445 - Patient's Behavior at Different Clinical Appointment Times

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the appointment time affects the behavior of children receiving dental treatment at the Nicklaus Children's Hospital (NCH) dental clinic.

Methods: Pediatric dental patients ages 3 to 6 years old, ASA 1 and 2, who had a dental exam and first restorative appointment completed by an NCH Pediatric Dental resident were selected. The appointments were categorized according to the time of day; i.e. before 10 am and after 10 am. The behavior at the end of each appointment was recorded by the resident who provided the treatment utilizing the Frankl behavior score. A retrospective chart review from January 2022 to June 2023 was conducted.

Results: A total of forty-four children [female=56%] were assessed. The findings did not show a significant difference in Frankl's score between patients with appointments before 10 am (N=18; mean=3.28; SD=0.752) compared to those after 10 am (N=26; mean=3.15; SD=0.967).

Conclusion: The time of the dental appointment did not predict patient's behavior. The results of this study suggest that factors such as the patient's character and personality are more influential in predicting their behavior during dental visits. Further studies can be conducted to explore this association.


Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: N/A