anxiety and improve cooperation in children during dental visits.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of medical play in healthcare settings is established, this specific application in dental settings is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Previously identified as Frankl 1 or Frankl 2 per the electronic dental record during dental exam visits (Epic) * Child subject is neurotypical * Patient of record at Children's Hospital Colorado Dental Center * Child subject is 5-10 years of age * Caregiver must be the child's legal guardian Exclusion Criteria: * Previously identified as Frankl 3 or Frankl 4 per the electronic dental record during dental exam visits (Epic) * Children who have not previously received care at the Children's Hospital Colorado Dental Center * Children that have a diagnosis of Autism or other neurologically atypical diagnosis * Children not in the age range of 5-10 years * Adult in attendance to dental visit with child is not the legal guardian
Where this trial is running
Aurora, Colorado
- Children's Hospital of Colorado Health Pavilion-Dental Clinic — Aurora, Colorado, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Chaitanya P Puranik, BDS,MS,PhD — University of Colorado, Denver
- Study coordinator: Chaitanya P Puranik, BDS,MS,PhD
- Email: chaitanya.puranik@childrenscolorado.org
- Phone: 7207772719
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.