FEAR ASSESSMENT WITH THE ‘DRAW A PERSON’ TEST OF THE DENTAL TREATMENT IN SPARING ENZYME-BASED EXCAVATION OF CARIES IN CHILDREN BETWEEN 4 AND 6 YEARS OF AGE

Abstract

Aim The aim of the study is to assess fear with the ‘Draw a Person’ test in sparing enzyme-based excavation with Brix 3000 and conventional excavation when treating carious lesions in primary teeth. Materials and Methods The study involves 72 children aged 4-6. The enzyme-based excavation was used at 42 of the children and for the remaining 30 – conventional excavation with a bur. Each child has to complete the ‘Draw a Person’ Test: at home, before and after dental treatment in the dental office. The height of each figure is measured in centimeters using a ruler. Results and Conclusions Immediately prior to the dental treatment, a double reduction in the size of the figure in both groups could be observed, as compared to the figure drawn at home, which refers to an increase in the fear level. After the end of the treatment, in both groups, an increase could be observed as to the height of the figure drawn, and there is the impression that the height of the figures, drawn by children, where the carious lesions were excavated with Brix 3000 are closer to the figures drawn at home, compared to children treated using the conventional method.