An eye tracking analysis for the assessment of visual attention and preferences of children related to the dentist and dental operatory-a cross-sectional pilot study.

Abstract

Purpose: The study aimed to use eye tracking technology to assess children's visual attention and preferences towards paediatric dentists and dental operatory. The secondary objective was to determine the stress levels associated with it.

Methods: A pilot study included 40 children aged 4-12 years. Eye movements were tracked using the View-Point eye tracker, measuring mean dwell time, total fixations, time to first fixation (TTFF), and total fixation time (TFT). Respiratory and heart rates were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test and paired t-test (p < 0.05).

Results: While no significant differences were observed in overall dwell times, TTFF, or TFT among image pairs, male children showed significantly higher dwell times and fixations for male dentist images (p = 0.02; 0.002), with similar results for female children viewing female dentist images (p = 0.007). TFT was longer for images of dentists in white coats (p = 0.008) and yellow dental chairs (p = 0.04). Stress levels did not significantly differ by gender or age.

Conclusion: Eye tracking proves to be a valuable tool in pediatric dentistry for assessing children's preferences. Children of a certain gender preferred dentists of the same gender, while most favoured dentists in white coats and yellow dental chairs. Further research with advanced technology can better explore children's dental preferences in paediatric dental settings.