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NCT Number: NCT07387055

Effect of Artificial Intelligence on Assessing Dental Anxiety in Children

The goal of this observational study was to evaluate an artificial intelligence-assisted projective method for assessing dental anxiety in young children and to understand how the first child-dentist interaction affected dental anxiety. The main questions it aimed to answer were:

Did the artificial intelligence-assisted projective method provide a valid and reliable assessment of dental anxiety in children aged 3 to 6 years? Did dental anxiety change after the child's first interaction with the dentist during the first dental visit? Children aged 3 to 6 years who attended their first dental visit as part of routine dental care took part. During the same visit, dental anxiety was assessed before and after the initial child-dentist interaction using picture-based dental anxiety scales and the newly developed projective method. All assessments were completed on the same day.

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Key information

Conditions

Dental Anxiety Artificial Intelligence (AI) Test Anxiety Scale

Age range

3 year–6 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Kütahya Health Sciences University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry

Kütahya, Centre, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This study evaluated the validity and reliability of an artificial intelligence-assisted projective assessment tool using the Facial Image Scale, the Venham Picture Test, and the Raghavendra, Madhuri, and Sujata Pictorial Scale as comparator measures. Dental anxiety was assessed with the AI-assisted tool and all comparator scales immediately before and immediately after the child's first interaction with the dentist during the same visit. Reliability was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), agreement was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis, and criterion validity was assessed using Spearman rank correlation. Pre-interaction and post-interaction dental anxiety scores were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test separately for each measurement tool.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • The child and the parent/guardian agree to participate in the study.
  • The child's native language is Turkish.
  • The child is attending their first dental visit.
  • The child has no systemic disease.
  • The child is able to cooperate sufficiently to complete the initial dental examination.

Exclusion criteria

  • Current use of medication, a known history of allergy, or the presence of any mental or physical disability

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. AI-Assisted Projective Dental Anxiety Assessment Tool Score

    Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the initial child-dentist interaction (same visit)

    Dental anxiety is assessed using an AI-Assisted projective assessment tool. The score ranges from 1 to 5, and higher scores indicate higher dental anxiety.

  2. Facial Image Scale (FIS) Score

    Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the initial child-dentist interaction (same visit)

    Dental anxiety is assessed using the FIS. The score ranges from 1 to 5, and higher scores indicate higher dental anxiety.

  3. Venham Picture Test (VPT) Score

    Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the initial child-dentist interaction (same visit)

    Dental anxiety is assessed using the VPT. The score ranges from 0 to 8, and higher scores indicate higher dental anxiety.

  4. Raghavendra, Madhuri, and Sujata Pictorial Scale (RMS-PS) Score

    Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the initial child-dentist interaction (same visit)

    Dental anxiety is assessed using the RMS-PS. The score ranges from 1 to 5, and higher scores indicate higher dental anxiety.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sümeyra Akkoç

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Artificial Intelligence on the Development of Projective Methods Used in the Determination of Dental Anxiety in Children

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Feb 4, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 4, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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