Effects of psychological behaviour management programme on dental fear and anxiety in children: A randomised controlled clinical trial

Authors

  • J-S Song DDS, PhD, Assistant professor of the department of Paediatric Dentistry, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul
  • H-C Chung MS, Computer scientist in the Culture Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon
  • S Sohn MA, Computer-mediated communication researcher in graduate school of Communication and Arts, Yonsei University, Seoul
  • Y-J Kim DDS, PhD, Professor and Chair of the department of Paediatric Dentistry, Dental Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University, Seoul

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23804/ejpd.2020.21.04.6

Keywords:

Psychological behaviour management programme, Dental fear and anxiety, Information and communications technology

Abstract

AIM: A psychological behaviour management programme with information and communications technology was developed that includes symbolic modelling, tell-show-do, positive reinforcement and distraction, and provides real-time treatment information. We hypothesised that the programme would help patients feel less stressed and show less uncooperative behaviours and subjective pain. METHODS: Forty-eight paediatric patients were recruited from May 2016 to January 2017, and randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group. In the control, patients watched cartoon animations during the first and second treatments. The experimental group watched cartoon animations during the first treatment, and they used the programme during the second treatment. To measure stress, uncooperative behaviour and subjective pain, we recorded the heart rate, Procedure Behaviour Checklist (PBCL) and Wong and Baker's Faces Pain Rating Scale (FPRS). CONCLUSION: The programme was effective in relieving fear and anxiety as well as learning cooperative behaviour.