Managing dental fear and anxiety in pediatric patients: A qualitative study from the public's perspective

Pediatr Dent. 2014 Jan-Feb;36(1):29-33.

Abstract

Purpose: Internet social media offers a rich source for soliciting the public's views on health issues. This qualitative research, using You-Tube as a platform, aimed to explore the public's perspectives on management of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) in pediatric patients.

Methods: Using three keywords ("dental fear," "dental phobia," and "dental anxiety"), YouTube videos were searched. Twenty-seven videos related to DFA in children and adolescents were reviewed by three investigators, including a nondental layperson. Inductive thematic analysis was adopted for interpreting the data.

Results: Several strategies were considered useful for controlling DFA in pediatric patients, including: verbal and nonverbal communication to establish closeness and effective guidance (explanation, permission-seeking, reassurance, and negotiation); desensitization to dental settings and procedures; tell-show-do; positive reinforcement; distraction by imagination and thoughtful designs of clinic; and parental presence and support. Some self-coping strategies adopted by patients alleviated their DFA, such as self-reasoning and trust-building through long-term connection. Dentists' clinical competence, favorable treatment outcomes, and state-of-the-art devices and technologies (dental lasers, intraoral camera, and adapted anaesthesia method) contributed to reducing DFA.

Conclusions: Authentic testimonials in YouTube videos endorsed and interpreted a variety of strategies adoptable by patients, parents, and dental professionals for managing children's and adolescents' dental fears and anxieties.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Attention
  • Child
  • Clinical Competence
  • Communication
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Dental Anxiety / prevention & control*
  • Dental Clinics
  • Dentist-Patient Relations
  • Desensitization, Psychologic
  • Facility Design and Construction
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imagination
  • Internet
  • Male
  • Negotiating
  • Nonverbal Communication
  • Parent-Child Relations
  • Public Opinion*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Reinforcement, Psychology
  • Social Media
  • Technology, Dental
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Video Recording