Effect of Exposure to Positive Images of Dentistry on Dental Anxiety among 7 to 12 Years Old Children

Aim: To evaluate the effect of exposure to positive images of dentistry on dental anxiety among 7 to 12 years old children. Materials and methods: Controlled trial. Assessment of anxiety and analysis of data were conducted blind to experimental condition. Assessment of anxiety was carried out in the waiting room prior intervention, postintervention into the operatory during the treatment and again after the completion of treatment. Anticipatory anxiety was recorded by Venham's picture test (VPT). Participants: Sixty children of 7 to 12 years age group. Intervention: Participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions. In both conditions the participant was asked to look at photographs for 2 minutes in the waiting area prior to their appointment. The intervention consisted of viewing positive images of dentistry and dental treatment (study group), the (control group) consisted of neutral images. The assessment of anticipatory dental anxiety was made blind to experimental condition and statistical analysis was conducted blind to group membership. Anticipatory anxiety assessed by the VP T. Results: A total of 60 subjects participated in the study and were equally and randomly allotted to study group (positive image) and control group (neutral image). The mean anxiety score found at waiting area before intervention, after intervention (OPD) and postoperative was statistically significant in study group. Post hoc comparison of anxiety score in study group showed high statistical significance. Conclusion: Positive dental images have an effect on reducing anxiety as compared to neutral images when measured by the VPT. How to cite this article: Gangwal RR, Badjatia SR, Dave BH. Effect of Exposure to Positive Images of Dentistry on Dental Anxiety among 7 to 12 Years Old Children. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2014;7(3):176 -179.