Dentist Attire Research Articles

Retrospective Study Regarding the Correlation between Dental Anxiety and Color Preferences in Children with Severe Early Childhood Caries.

Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is recognized as a significant chronic disease which affects the quality of life starting at very young ages and has a very rapid evolution towards pulp complication and loss of dental tissue. Children with a high caries index DMFT are more likely to develop high levels of dental anxiety, which will influence the degree of cooperation during dental procedures. Emotions play an important role in the psychosomatic development of children, and all the factors that contribute to the modeling of these emotional states must be known and taken into consideration. The aim of this study was to assess the association between dental anxiety in children with S-ECC and the color preferences for the components of the dental environment to reduce the levels of dental anxiety during medical visits. For this study, 91 children between 3 and 6 years of age diagnosed with S-ECC were selected from the Pediatric Dentistry Department of UMFST from Targu Mures and from a private dental office. The level of dental anxiety was determined by measuring the pulse rate, and a questionnaire was completed to establish the color preferences for the dental office environment and the dentist's attire. For this purpose, six different colors and their variants with three shades less intensity were chosen by using RGB (Red, Green, and Blue) identification codes for each color. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the age of the subjects and dental anxiety levels, but there was no significant correlation between the DMFT score and dental anxiety. Also, the results showed that there was no significant difference between girls and boys when choosing the colors preferred by them for the dental office, but when comparing the colors that represented happiness, significant statistical difference was found between the girls' and boys' groups (p = 0.0039). For all the subjects, the colors associated with happiness were light yellow and pink, while the colors associated with anxiety were red and dark blue. The data obtained showed that dental anxiety is strongly influenced by age, and an important role in inducing positive emotions is played by the dental environment if dressed in specific colors in order to reduce dental anxiety and create familiar conditions, especially for young children with S-ECC.

Evaluation of Child Preference for Dentist Attire and Usage of a Camouflage Syringe in Reduction of Anxiety.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of child-friendly dentist attire and camouflage syringes on reducing dental anxiety in children. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 120 pediatric patients aged 6 to 12 years. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: group A (child-friendly dentist attire), group B (camouflage syringe), or group C (control group). Child preference for dentist attire was assessed using a visual analog scale, while dental anxiety was measured using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale and the Facial Image Scale. The results showed a significant decrease in dental anxiety scores in both group 2 and group 3 compared to group 1 (P < 0.001). Children in group A exhibited a higher preference for child-friendly dentist attire [mean score: 8.7, standard deviation (SD): 1.2] compared to group 1 (mean score: 3.2, SD: 1.5) (P < 0.001). Similarly, children in group 2 showed a higher preference for a camouflage syringe (mean score: 8.5, SD: 1.3) compared to group 1 (mean score: 3.4, SD: 1.6) (P < 0.001). Child-friendly dentist attire and camouflage syringes were found to be effective in reducing dental anxiety among pediatric patients. These interventions were well received by children and their parents, highlighting the importance of considering child preferences in dental settings.

Assessment of Choice and Anxiety toward Different Dentist’s Attires among 5–12-Year-Old Children in Dental Operatory

Abstract Introduction: Fear and anxiety toward dentists, syringes, and white coats are significant issues affecting the treatment of pediatric patients. According to D.C.I guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic, it was made mandatory to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for dental professionals, adding one more cause of fear and anxiety, which made it more challenging to treat pediatric patients. Friendly dentist attire can make a positive impact on a patient’s behavior. Aim: This study aimed to assessment of choice for dentist’s attire and their effect on anxiety of 5–12-year-old children. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, IDS, Bareilly. To assess the choice of dentist’s attire, a questionnaire consisting of 15 closed and open-ended questions was formulated and was asked to be filled by 182 patients with the help of their parents, who reported in our operatory. To assess the pre- and postanxiety levels among patients, vitals (blood pressure and pulse rate) and facial image scores were recorded. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Majority of the children, i.e., 58.8%, showed preference for modified PPE with cartoon characters. Facial Image Scale: Score 2, i.e., sad face, was scored by 7% of children at baseline, and was reduced to only 1% after attire selection. Significant differences were seen in physiological parameters. Conclusion: Clinician’s attire and appearance play a major role in behavior modification of anxious children. Modified PPE with cartoon characters was the attire of choice for the majority of children.

