Validation of a novel behavior prediction scale: A two-center trial

CONTEXT: Prediction of the child's behavior can adequately equip the dentist in rendering effective and efficient dental treatment. AIM: This study was planned to evaluate and validate a specially prepared questionnaire as a child behavior prediction scale. DESIGN: A two-center cross-sectional study was done to validate the new scale. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children aged 3–12 years (n = 296), from two different centers participated in this study. The questionnaire used was a 10-point observational scale. Observations involved perceiving overt and subtle behavioral characteristics of a child, to assess the child's behavior in the dental office before treatment. An independent observer approached the children and their parents in the waiting room. The child's behavior was then evaluated by the dentist using Frankl behavior rating scale during and after treatment. The prediction of behavior compared to the Frankl scale was assessed and validated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Sensitivity, specificity tests, and receiver operating curve analysis were used to validate the new scale and calculate the cut-off score for positive and negative behavior. All data were processed by SPSS software (16.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, Ill, USA). RESULTS: The best cut-off score to predict a positive Frankl rating was ≥ 8.0 in both the centers. The sensitivity and specificity scores were 93.4% and 62.5% in center 1; 83.1% and 59.6% in center 2 respectively. CONCLUSION: This novel prediction scale can be of great importance in predicting children's behavior in the dental environment.