Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale Research Articles

Comparative Evaluation of New Needleless Local Anesthetic System (INJEX) and Conventional Syringe Needle Technique during Pulpotomy Treatment: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The dreaded sensation of pain in the dental chair has a significant impact on children's behavior. This study aimed to compare and contrast the perception of pain and patient behavior between the use of INJEX and the conventional syringe needle technique during pulpotomy among children. A randomized clinical trial was designed and conducted among pediatric dentistry patients aged 6-12 years old. Fifty-eight children were divided into two groups, conventional syringe needle and INJEX, using simple randomization method applying the sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelope method of allocation concealment. Anesthesia was administered to the groups as local infiltration by a single operator following routine behavior guidance techniques. After 3 min, pulpotomy was performed using the standard protocol. The Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale and Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBS) were used to assess the intensity of pain, while the Frankl behavior rating scale (FBRS) was used to assess the children's behavior. During anesthesia, most of the participants in the INJEX group (median = 3) had higher FBRS scores compared with the conventional syringe needle group (median = 2), and the difference was very highly significant (p-value < 0.001). Analyzing the FLACC scores during local anesthesia administration revealed a high statistical significance (p-value < 0.01) across the two groups. A very high statistically significant difference (p-values < 0.001) with higher WBS scores for pain intensity was seen in the group using conventional syringe needles. INJEX administration significantly reduced the intensity of pain experienced by the children and helped maintain a positive attitude among them during pulpotomy. It provided a positive and comfortable experience for both the child and the practitioner. Therefore, it can serve as an excellent alternative to conventional needle anesthesia.

Behavioral Patterns Toward Preventive Dental Care at School Dental Camps: An Observational Study in Bengaluru.

Background Dental behavior management problems of children towards preventive dental careat school dental camps in India remain largely undocumented. This study aimed to assess such behavior patternsin preschool and school-age children at a school dental health camp. Materials and methods The cross-sectional study included 462 children, with 261 children each in the preschool (three to five years old) and school (six to 12 years old) age groups in Bengaluru. On the school dental camp day, theirbehavior and anxiety were gauged using the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale and the Raghavendra, Madhuri, and Sujata Pictorial Scale, respectively. The Chi-square test was used to uncover predictive variables for children's behavior patterns towardpreventivedental procedures at the dental school camps. Results A high prevalence of definitely negative Frankl Behavior Rating Scale ratings (59%, n=272) and dental anxiety (53%, n=245) were noted among the participants. Age, sex, the area of residence of the child, and the previous history of dental visits and treatment were predictors of their behavior at a school dental camp setup. Conclusion The present study gives an insight into the behavior of children towards preventive dental care at a school dental campin a mobile dental van, stressing the need for behavior assessment before the treatment.

Global prevalence of early childhood dental fear and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe objective of this review is to determine the global prevalence of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) in early childhood and identify its related factors. MethodsThe systematic review utilized three common English-language databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science). Two independent researchers performed a systematic search to include observational studies on young children published from 2000 to 2023. They extracted information on prevalence of DFA, assessment tools used, study sites, respondents, and children's dental visit experiences. ResultsA total of 2,895 studies were identified, and 25 studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The pooled prevalence of DFA among 2- to 6- year-old children was estimated to be 30 % (95 % CI=25, 36). Children without dental visit experience (OR=1.37, 95 % CI=1.18, 1.59) and children with caries experiences (OR=1.18, 95 % CI=1.09, 1.27) had higher odds of experiencing DFA compared to those with dental visit experience or caries-free status. The most commonly used assessment tools in the included studies were the Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale (32 %, 8/25), Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (20 %, 5/25), and Dental Anxiety Question (20 %, 5/25). ConclusionsThis systematic review reveals that approximately one-third of young children globally experience DFA. Children who lack dental visit experience or have caries experiences are at increased risk of DFA. Clinicians can use this information to make informed decisions regarding dental care provision for young children. Clinical SignificanceThis study provides comprehensive information on the global prevalence of dental fear and anxiety and its associated factors in early childhood. The findings can assist clinicians in understanding and addressing DFA in their dental care approach for young children. RegistrationPROSPERO (CRD42023446464)

Preparing Children for Their First Dental Visit: A Guide for Parents.

