Outcome of Conventional versus Digital Mode of Behaviour Modification with or without Maternal Presence in Paediatric Dental Patients- A Pilot Study

Abstract

Introduction: In managing paediatric patients most common challenge is to encounter child’s fear and anxiety during dental procedures. In modern era smartphone dentist games can be used as a modification of Tell Show Do (TSD) technique. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of different behaviour modification techniques in paediatric patients at first dental visit and to compare conventional techniques: TSD, TSD+maternal presence, Mobile Dental Game (MG) and MG+maternal presence as behaviour modification techniques in preschool children. Materials and Methods: The present pilot study (a randomised parallel group clinical trial) was conducted in the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry of Faculty of Dental Sciences, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana from July 2021 to December 2021 over a period of 6 months in 80 children between the age group of 4 to 6 years with deft (d=decayed, e=extracted due to caries, f=filled, t=teeth) <3 and caries in any primary second molar indicated for Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) filling, visiting the dentist for the first time. Patient with Frankl behaviour rating score of 1 and 2 accompanied by their mothers with positive dental attitude were included. Patients were equally divided into four groups. Behaviour was assessed using Frankl behaviour rating scale, Raghavendra, Madhuri, Sujata Pictorial scale (RMS-PS) and Face, Leg, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale before and after treatment. Both intergroup and intragroup statistical analysis was done using student t-test, Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA test for the test of significance. Results: The mean age of patients in this study was 4.99±0.92 years. The difference between pre and post Frankl behaviour rating score and RMS-PS were statistically significant in all the four groups (p<0.01), whereas difference in pre and post FLACC score was significant in group 2 and 4 (p<0.01). On comparing mean RMS-PS between four groups, significant difference was observed in group 1 and 4 (p<0.01). When mean FLACC score was compared, significant difference was observed between mean scores of group 1 compared to group 2 and Group 4. Conclusion: In the present study all the behaviour modification techniques showed improvement in child’s behaviour but use of digital mode of behaviour management along with maternal presence in paediatric dental operatory had displayed significantly better results.

Keywords

• behaviour rating scale
• mobile application
• preschool children
• smartphone