JOURNAL OF UPDATES IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY - Volume 2 Issue 1, Volume 2, Issue 1, January-June 2023

Pages: 38-43

Date of Publication: 01-Dec-2023

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Effect of personal protective equipment on dental anxiety of 5 to 10 year old children: An observational study

Author: Sortey Sargam Nagpal Devendra

Category: Pediatric Dentistry

Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of personal protective equipment on dental anxiety in 5- to 10-year-old children in dental offices.

Methods: 60 children aged 5 to 10 were randomly allocated to three study groups: CA group (colourful cartoon-printed attire, head cap, N95 mask, face shield, and hand gloves); C-PPE group (complete conventional PPE (gown, shoe covers, head cap, N95 mask, goggles, hand gloves, and face shield); and M-PPE group (modified colourful PPE (protective gown and face shield modified with cartoon pictures, shoe covers, head cap, N95 mask, goggles, hand gloves, and face shield). The child’s anxiety was assessed at baseline and after showing a photograph of a pediatric dentist in particular attire using the facial image scale. Preference for attire was later evaluated.

Results: Intergroup comparison of mean anxiety scores after showing photographs in the three groups showed a statistically significant difference between the CA group and the M-PPE group (p = 0.024) and the C-PPE group and the M-PPE group (p = 0.0001). A statistically significant increase in anxiety in the C-PPE group and a decrease in the M-PPE group were observed. 88.8% of the children preferred modified PPE.

Conclusion: PPE decreases non-verbal communication, affecting the rapport between a paediatric dentist and patients. But modifying it with colourful, relatable content can allay children’s anxiety

DOI: 10.54276/JUPD.2023.2106

DOI URL: http://doi.org/10.54276/JUPD.2023.2106