The aim of the study was to test an information booklet containing suggestions to parents on how to prepare their child for the first dental visit. Forty-five children and one parent per included child took part in the trial. Children were randomized in two groups; the information booklet was e-mailed to the parents of the study group. At the end of the visit, the dentist and the parent evaluated the child's behavior through the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale (FBRS) and the utility of the booklet through a Likert scale. The children evaluated the pleasantness of the visit and the perceived pain through the Wong-Baker FACES® Pain Rating Scale (WBFPRS). Parents evaluated the information booklet as highly understandable and useful. According to the dentist, informed children were more cooperative (FBRS median score: 4; IQR: 3.5-4) than the control group (median score 3; IQR: 2-4) (p = 0.013; Mann-Whitney U test). Children prepared with the booklet reported less pain (WBFPRS: 0.40 ± 0.82 vs. 1.42 ± 1.99; p = 0.034; t-test;) and tended to evaluate the visit as more enjoyable (WBFPRS: 1.1 ± 2.14 vs. 2.75 ± 3.43; p = 0.064; t-test) than unprepared children. The information booklet increases the child's ability to cooperate during the visit and could represent a useful instrument for the clinical practice.

The Effect of Dental Treatments in Caries Management on Stress and Salivary Protein Levels.

A great burden is put on healthcare systems by dental caries and understanding patients’ treatment needs is of utmost importance. The aim of this pre–post study was to assess dental anxiety and the psychological stress induced by two different types of dental treatment (prophylaxis and cavity preparation), by combining psychometric evaluations with salivary biomarkers, in a group of 28 schoolchildren presenting in a university clinic. Pre- and post-treatment unstimulated whole saliva was collected and levels of cortisol, alpha-amylase (sAA) and total protein content were measured. The State–Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children and the Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale (FBRS) were applied. Statistical analysis was performed using the Stata/IC 16 (StataCorp) programme. All salivary parameters showed strong positive correlations between pre- and post-treatment levels. Post-treatment, salivary cortisol decreased (p = 0.008, paired t-test), sAA did not change significantly (p = 0.572, sign test), while the sAA/cortisol ratio (AOC) increased (p = 0.036, sign test). There were no correlations between state and trait anxiety levels. State anxiety scores registered significantly higher values for children with an FBRS score of 3 compared with a score of 4 (p < 0.001, unpaired t-test). The post-treatment decrease in the salivary cortisol level was higher for prophylaxis compared with the cavity preparation group (p = 0.024, t-test). These results demonstrate that sAA and cortisol levels are altered differently by psychological stress induced by two different types of dental treatment.

Assessment of child psychological attributes using strength and difficulties questionnaire for prediction of child behavior at first dental visit: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionPredicting child behavior before the first dental visit is considered an effective approach that enables the dentist to guide child behavior during the dental treatment.AimThe present study aimed to detect psychological attributes of children seeking dental treatment for the first time using the strength and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ), evaluate actual child behavior during the dental treatment using Frankl Behavior Rating Scale, and test the association between these attributes and child behavior.Material and methodThe study was conducted on 128 children aged between 4 and 7 years attending the outpatient Pediatric Dentistry clinic for the first time. Parents were asked to answer the SDQ, then a simple restorative treatment under local anesthesia was performed for children to evaluate their behavior using Frankl Behavior Rating Scale.ResultsAbout 19.5% of the study sample were categorized as psychologically abnormal, where emotional and conduct problems were the most prevalent psychological attributes by a percentage of 22.7% and 20% respectively. A strong correlation was detected between the total difficulty score and child behavior.ConclusionsPsychological problems are common among children aged from 4 to 7 years and they also affect their dental behavior.

Does the Efficacy of Behavior Management Techniques Differ Between Children From Single-Child and Multi-Child Families?: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

