Assessment of choice and anxiety toward different dentist's attires among 5–12-year-old children in dental operatory

Abstract

Introduction: Fear and anxiety toward dentists, syringes, and white coats are significant issues affecting the treatment of pediatric patients. According to D.C.I guidelines for the COVID-19 pandemic, it was made mandatory to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) for dental professionals, adding one more cause of fear and anxiety, which made it more challenging to treat pediatric patients. Friendly dentist attire can make a positive impact on a patient's behavior. Aim: This study aimed to assessment of choice for dentist's attire and their effect on anxiety of 5–12-year-old children. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, IDS, Bareilly. To assess the choice of dentist's attire, a questionnaire consisting of 15 closed and open-ended questions was formulated and was asked to be filled by 182 patients with the help of their parents, who reported in our operatory. To assess the pre- and postanxiety levels among patients, vitals (blood pressure and pulse rate) and facial image scores were recorded. Data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Majority of the children, i.e., 58.8%, showed preference for modified PPE with cartoon characters. Facial Image Scale: Score 2, i.e., sad face, was scored by 7% of children at baseline, and was reduced to only 1% after attire selection. Significant differences were seen in physiological parameters. Conclusion: Clinician's attire and appearance play a major role in behavior modification of anxious children. Modified PPE with cartoon characters was the attire of choice for the majority of children.

Keywords

• cross-infection
• dental anxiety
• dentist's attire
• modified personal protective equipment with cartoon characters
• pediatric patients