117 - Impact of Medical Play on Neurotypical Patients during Dental Care

Purpose: Medical play (MP) is a therapeutic intervention by a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) using props to engage children in play before healthcare encounters to reduce anxiety. Only one pilot study investigated the value of medical play in children during dental treatment. This prospective, randomized controlled trial investigated the efficacy of MP to improve the behaviors and cooperation of children during dental examinations.

Methods: The Institutional Review Board approved this trial involving neurotypical children (5-10 years), with previous uncooperative behavior. After consent, subjects were randomized into two study arms: MP or recreational play (control). Play sessions were facilitated by the CCLS. Calibrated pre- and post-intervention survey tools evaluated child’s behavior, child-parent-provider perception before and during dental visit. The data was statistically analyzed.

Results: Sixty children were recruited in this trial. Parents reported severe dental anxiety for their children at baseline. A higher proportion of children in the MP group were ‘relaxed’ for their dental visit as compared to the control group. Similarly, a higher proportion of parents in the MP group reported ‘significantly improved’ child’s behavior during dental care. The dental provider reported higher proportion of patients in MP group demonstrated ‘definitely positive’ behavior and willingness to accept dental care as compared to the control group. Due to the low statistical power and effect size, the differences between MP and control groups were non-significant.

Conclusion: MP can be a great alternative tool for non-pharmacologic management of uncooperative children during dental care to help reduce anxiety.

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT05571423