Ağız Sağlığı Eğitim Programına Katılan İlköğretim Okulu Öğrencilerinde Diş Kaygısı Paterni

Background/Aims: Dental anxiety is a common problem which develops mostly in childhood. The level of dental anxiety perceived by the primary schoolers were determined with Facial Image Scale (FIS) while receiving oral dental health education in their classroom environment.&#x0D; Methods: FIS were applied to 163 third-grade primary schoolers while they were having oral health education course in an interactive way. Gender, white dental attire, and past dental experience(s) were pre-determined variables evaluating the pattern of dental anxiety in the third-grade primary schoolers in this study.&#x0D; Results: The overall anxiety level in children was 46.01%, with no significant difference observed between genders (p=0.4593). Students who were educated by instructors wearing white dental attire were more likely to have a 1&amp;2 FIS score (OR: 3.9 (1.3-11.7); p=0.0156). However, students who had past dental experience expressed significantly more 4&amp;5 FIS scores (OR: 4.38 (2.17-8.85); p &lt; 0.001). &#x0D; Conclusions: Regardless of gender white dental attire created a positive perception in 9-year-old students, but the presence of past dental experience and a history of tooth extraction especially under local anesthesia caused negative perception in the study.

Patient Gratification and their Expectation from Dental Professionals- A Cross-Sectional Survey

Introduction: Dentist attire has been molded by tradition and fashion over centuries. There have been many changes in thedental field and patient expectations and with increased proportion of female doctors entering the profession has led to changes in dentist dress code. White coats were worn by dentist for professionalism, identification and hygiene, yet white coats may be a source of, rather than a barrier to cross infection. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the patients opinion toward dentist appearance, clinical attire, cross infection control, years of experience, and their expectations from their dentist.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Patients attending a dental hospital for a consultation appointment were asked to complete a close-ended questionnaire comprising 12 questions. A representative sample of patients completed 100 questionnaires over a period of 4 weeks. Their responses were tabulated and analyzed statistically.&#x0D; Results: The study found that majority of patient preferred their own gender dentist and they preferred young dentist with 1–5 years of experience. Some patients preferred dentist wearing white coat while some patients were comfortable with whatever the dentist was wearing. The majority of patients preferred dentist wearing name badge and personal protective equipment. The majority of patients also preferred treatment from colleges and hospitals and preferred dentist who has done MDS/specialization. The majority of patients were more comfortable with dentist who is smiling, welcoming, and being friendly. Some patients preferred their dentist to talk more while some preferred their dentist to talk appropriately and few patients preferred their dentist to talk less. Dentist having long nails and malaligned or fractured teeth bothered some patient while it did not bother some patients and some patients did not notice it.&#x0D; Conclusion: A considerable amount of research dealing with the professional image of health-care providers has been produced, but very little of this has been specific to the practice of dentistry. Hence, it is hoped that this study will be informative for dental team and the results should be taken into consideration.

Pediatric dentist attire and relationship with anxiety in children and parents during covid-19 pandemic

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate children’s and parent’s preferences of dentist’s attire during Covid-19 pandemic and their relationship with dental anxiety. Methods: A total of 139 Children(71 boys, 68 girls) aged 6-12 years were shown videos of a pediatric dentist working with different attire such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and pedoscrub, and they were asked to express the way they preferred their dentist to be dressed. Children’s anxiety levels with different attire of paediatric dentists were assessed in different age groups and for boys and girls separately and recorded it using the Facial image scale. A questionnaire regarding dental anxiety was created online and completed by 139 parents (76 females, 63 males) of various ages and different educational backgrounds who were asked to choose between two outfits. Results were tabulated and statistically analysed using Chi-square test. Results: Children aged 10-12 years preferred PPE by 50.6%, whereas 48.1% of children aged 6-9 years least preferred PPE (&lt;0.05). About 46 (33%) were scored as anxious children and they had a preference for pedoscrub. Also, nonanxious children 43(31%) preferred PPE. All educated parents (100%) selected PPE over pedoscrub and the result were shown to be statistically significant. (&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Ultimately, the majority of the anxious children chosen pedoscrub, whereas non - anxious children have chosen PPE. Furthermore, the data reveals that both educated parents and older

Effect of the Dental Office Environment and the Dentist's Attire on children's cooperation

