Pre-Visit Positive Imagery for Dental Anxiety
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The trial aims to determine if a picture book with positive images, used before a dental visit, can reduce anxiety and fear in children, leading to smoother visits. Children requiring at least one filling, along with a local anesthetic and nitrous oxide, will either receive the Previsit Imagery Picturebook or proceed with the visit as usual. The trial will collect feedback from both children and parents through surveys conducted before and after the treatment. Children who are generally healthy, have not undergone previous dental treatments, and can speak and understand English are suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for children to potentially experience reduced anxiety during dental visits.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that this pre-visit positive imagery is safe for pediatric dental patients?
Research has shown that using positive images, such as picture books, safely reduces dental anxiety in children. No reports indicate any negative effects from using picture books. This method involves showing children happy pictures of dental visits before their appointment. It is well-tolerated because it avoids medicines or physical treatments. Essentially, it provides children with a fun preview of what to expect, helping them feel more comfortable.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Previsit Imagery Picturebook because it offers a fresh approach to tackling dental anxiety. Unlike traditional methods, which might involve medications or cognitive-behavioral therapy, this treatment uses positive imagery to help patients feel more at ease before their dental visits. By engaging patients with calming and reassuring pictures, this technique aims to reduce anxiety in a non-invasive and easy-to-understand way. If successful, it could provide a simple and accessible tool to make dental visits less intimidating for everyone.
What evidence suggests that pre-visit positive imagery is effective for reducing dental anxiety in children?
Research has shown that using positive images before a dental visit can reduce anxiety and fear in children. For example, one study found that digital images shown beforehand calmed anxious kids before entering the dental office. Another study noted that children who viewed positive pictures of dental care before appointments felt less anxious. Additionally, research suggests that storybooks about dental visits can significantly lower dental anxiety. In this trial, participants in the Previsit Imagery Group will receive a picture book with positive images before their visit, which might make children feel less scared about going to the dentist and help them cooperate better during treatment.12346
Who Is on the Research Team?
Arusha Bhatia
Principal Investigator
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy children needing a dental filling, who have never had dental treatment before and will use nitrous oxide and local anesthetic. They must be able to understand English. Children with visual impairments, developmental delays that affect reading or picture interpretation, or those who refuse nitrous are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive dental treatment with or without pre-visit positive imagery
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in dental anxiety and behavior post-treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Previsit Imagery Picturebook
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Southern California
Lead Sponsor