444 - The Effectiveness of Pre-Visit Positive Imagery in Reducing Dental Anxiety

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine whether pre-visit positive imagery can aid in decreasing dental anxiety and fear in pediatric patients as well as increasing patient cooperation during treatment visits.

 

Methods: This study is a prospective randomized control trial which includes healthy patients who are 4 to 6 years of age, have never had dental treatment in the past and need at least 1 composite filling with use of local anesthetic and nitrous oxide planned. Patients were randomly chosen to receive a picture book as the pre-visit positive imagery experimental group or no form of pre-visit positive imagery as the control group. The Venham picture test was used to assess patient anxiety prior to treatment and after treatment was completed. After the treatment visit, parents or guardians were asked to complete a post-op survey on their perception of how the treatment visit went. Dental providers were asked to assess the patient’s behavior using the Frankl behavior scale at the exam and treatment visit. Data will be evaluated by a statistician and results will determine whether pre-visit positive imagery will improve patient behavior and reduce dental anxiety and fear.

 Results /

Conclusion: Pending data analysis.

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