Aim: The purpose of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to ascertain children's dental clinic choices in order to alleviate anxiety during dental operations. This study employed a survey approach. Methods: A questionnaire was developed to identify a child's choice for a dental facility in order to ease anxiety associated with dental procedures. The research enrolled 92 children aged 7–10 years. The kids were arbitrarily chosen following their initial dental appointment at a private dental institution. Data were analysed using SPSS. The Chi-squared test was used to compare responses to questionnaire questions across age and gender categories. P 0.05 was deemed significant statistically. Results: The demographic data of 92 kids shows that 34% Boys prefer male dentists, whereas 28% girls prefer female dentists. Majority of females opting for lab coats at 23%. Also, 11% of boys and 11% of girls preferred a dentist in surgical gowns. 86% of the kids who were asked like having cartoons on their doctor's office walls. Among them, 50 (54.3%) of the boys liked clinics with cartoon paintings the best. Conclusion: The outcomes of this study will help the dental team build a comfortable dental environment for children, lowering anxiety and enhancing overall treatment quality. Keywords: Child Anxiety, Dentist Attire, child cooperation, dental office cartoon walls

Child Dental Patient's Anxiety and Preference for Dentist's Attire: A Cross-sectional Study.

Aim and objectiveInitial perceptions of physicians can affect the level of comfort. Creating a strong rapport on the child's first visit helps to create a comfortable atmosphere. Child-friendly clothing of the dentists might possibly contribute to the dentist's empathy. Different attires may evoke different feelings. Hence, the purpose of the study was to assess the children's preferences for dentist's attire and its relation with anxiety.Materials and methodsEighty children aged 5-12 years were included in the study. Five photographs of dentists wearing different attires were placed in the same order for every child. The child was asked to look at the photographs and decide which dentist they would prefer to take care of them. A facial image scale was used to evaluate the child's anxiety level. The children were asked to point at which face they felt almost like at that moment.Results42.7% of males and 38.5% of females chose child-friendly attire. The least preferred by males was a pink apron (7.5%) compared with females (28.1%). Whereas the blue apron was least preferred by females (5.1%) compared with males (20%). A Chi-square test was done to access the association between dental anxiety and the dental attire the children chose, where statistically significant (0.030) results were found. Anxious children were found to prefer child-friendly attire.ConclusionAlthough the view that children are fearful of the white coat was not found, the concept of child-friendly attire might be more appropriate for anxious children and enhance an easy first communication with them.How to cite this articleSujatha P, Nara A, Avanti A, et al. Child Dental Patient's Anxiety and Preference for Dentist's Attire: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(S-2):S107-S110.

Perception Regarding Pediatric Dentist’s Appearance and Factors Influencing the Child’s Responses

To develop, validate, and apply an instrument for assessing the children's perception regarding pediatric dentist's appearance, based upon the influence of age, gender, previous dental experience, and anxiety. Images and a nine-item questionnaire were developed. The acceptability, convergent-construct validity, and reliability based on reproducibility and internal consistency were evaluated. The validated instrument was applied in a cross-sectional study, with children (n=120) aged 7-12 years asked to evaluate images of pediatric dentists wearing different dental attire (A:all-white (control); B:printed coat and cap, colorful face mask; C:printed coat, cap and face mask; and D:white coat and cap, printed face mask). Children's age, gender, and previous dental experiences were collected with the guardians. The Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale assessed children's anxiety. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out (p<0.05). The instrument showed excellent acceptability, construct validity with moderate and strong correlations (>0.40), satisfactory reproducibility (ICC >0.70), and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha coefficient >0.70). Considering only the attire, the children's perceptions were more positive with the use of attire C and D (p<0.05). Intergroup analysis of all the variables did not identify a statistically significant difference (p>0.05). In the intragroup analysis, compared to attire A: younger children have higher perception scores to attire D; girls, children with previous experience and without anxiety favored attire C and D; and children without previous experience showed no difference in comparison to A but did between B and C (p<0.05). The C and D attires promoted a more positive perception of the appearance of a pediatric dentist when compared to A; however, age, gender, previous dental experience, and anxiety did not influence the perception scores.