AimBehavior management techniques (BMTs) efficiently deliver dental treatment to children with dental anxiety. The objective of this quasi-experimental study was to examine whether the efficacy of BMTs applied for the improvement of compliance in pediatric patients differs between children 3–10-year-olds from single-child and multi-child families.Materials and MethodsIn this quasi-experimental, 197 caregiver-child couples were divided into two groups: single-child group (116 couples) and multi-child group (81 couples). Children's pre- and post-treatment anxiety levels were measured by facial mood scale (FMS) and Frankl Behavior Rating Scale (FBRS), respectively.Caregivers' dental anxiety was measured by the Chinese version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), which was included in the self-designed questionnaire. Data were analyzed by using the Mann-Whitney U-test, chi-square tests, and binary multivariate regression analysis.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in the demographic characteristics of the children between the two groups. BMTs were found to be capable of reducing children's dental anxiety (CDA): the compliance rate was 45.69–88.79% in the single-child group and 44.44–85.79% in the multi-child group pre- and post-BMTs, but there was no significant difference in the change of compliance between the two groups (p > 0.05). In the subgroup analysis, parenting style (odds ratio [OR] = 0.054, p < 0.05) and father's education (OR = 8.19, p < 0.05) affected the varies of children's compliance in the single-child group. In contrast, in the multi-child group, gender (OR = 8.004, p < 0.05) and mother's occupation (OR = 0.017, p < 0.05) were associated with these changes in compliance.ConclusionsIn this study, BMTs were proved to be beneficial in improving compliance in 3- to 10-year-olds children in dental treatment. Though there was no significant difference in the change of compliance between children from single-child and multi-child families, different associated factors may affect the two groups. Therefore, the related family factors should be taken into account when professionals manage each child's behavior in dental practice.

Effect of maternal parenting style on child behaviour and its management strategies in dental office: A pilot study.

To evaluate the effect of maternal parenting style on child behaviour and consequent management strategies in dental office. Eighty child-mother pairs were included in the study. Before the start of the treatment, Maternal parenting style was evaluated utilising Primary Caregivers Practices Report, while child behaviour along with his/her perception towards dental treatment were observed using Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale and Sound Eye Motor scale, respectively. Also the behaviour management strategy utilised for the child was noted and its correlation to both parenting style and child behaviour was evaluated. A statistically significant correlation (p-value = 0.00) was observed between the maternal parenting style and child behaviour displayed during dental treatment. Also, a positive correlation (p-value = 0.00) was observed between behaviour displayed by the children and behaviour management strategy used in the dental operatory. The clinicians can predict the type of behaviour the child might display and the behaviour management strategy to be utilised for a specific child based on the maternal parenting style.

Comparing the Influence of Conventional and Rotary Instrumentation Techniques on the Behavior of the Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BackgroundPulpectomy has gained popularity in the pediatric dental practice for preserving the primary teeth in its position until exfoliation. There has been a paradigm shift from using manual instrumentation to rotary instrumentation for canal preparation in primary teeth. While studies show that there is a reduction in the instrumentation time with the use of rotary instruments which in turn influences the behavior of the child, its direct effect on the behavior of the children has not been evaluated.AimTo compare the behavior of the children during manual and rotary instrumentation for pulpectomy in the primary molars.Materials and methodsA single-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted in 88 children in any one of the mandibular primary molars indicated for pulpectomy. The canal preparation was done using manual K files and rotary ProTaper (44 children in each group). The influence of these instrumentation techniques on the children was assessed with three different scales- Frankl Behavior Rating Scale; Venham Interval Rating Scale; Wong Baker FACES Pain Scale for evaluating the behavior, anxiety, and the pain experienced by the children, respectively during canal preparation.ResultsA total of 88 participants, comprising 50 females and 38 males, participated in the study. An equal distribution of the participants with respect to age (p = 0.064), gender (p = 0.389), and teeth (p = 0.877) was observed between the groups. More cooperative behavior (p < 0.001); lesser anxiety levels (p < 0.001); lower intensity of pain (p < 0.001) were recorded in the children instrumented using Rotary files.ConclusionThe present study concludes that it is preferable to use rotary instrumentation for primary canal preparation in pediatric practice as it has a more positive influence on the behavior of the children, which eventually determines the success of the treatment.Clinical significanceWith rise in the use of rotary files for pulpectomy in primary teeth, the present paper demonstrates the influence of rotary instrumentation technique for canal preparation during pulpectomy on the behavior of the children in a dental chair. This paper throws light for the pedodontists to effectively perform pulpectomy in children with ease without leaving a psychological impact on the children.How to cite this articleGovindaraju L, Subramanian EMG, Jeevanandan G. Comparing the Influence of Conventional and Rotary Instrumentation Techniques on the Behavior of the Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(S-2):S179–S185.

