Effectiveness of Single Visit Dentist-Led Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Dental Fear and Anxiety in Children: A Randomized Control Trial.

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of single-visit dentist-led cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing dental fear and anxiety (DFA) and improving cooperation in children aged six to eight years undergoing dental treatment with and without local anesthesia (LA). Methods: Seventy-six children (six to eight years) with a Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) score of 38 or higher, needing dental treatment, either with LA (N equals 38) or without LA (n equals 38), were randomly divided into two groups: Group I received conventional behavior guidance techniques (control), and Group II received CBT. Dental procedures were video recorded. Anxiety and cooperation were assessed using Venham's clinical anxiety scale (VCAS) and Venham's clinical cooperation scale (VCCS), respectively. Pre-operative and post-operative pulse rate and CFSS-DS scores were recorded. Results: CBT significantly reduced CFSS-DS scores in children undergoing dental treatment with LA (P<0.001) and without LA (P=0.003). Post-operative VCAS and VCCS scores were comparatively lower in children who received CBT, irrespective of the treatment. Additionally, CBT significantly lowered VCCS scores in children undergoing treatment with LA (P=0.046). Conclusion: Cognitive behavioral therapy effectively reduced dental fear and anxiety in children undergoing dental treatment with and without local anesthesia and is a feasible behavior management strategy.