Multifaceted distraction technique: an innovative tailored approach in dental settings for anxiety reduction in children: A preliminary report

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the useability of a new multifaceted distraction technique and its effects on dental anxiety reduction in children. Methods: This in vivo experimental study included 54 anxious children with an Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale- Face Version score>19. Multifaceted distraction was used to relax and distract the children during dental treatment. Ease of use, attractiveness, functionality, and changes in anxiety scores before and after treatment were assessed in the paediatric patients. The scores obtained were tabulated and statistically analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank and paired t-tests. Results: The multifaceted distraction technique was attractive, easy to use, and reduced procedural anxiety in 98.15% children aged 3–10 years. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the multifaceted distraction technique was an effective behaviour management technique for reducing procedural anxiety in young children. Keywords: Behaviour Management; Child Behaviour; Dental Anxiety; Paediatric Dentistry; Stress Relaxation