Child preferences for the dentist attire and dental health-care setting: A cross-sectional study

Background: Color plays an important role in a child's life and can elicit emotions such as anxiety and fear. Clothes worn by a dental surgeon may increase anxiety and fear in children because of the children's previous experiences. Furthermore, a dental clinic environment can significantly contribute to dental anxiety and fear. Objectives: The present study was undertaken to evaluate children's preferences for dentist attire and the color of the pediatric dental clinic environment. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 132 female schoolchildren aged 6–10 years. Using a questionnaire with a pictorial demonstration, each child was interviewed to gather information regarding their preferences for the dentist attire and the color of the dental clinic. First, the children were asked to prioritize five photographs of a single anonymous dentist wearing five different aprons (white coat, casual attire, pediatric scrub, surgical scrub, jeans, and T-shirt). Then, a set of five pictures of a dental clinic painted in blue, yellow, green, and black and one clinic with cartoon images were shown to the children. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Results: The majority of the children preferred that pediatric dentists wear traditional white coats (n = 62), while the most preferred interior for the dental clinic was the one with cartoon images (n = 88). Statistical analysis indicated that preference for the white coat and preference for the clinic with cartoon images were significant when compared with others (P

Children's preferences toward dentist attire in Al Madinah Al Munawarah.

Background and aim: Children make judgments about the dentist on the basis of dentists’ attire and talking gestures during dental visits. It is important to focus on dentists’ attire as they can adjust their attire according to a child’s preference. This study aims to assess the preferences of children regarding dentist attire in Al-Madinah Munawarah.Methods: A cross-sectional study design has been incorporated by recruiting 202 patients aged between 9 and 12 years of age from Taibah University Hospital. The study was carried out from March to June 2018 through a questionnaire that consists of 15 questions to assess the attire preference of the dentist. The data obtained through the questionnaire was analyzed through Microsoft Excel and imported to SPSS Statistical Software version 21.Results: The majority of the children (59.9%) specified that the attire of the dentist was important for them and 45.5% of them preferred the dentist to wear perfume. The majority of the children (57.4%) preferred that the dentist did not wear any jewelry. Moreover, the majority of the children (49.5%) preferred that dentists wore a white coat with white scarf. was preferred by the majority of the children (49.5%). Closed-toe shoes were preferred by most of the children (68.8%) and 56.9% of the children preferred the dentist to wear flat shoes. The attitude of dentists towards wearing shoes, jewelry, goggles, watches, badges, and face mask was found to have significant difference at 5% confidence interval; whereas, the children did not prefer traditional outfit worn by the dentists on their visit to the dental clinic.Conclusion: There is a significant impact of dentist attire on the child’s acceptance of the dental procedure.

Preferencia de los pacientes niños y sus padres con respecto a la vestimenta del odontopediatra

Preference for the dentist attire by children and their parents

A cross-sectional evaluation of children preference for dentist attire and syringe type in reduction of dental anxiety

Fear of a dental child is most commonly associated with dentist attire and usage of syringe. The objective of the study was to evaluate the preference of dentist's attire and kind of syringe (conventional or camouflage) among different age groups of children. In this cross-sectional study A total of 750 children aged 4-14 years were included in the study. All the participants were subdivided into five major groups according to their age, i.e., 4-5 years, 6-7 years, 8-9 years, 10-11 years, and 12-14 years. A set of six photographs which included dentists in white-colored apron, pink-colored apron, green-colored apron, blue-colored apron, and gown with cartoon character and dentists without apron (formal attire) along with: (a) camouflage syringe and (b) conventional syringe were provided to every child and was asked to give his/her preference looking at the six set of pictures. The preference of each child was thus recorded. Children's anxiety level during injections and dentist attire was assessed and recorded using two anxiety scales, i.e. the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale faces version and Facial Image Scale. SPSS statistical software and Chi-square test were used. (P < 0.05). A majority of 35.3% participants in the 4-5-years age group preferred aprons with cartoon character, while 65.3% in the 12-14-years age group selected white apron as the preferred choice. Regarding preference of the syringe type, it was observed that 82% of the younger age preferred camouflage syringe and 75% of the older age preferred conventional syringe. On comparison of both the scales, no significant differences were found. About 82% children in the older age group were reported to be nonanxious with white attire and only 14% were anxious with the conventional syringe type. Younger children have a greater preference of colorful attire of dentist and camouflage syringe over the conventional one when compared to older children.

