Using positive imagery to reduce dental anxiety in children
The Effectiveness of Pre-Visit Positive Imagery in Reducing Dental Anxiety
NA · University of Southern California · NCT06058533
This study is testing if showing positive pictures to young kids before their dental visits can help reduce their anxiety and make them more cooperative during treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 6 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT06058533 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pre-visit positive imagery in reducing dental anxiety among pediatric patients aged 4-6 years who require at least one composite filling. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, which will receive a picture book designed to alleviate anxiety, or a control group that will not receive any imagery support. The study will assess patient cooperation and anxiety levels through pre-operative and post-operative surveys, as well as behavioral assessments using the Frankl behavior scale. The research will take place at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry and Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy children aged 4-6 years who have never received dental treatment and require a composite filling.
Not a fit: Patients with visual impairments or developmental delays that hinder their ability to understand the imagery will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce dental anxiety in young patients, leading to improved cooperation during dental visits.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that imagery and preparatory techniques can effectively reduce anxiety in pediatric patients, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients that are healthy with no systemic conditions and are considered ASA I or ASA II * Patients who have never had any form of dental treatment before. * Patients who need at least 1 filling to be restored with composite due to caries and will need local anesthetic and nitrous oxide inhalation. * English speaking patients Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with a visual impairment * Patients with developmental delays that are unable to read or interpret pictures for their age-level. * Patients whose treatment changes to something other than composite * Patients who refuse to wear nitrous hood. * Patients who are unable to read and comprehend English.
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC — Los Angeles, California, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Arusha Bhatia — Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
- Study coordinator: Catherine Pham, DDS, MPH
- Email: cmpham@usc.edu
- Phone: 2137400412
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.
Conditions: Dental Anxiety