Effectiveness and Safety of Elevated Dosages of Nitrous Oxide on Behavior Management in Pediatric Dentistry

To determine if administering a higher dosage of nitrous oxide (>50%), with a nasal hood in pediatric dental restorative procedures, can allow for a safe and more cooperative experience for the pediatric patient as measured by observable adverse reactions and the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale. A retrospective chart review was completed of 200 patients total, 100 for each nitrous oxide (N2O) dosage group (≤50% vs >50%). Adverse reactions and The Frankl Behavior Rating Scale during pediatric restorative procedures with N2O were compared between the two dosage groups. There were few adverse reactions for both nitrous oxide groups (≤50% vs >50%) and there was no statistical difference in the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale for each group. Patients given more than 50% of nitrous oxide were not found to have an increase in adverse events. Higher concentrations of nitrous oxide (>50%) were not found to be associated with a better behavior score when completing pediatric restorative procedures.

Efficacy of an Innovative Device in Reducing Discomfort during Local Anesthesia Administration in Children: A Clinical Study.

Aim and objectiveTo assess the efficacy of an innovative vibrating device and compare it with the conventional method in reducing discomfort during the administration of local anesthesia.Materials and methodsForty children in the age-group of 4–8 years requiring local anesthesia for routine dental procedures were allocated to either a control or experimental group, with 20 children in each group. The preoperative assessment of behavior was carried out using the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale. Both groups received local anesthesia using the intraoral conventional approach. However, in the experimental group, a vibrating device was simultaneously placed over the cheek during local anesthesia administration. The SEM (sounds, eyes, motor) scale was used to assess the level of comfort or pain during the administration of local anesthesia. Data were subjected to statistical analysis and the level of significance was considered at 5%.ResultsThe mean SEM score in the control group was 6.65 ± 21.95 which was significantly higher than 3.80 ± 1.15 in the experimental group (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe vibrating device was useful and effective in reducing pain and discomfort during intraoral local anesthesia administration.How to cite this articleSubramaniam P, Ghai SK. Efficacy of an Innovative Device in Reducing Discomfort during Local Anesthesia Administration in Children: A Clinical Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(3):353–356.

Application of virtual reality on non-drug behavioral management of short-term dental procedure in children

BackgroundDue to the inherent characteristics of immersion, imagination, and interactivity in virtual reality (VR), it might be suitable for non-drug behavior management of children in dental clinics. The purpose of this trial was to measure the role of VR distraction on behavior management in short-term dental procedures in children.MethodsA randomized clinical trial design was carried out on 120 children aged between 4 and 8 years to identify the comparative efficacy of VR and tell-show-do (TSD) to improve behavioral management during dental procedures. The primary outcomes were evaluated anxiety, pain, and compliance scores in perioperative children. The levels of operative anxiety and pain were assessed using the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) and Wong Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBFS), respectively. The Frankl Behavior Rating Scale (FBRS) was tested before and during dental procedures. The length of the dental procedure was compared between both groups after treatment.ResultsThe average anxiety and behavioral scores of the VR group significantly reduced compared with the control. The decreased anxiety score for the VR group and control group were 8 (7, 11) and 5 (5, 7), p < 0.05. The compliance scores of the control group during treatment were 3 (2, 3), and the same in the VR intervention were 3 (3, 4), p = 0.02. A significant reduction in pain was observed when using VR distraction (p < 0.05). Comparing the length of the dental procedure, the VR group (19.0 2 ± 5.32 min) had a shorter treatment time than the control group (27.80 ± 10.40 min).ConclusionThe use of VR significantly reduced the anxiety and pain of children and the length of the dental procedure and improved the compliance of children that underwent short-term dental procedures without an adverse reaction.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000029802. Registered on February 14, 2020

Gagging and cooperation in 4-12-year-old children over a series of dental appointments.

The purposes were to evaluate if gagging can affect children's cooperation with treatment, investigate possible changes in gagging and study factors that can predict children's behaviour over dental treatment. 255 children aged 4-12years, needing at least three consecutive dental appointments, completed the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale before examination. The Gagging Problem Assessment was performed before the initial examination and after the third/final appointment. Frankl's Behaviour Rating Scale (FBRS) was used to rate children's behaviour. Multivariate Mixed Linear and Logistic Regression Models were used. Children with definitely positive behaviour were significantly older, less fearful and less likely to gag before treatment. Girls and older children had lower odds of gagging over time, while fearful children had higher odds. There were no statistically significant associations between gagging over time, FBRS and the type of dental treatment at the third appointment. The percentage of children who gagged after the third appointment (27.05%) was significantly lower as compared to the percentage found at the initial appointment (32.54%; p = 0.004). Among the variables studied, age, dental fear, initial GPA and type of treatment were good predictors of children's behaviour during dental treatment.