Children's preferences for different kinds of dental attires: The concept of psychological modulation of children's behavior by different kinds of attires in dental clinics

Context: Psychologists highlight the importance of appearance and its effect upon first impressions and the development of interpersonal relationship. How a dental surgeon dresses may be important in determining the success of dental surgeon–patient relationship. Different dental attires may evoke different feelings according to their appearances. Knowing the children's preferences for different kinds of dental attire, a dental surgeon may determine the most child-friendly attire and the care provided by dental surgeons can be, further, improved. Aims: The aim of the present study was to assess children's preferences for different kinds of dental attire and to investigate and relate the influence of age, socioeconomic status, effect of media, and the previous exposure to a dental setup on children's preferences. Materials and Methods: A total of 2500 schoolchildren in the age group of 9–14 years were interviewed on their preferences individually for different kinds of dental attire followed by a questionnaire. Ten photographs of five male and five female dental surgeons in different modes of attire were shown to children and asked to give their preferences. The completely answered questionnaires by children were collected on the same day from the children and by parents the next day. Statistical Analysis Used: Collected data were compiled and analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS (version 13, SPSS Inc., Chicago, USA) package. The statistical tests used for the analysis were Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and linear association. Results: The results obtained revealed that 35.6% of children preferred white coat the most followed by the attire-scrubs with cartoon (21.8%) for male dental surgeons while 38.2% of children preferred white coat followed by formal attire (28.4%) for the female dental surgeons. Conclusion: White coat is the most preferred attire by children followed by scrubs with cartoons and formal attire. Plain scrub was the least preferred. Age and socioeconomic status have definite influence on the preferences of children as lower class and higher age groups showed more inclination toward white coat. Past dental experiences and effect of media showed no significant effect on children's preferences.

Children's Preferences for Pediatric Dentist Attire: A Multicenter Study.

Data are conflicting regarding the effect of professional staff attire on children at pediatric dental clinics. To compare the preferences of children and their parents in three countries, regarding the gender and attire of pediatric dentists. A multi-centered study was conducted in pediatric dental clinics in Israel (N=100), Uruguay (N=270) and Spain (N=200). Children, aged 4-12 years, and their parents were asked to choose the pediatric dentist they preferred from 5 pictures of the same male and 5 pictures of the same female, in different attire. In Israeli clinics, where half of the pediatric dentists were male, and they wore white coats or casual attire, these were preferred by children, with no preference regarding the dentist's gender. In Spain, where the majority of dentists were females, wearing surgical scrubs, children preferred female dentists with this attire. In Uruguay, where female dentists wore surgical or pediatric scrubs, these were preferred by children. Parents more often selected female than male dentists; they preferred pediatric scrubs for their children's dentists more often than their children preferred such attire. Children's preferences for the attire of pediatric dentists reflected the common wearing apparel for dentists at the clinics they attended.

Microbial Analysis and Determination of Antibiotic Susceptibility of Dental Laboratory Equipments and Laboratory Attire.

Context:This study was done to determine the level and type of microbial contamination present on the surface of various dental laboratory equipment and laboratory attire and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of these isolated pathogens.Subjects and Methods:The samples were divided into following groups: six groups of dental laboratory equipment (articulators, facebow, fox plane, polishing buff, micromotor handpiece, and surveyors) and dental attire of laboratory technicians and students. A total of 33 swabs were collected from each dental laboratory equipment, namely, articulators, facebow, fox plane, polishing buff, micromotor handpiece, and surveyors. The dental laboratory attire of students and dental technicians were analyzed separately. The swabs were collected from the laboratory attire at the end of the week, and they were washed once a week and at the beginning of the week. The groups are Group 1 – dental laboratory attire (students), Group 2 – dental laboratory attire (technicians), Group 3 – polishing buff, Group 4 – facebow, Group 5 – surveyor, Group 6 – fox plane, Group 7 – articulator, and Group 8 – micromotor handpiece. The moistened swabs were inoculated into the broth and subcultured on to the MacConkey Agar plates, and then incubated aerobically at 37°C for 24 h. The organisms were identified based on colony morphology, Gram staining, and standard biochemical tests. The antibiotic susceptibility patterns of the isolated organisms were done according to the CLSI guidelines. The collected data were statistically analyzed.Statistical Analysis Used:The data collected were entered into a Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 22 (Armonk, NY, IBM Corp.). The frequency and mean standard deviation of the samples were analyzed using Fisher's exact value test. Percentage of resistance among the isolates to different antimicrobials was also determined.Results:The microorganisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, nonfermenting Gram-negative bacteria, and Bacillus species. The mean microbial levels in dental laboratory attire were more (5 log10 colony-forming units [CFU]) compared with dental equipment (3 log10 CFU–4 log10 CFU). Furthermore, most of the isolated organisms showed increased antimicrobial resistance.Conclusion:Majority of the isolated organisms were not a part of the normal oral microflora and are capable of causing various diseases. The increased resistance to the antimicrobials showed by the isolated organisms proves that there are increased chances of multiresistant organisms to occur in the future.

