The Effectiveness of Cognitive-behavioral Intervention on Dental Anxiety During Pulpotomy in 7-10 Year-old Children: A Clinical Trial

Marzieh Shokravi; Mohammadreza Maaboudi; Ali Amiri; Monirsadat Mirzadeh; Razieh Jabbarian

doi:10.18502/fid.v20i32.13588

Marzieh Shokravi Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
Mohammadreza Maaboudi Student Research Committee, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
Ali Amiri Office of Counseling and Mental Health, Student and Cultural Deputy, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
Monirsadat Mirzadeh Community Medicine, Metabolic Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
Razieh Jabbarian Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Dental Caries Prevention Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/fid.v20i32.13588

Keywords: Dental Anxiety; Psychology, Child; Pulpotomy

Abstract

Objectives: Dental anxiety is a common phenomenon experienced by children in the dental setting. However, there is limited research on the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral interventions in managing this anxiety. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a cognitive-behavioral psychologic intervention on dental anxiety in children.

Materials and Methods: A total of thirty children, aged 7-10 years, underwent prophylaxis and fluoride therapy. The baseline anxiety levels of the children were determined using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS). The intervention group (N=15) received two 30-minute sessions of cognitivebehavioral exercises. Additionally, a short film demonstrating a cooperative child undergoing pulpotomy was created and parents were instructed to show it to their children at home. During the treatment session, the exercises were reinforced at each step, and the MCDAS questionnaire was administered again. The children’s behavior was also assessed using the Venham Clinical Cooperation Scale. Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, chi-square, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Postoperatively, the MCDAS score in the intervention group was significantly lower compared to the control group. Notably, the intervention group demonstrated a downward trend in anxiety scores, while the control group showed an increase (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Cognitive-behavioral interventions were found to be successful in decreasing dental anxiety in children undergoing pulpotomy. These interventions can be successfully implemented in clinical settings.