Effect of Digitalized Previsit Imagery on Behavior of Children in the Dental Operatory

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to determine the impact of exposure to digitalized previsit imagery technique on the anticipatory dental anxiety levels of children. DESIGN: 40 children, aged 4–8 years requiring noninvasive dental treatment were included in the study. Preintervention anxiety levels were assessed using Venham picture test (VPT) in the waiting room and randomly divided into two groups. The study group was exposed to the digitalized previsit imagery technique which included a customized cartoon video of dental operatory and the concerned pediatric dentist in his/her own voice through WhatsApp messenger. The other group was dealt with the conventional approach using verbal and nonverbal communication. Postintervention anxiety was assessed in both the groups and the difference was compared. RESULT: A significant difference in anticipatory dental anxiety was found between the two groups (p<0.001) using SPSS software. There was no marked relation of age and sex with the reduction of anxiety levels after exposure to digitalized previsit imagery. CONCLUSION: The idea of digitalizing previsit imagery can be a time saving approach which is helpful in managing anxious children before entering the dental operatory. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Reddy RE, Merum K, Mudusu SP, et al. Effect of Digitalized Previsit Imagery on Behavior of Children in the Dental Operatory. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(S-2):S124–S130.