Cheiloscopy and Dactyloscopy as Behavior Assessment Tool in Dental Settings: A Cross-sectional Study.

PurposeAssessment of children's behavior in the dental setting and its correlation with thumb print and lip print.Materials and methodsThe behavior pattern, lip print pattern, and thumb print pattern of 518 children aged 5–12 years were recorded in their first dental visit. The behavior pattern, lip print pattern, and thumb print pattern were determined using Frankl's Behavior Rating Scale, Tsuchihashi's classification, and Cummin's classification, respectively. The data were tabulated according to the classified criteria and statistically analyzed.ResultsIt was observed that positive and definitely positive Frankl Behavior was associated with the children bearing an arch pattern of thumb print, whereas their lip pattern had no association with their behavior pattern, particularly in dental sittings.ConclusionThumb print pattern can aid as a behavior marker before a child's first dental appointment and this can prove beneficial for both the child and the clinician in providing a high quality of dental care and modify behavior for future dental appointments.How to cite this articleNavit S, Pramanik S, Khan SA, et al. Cheiloscopy and Dactyloscopy as Behavior Assessment Tool in Dental Settings: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(2):238–242.

Prevalence and risk factors of children’s dental anxiety in China: a longitudinal study

ObjectivesDental anxiety remains widespread among children, may continue into adulthood and affect their oral health-related quality of life and clinical management. The aim of the study was to explore the...

Evaluation of children's pain expression and behavior using audio visual distraction.

ObjectivesDental anxiety distresses children and their families with consequent poor oral health and costly pediatric dental services. Children's behaviors could be modified using a distraction technique for improved dental treatment. The study evaluates the effects of an audio‐visual distraction on children's behaviors and pain expressions during dental treatment.Material and MethodsOne hundred healthy children, between 4 and 6 years of age, were randomly assigned to one of two groups: audio visual distraction (AVD, N = 61) group and control (CTR, N = 39) group. The pre and post pain expression was collected using a faces pain rating scale from the participated children. Children's behavior was evaluated using the Frankl behavior rating scale by the assigned dentist. Data was analyzed using chi‐squared tests and analysis of variance.ResultsThe AVD group demonstrated more “definitely positive” behavior (91.8%) compared to the CTR group (35.9%) based on the Frankl scale evaluation from pre‐ and post‐treatment (p < 0.0001). The pain rating scale did not demonstrate a significant difference in post‐treatment pain scales (p = 0.2073) or changes in pain (p = 0.1532) between the AVD group and CTR group.ConclusionsThe AVD is an effective distraction tool for young children during dental treatment regardless of child's subjective pain expression.

Impact of lockdown on children's lifestyle and their collaboration during dental sessions.

To analyse lifestyle of Italian families during lockdown, evaluating its possible impact on the collaboration of children with the paediatric dentist and associated predictive factors. Only patients aged between 3 and 16 years, who had started treatment before the lockdown and had spent this periodwith both parents were included in the study. The interviews were carried out using an anonymous questionnaire that assessed school and play activities, the type of diet, the time dedicated to home oral hygiene and the activities carried out with parents. Parents' work situation during lockdown was included to correlate it with time spent at home. The Frankl Behavior Rating Scale was used to determine the degree of cooperation during dental sessions pre- and post-lockdown. Chi-square test and Fisher's Exact tests were used to identify statistical associations of improvement with each categorical variable. Student's t-test was used to highlight the differences in mean values of continuous variables between subjects considered more cooperative and unimproved subjects. Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess the goodness-of-fit of the model. Assumption of linearity of independent variables and log-odds were assessed by Box-Tidwell transformation. Final selection was carried out using the Akaike criterion and all statistical analyses were carried out using the STATA statistical software package. The sample consisted of 212 patients (103F; 109M). The age ranged between 3 and 16 years with an average age of 9.03 years; 82.08% (95% CI 76.24-86.99) of the subjects showed an improvement in collaboration compared to pre-lockdown. Logistic analysis reveals a statistically significant increase of the odds of improvement in patients with a lower pre-lockdown collaboration (OR: 6.05, p = 0.001), in children with a parental presence at home (jobless, OR : 30.55, p <0.001; in "smart working", OR: 23.06, p <0.001) when compared to children whose parents work away from home. From a further exploratory analysis, time dedicated to home oral hygiene was increased if associated with an increased presence of the parents at home (p = 0.015). Changes in family routines and increased parental presence at home, during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, are associated with improved collaboration of children during dental sessions. A statistical association between the increase in time spent on oral hygiene and the increased presence of parents at home was found.

