Comparative evaluation of anxiety levels in children prepared for conventional dental treatment procedures using three behavior shaping techniques

Purpose: To evaluate and compare anxiety levels in children prepared for oral prophylaxis and topical fluoride varnish application using three behavior shaping techniques- tell-show-do, live modeling and filmed modeling. Methods: Sixty three subjects (7-9 years) with Frankl’s score 3 and 4 were allocated in three groups using randomized block design, each group having 21 patients. Group I-children prepared for oral prophylaxis and topical fluoride varnish application by means of tell show do (TSD) technique; Group II- children prepared for oral prophylaxis and topical fluoride varnish application by means of live modeling; Group III-children prepared for oral prophylaxis and topical fluoride varnish application by means of filmed modeling. Facial Image Scale with image scores and heart rate were used to record the anxiety. Scores were taken before, during and after the dental treatment procedures. Results: It was observed that, before, during and after oral prophylaxis and topical fluoride varnish application procedures, highest anxiety score was seen in Group I, followed by Group II whereas least anxiety score was seen in group III. Conclusion: Filmed modeling can be an efficient method in pre-appointment preparation of children during dental treatment procedures.