Evaluation of child preference for dentist attire and usage of camouflage syringe in reduction of anxiety.

Objectives:The aim of this study is to evaluate the child preference for dentist attire and camouflage versus conventional syringe in reduction of anxiety.Materials and Methods:A total of 600 children aged 6–14 years were made to look at a set of six photos of an individual dressed with different colored apron of pink, green, blue, white colors, formal dress, and cartoon character along with conventional syringe and camouflage syringe with a toy-like appearance to permit injection of local anesthesia. Children's anxiety level during injections and with colored coat was assessed and recorded using the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale faces version.Statistical Analysis Used:SPSS statistical software version 21 and using Chi-square test.Results:Among age group of 6–8 years, 65.33% selected colorful apron, while other age groups 9–10, 11–12 years, and 13–14 years selected 47.34%, 57.34%, and 50.67% white coat, respectively (P < 0.05). For syringe, 78% of younger age group (6–10 years) preferred camouflage syringe, whereas 71% of older age group (11–14 years) preferred conventional syringe. Anxiety level of all children for syringe was more compared to that of white coat.Conclusion:Younger children prefer colorful attire of dentist and camouflage syringe over conventional compared to older one.

Provider Appearance: A Survey of Guardian and Patient Preference.

The purposes of this study were to: (1) assess children's preferences for their pediatric dentist's attire; (2) assess guardians' preferences for their child's pediatric dentist's attire; and (3) determine which attributes are associated with different types of attire. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study using survey methodology with patients and parents who attended the pediatric dental clinic at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va., USA. A total sample of 100 guardians and 97 pediatric patients completed the computer-based questionnaire. Four subjects posed for photographs wearing various combinations of attire (professional, casual, white coat, scrubs). Among guardians, 56 percent reported preferring a provider in scrubs, with white coat the second most preferred attire (39 percent) for their children. For pediatric patients, scrubs were still most often selected, but at a lower rate (43 percent), and the white coat remained the second most preferred (37 percent). Children and parents have strong perceptions and preferences regarding their dentists' attire.

Age and Environment Determined Children's Preference Towards Dentist Attire - A Cross - Sectional Study.

The attire of the dentist has an influence on child's behaviour in dental setup. Recent research has shown that the children have preferences towards the outfit worn by the dentist. The aim of the study was to determine the preference of children towards dentists' attire based on various age groups and environment. A total of 534 children aged between 6-11 years participated in the study. Children were divided into three groups based on their age as younger, middle and older age groups. Photographs of the dentist in different attires such as white coat, surgical scrubs and regular outfit were shown to children and the questionnaire was evaluated by a single, qualified Paediatric dentist in two different environmental set ups, namely school and dental environment. The anxiety level was evaluated by using Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale [MCDAS (f)]. Data was collected and tabulated. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. A statistically significant difference was evident in the preference level of children towards dentist attire (p-value= 0.002). There was a positive correlation in the preference level of children towards dentist attire in different age groups. A statistically significant difference was evident in the preference level of children towards the dentist attire in school and dental environment (p-value <0.001). Younger age group children preferred regular outfit and middle and older age group preferred white coat and surgical scrubs respectively. Children preferred white coat in school environment and surgical scrubs in dental environment.

What to wear when practicing on pediatric dental patients?

Background: The appearance of the clinician is considered to have an effect on a patient's impression of the dental environment and to affect the doctor-patient relationship. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify children's and parents' preferences regarding dentist's attire and their relationship to dental anxiety, previous experiences, and socioeconomic levels. Methods: The study was conducted with 500 patients between 5 and 11 years of age and their parents. Participants were asked to respond a questionnaire, and preference of dental attire was determined by showing photographs of either a female or a male pediatric dentist in the three different modes of attire. Statistics: Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Spearmen Rho correlation test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The majority of children and their parents were found to prefer pediatric dentists to wear white coats; however, children with a systemic disease, dental anxiety, and previous negative dental experience preferred casual dress ( P Conclusion: Previous experiences and general health have a strong effect on children's preferences related to their dentist's attire.