ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the anxiety levels in children while using rubber dam and OptraDam isolation techniques. Materials and methods: This study was a crossover trial conducted on 27 selected 6-12-year-old children. The procedure of placement of either of the isolation techniques was told and demonstrated using audiovisual aid. The sequence of the proceedings on each child (rubber dam or OptraDam) was determined randomly using toss of coin. Second demonstration was carried out 7 days after the first demonstration. The anxiety experienced was recorded using Venham's anxiety scale at two time points-after verbal explanation and after the audiovisual demonstration. The study also objectively assessed the anxiety by measuring the salivary malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of two patients. Results: When mean values of Venham's anxiety scores after verbal explanation and after audiovisual demonstration were compared for each of the two techniques using paired Student's t test, there was statistically significant decrease in the anxiety score following audiovisual demonstration in both the techniques. When the scores between two groups after verbal explanation and after audiovisual demonstration were compared using repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA), the reported anxiety scores were significantly lesser for the OptraDam technique (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Audiovisual demonstration reduced the anxiety of children when compared to verbal explanation for both isolation techniques. OptraDam isolation was found to be less anxiety generating in children compared to rubber dam isolation. Clinical significance: When using modern adhesive techniques, a good isolation of the working field is an important requirement for better prognosis. OptraDam being the latest addition to the rubber dam family, if found to be more children friendly can solve majority of the problems related to isolation in pediatric dentistry. How to cite this article: S Mahima, YM Karuna, Shenoy R, et al. Evaluation of Anxiety Levels in Children while using Rubber Dam and OptraDam Isolation Techniques. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(2):287-291.
ABSTRACT
CONTEXT: Assessing dental anxiety as a predictor of the likely behavior of the child in the dental operatory is of paramount importance for a clinician to render quality care. AIM: This study aims to correlate the dental anxiety of preschool children as shown during the doll placement test with that of their behavioral patterns during the first dental visit. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted between the ages of 3-7 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During their first dental visit, the background variables were elicited from parent/guardian at the reception desk. Later at the play area, the child was given a set of dolls representing dentist, child, and mother to place them in a model dental office having a dental chair. The child was then taken for the initial oral examination, during which the behavior of the child was rated using Frankl's Behavior Rating Scale. The data collected were analyzed using Chi-square test and binary regression analysis. RESULTS: The observed association between the doll placement pattern and the behavior of the patient during dental treatment was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The binary regression analysis showed that the child's unpleasant previous medical and parent's unpleasant dental experiences had higher odds favoring uncooperative behavior (46.63 and 41.93, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The child's behavior on the dental chair is associated with the doll placement pattern, which is also influenced by experiences of the child during his/her encounter with the medical doctor and previous dental experiences of their parents.