Robotic approach to the reduction of dental anxiety in children

Objective We introduced a humanoid robot for the use of techno-psychological distraction techniques in children aged 4–10 to reduce their anxiety and improve their behaviour during dental treatment.Materials and methods Two hundred children (98 boys, 102 girls; mean age: 6.5 ± 1.66 years) appointed for first time for dental caries were included and randomly divided into two groups [N = 100 for each group; RG: Robot Group (accompanied by the robot), CG: Control Group (without robot accompaniment)]. Half of the children were treated under local anaesthesia (infiltration anaesthesia) (n = 50 within each group) and half of the children were treated without any local anaesthesia (n = 50 within each group) within each group. The success rate of the new robotic distraction technique was evaluated by using Parental Corah Dental Anxiety Scale, Facial Image Scale (FIS), physiological pulse rate and Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale (FBRS).Result Pulse rates, which measured during treatment and after treatment, were statistically higher in CG than in RG (p < .05). After dental treatment, the FIS score was significantly higher in CG than RG (p < .05). 88.3% of the children in RG stated that they wanted the robot to be with them at the next treatment session.Conclusions Robotic technology can successfully help in coping with dental anxiety and stress, and helps children to behave better in dental office.

Articaine efficacy and safety in young children below the age of four years: An equivalent parallel randomized control trial.

Pain control is a mandatory aspect in pediatric dentistry office through local anesthesia. To assess the safety and efficacy of 4% articaine local anesthetic in young children below four years old. An equivalent randomized control trial with two parallel arms included 184 young children (92 per group) aged from 36 to 47months seeking pulpotomy of mandibular primary molars which performed after buccal infiltration injection. The control group received lidocaine hydrochloride 2% with epinephrine 1:100000. The intervention was articaine hydrochloride 4% with epinephrine 1:100000. Children's behavior during injection and treatment have assessed using Faces, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability (FLACC) and child's behavior using Frankl Behavior Rating Scale (FBRS). In addition, post-operative complications have been addressed. Both anesthetic agents were equivalent during the injection phase. During the treatment phase, the absolute risk difference (ARR) between the two groups was 0.120 (95% CI: -0.003; 0.243). The maximum limit of 95% CI surpassed the margin of equivalence, indicating that less pain has been expressed during pulpotomy among children delivered articaine when compared to their counterparts in the lidocaine group. Concerning post-operative complications, no statistically significant difference was detected between the two anesthetic drugs. The findings supported the efficient and secure use of articaine hydrochloride 4% with epinephrine 1:100000 to treat children between the ages of 3 and below 4years old.

Dental Fear and Anxiety of Kindergarten Children in Hong Kong: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objectives: The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to investigate the fear level of kindergarten children in the general population during dental outreach in a familiar kindergarten setting, and to explore the factors associated with the dental fear of kindergarten children. Method: Consecutive sampling method was used to select kindergarten children aged 3 to 5 to participate in a questionnaire survey and an outreach service. A behavioural observation type of instrument for dental fear and anxiety assessment—Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale (FBRS)—was chosen to investigate the fear level of the children. Bivariate analyses between various factors and children’s dental fear and anxiety were carried out using Chi-square test. Results: A total of 498 children participated in this study. Almost half (46%) of the children have had caries experience, and the mean dmft score was 2.1 ± 3.4. The prevalence of dental caries was 32%, 43%, and 64% in the 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds, respectively. Only 4% of the children scored negatively for dental fear and anxiety (95% CI 2.3%–5.7%). Children at three years of age displayed more dental fear and anxiety than children of older ages, but the difference in dental fear and anxiety among the genders and caries status was not statistically significant. Most of the children (92%) brushed daily, but only 20% of them used toothpaste. Most (85%) of them had never visited the dentist, and over 70% of them were mainly taken care by their parents. High levels of positive and cooperative behaviour and low levels of fear were found in this population. No statistical significance was found between the child’s dental fear and any factors except age. Conclusion: Children generally displayed low fear or anxiety levels in a dental outreach consisting of a non-invasive oral examination and preventive treatment in a familiar kindergarten setting. Conducting regular outreach dental services to kindergartens by providing oral examination and simple remineralisation therapies could be a promising strategy to not only control childhood caries, but also manage and reduce dental fear and encourage long term dental attendance in line with the medical model.