Summary Review/Paediatric Dentistry
Evidence-Based Dentistry (2007) 8, 5–6. doi:10.1038/sj.ebd.6400493
Viewing positive images of dentistry reduces anticipatory anxiety in children
Does viewing positive images of dentistry affect the anticipatory dental anxiety levels of children?
Address for correspondence: Professor Tim Newton, Oral Health Services Research and Dental Public Health, Guy's, King's and Thomas' Dental Institute, King's College London, Denmark Hill Campus, Caldecot Road, London SE5 9RW, UK. E-mail: tim.newton@kcl.ac.uk.
Ruth Freeman1
1Dental Health Services Research Unit, The Mackenzie Building, Kirsty Semple Way, Dundee, Scotland
Fox C, Newton JT. A controlled trial of the impact of exposure to positive images of dentistry on anticipatory dental fear in children. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2006; 34:455–459
Abstract
Design
This was a randomised controlled trial (RCT).
Intervention
Participants were randomised to viewing positive images of dentistry and dental or dentally neutral photographs for 2 min in the waiting area prior to their appointment.
Outcome measure
Anticipatory anxiety assessed by the Venham Picture Test.
Results
A significant difference in anticipatory dental anxiety was found between the two groups (median-positive images, 0; median-neutral images, 3; P<0.001). Anticipatory anxiety was not correlated with age (0.04; P>0.05) and there was no significant difference between male and female participants in their level of anticipatory anxiety (median for males, 0.5; median for females, 1; P>0.05).
Conclusions
Viewing positive images of dentistry and dentists results in short-term reductions in anticipatory anxiety in children.
