Completed

NCT Number: NCT07596771

Effects of AI-Generated Animated Videos on Dental Anxiety in Children

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the overall effect of an artificial intelligence-generated, instrument-specific animated video series compared with the conventional Tell-Show-Do (TSD) technique on dental anxiety in children aged 4 to 8 years. The study will also investigate whether the anxiety-reducing effect differs according to the dental instrument introduced.

Researchers will compare the animated video series with the conventional Tell-Show-Do technique across four dental instruments: dental mirror, dental probe, micromotor handpiece, and saliva ejector.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the study groups. Children will either watch an instrument-specific animated educational video or receive the Tell-Show-Do technique related to a specific dental instrument. Dental anxiety levels will be evaluated using the Facial Image Scale (FIS), Venham Picture Test (VPT) and Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale-Faces version (MCDASf), together with pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels, before and after the application procedure.

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Key information

Conditions

Pediatric Dental Anxiety

Age range

4 year–8 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Faculty of Dentistry

Alanya, Antalya, 07425, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This prospective, single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial will evaluate the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence-generated animated educational video series in reducing dental anxiety among children aged 4 to 8 years. The study uses a 2×4 factorial design to compare the animated video series with the conventional Tell-Show-Do (TSD) technique across four commonly used dental instruments: dental mirror, dental probe, micromotor handpiece, and saliva ejector.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of eight study groups according to intervention type and dental instrument. Only healthy children with no previous dental treatment experience and a Frankl Behavior Rating Scale score of 3 or 4 will be included in the study. Children in the animation groups will watch an instrument-specific animated educational video, while children in the control groups will receive the conventional Tell-Show-Do technique for the same instrument.

Dental anxiety will be assessed using the Facial Image Scale (FIS), Venham Picture Test (VPT), and Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale-Faces version (MCDASf). Physiological parameters including pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels will also be recorded before and after the application procedure.

The study aims to investigate both the overall effectiveness of the animated educational video series and the instrument-specific differences in anxiety reduction among pediatric dental patients.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

Age 4-8 years
Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale score of 3 or 4 (positive or definitely positive) at initial assessment
No previous restorative or surgical dental treatment
ASA physical status classification I or II
Ability to communicate in Turkish
Written informed consent from the parent or legal guardian

Exclusion criteria

Confirmed neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
Clinically significant visual or hearing impairment
Prior exposure to formal behaviour management conditioning programmes
Requirement for emergency dental care at the study appointment

Treatment and study plan

AI-Generated Animated Video Series

Behavioral

An original four-episode animated video series produced using AI-assisted animation tools. Each episode is approximately 60 seconds in duration and is designed around a single dental instrument, featuring a recurring maternal character and anthropomorphic dental germ characters whose mischievous behaviour is resolved through the action of the featured instrument. Each child viewed only the single episode corresponding to the instrument assigned to their group.

Tell-Show-Do (TSD) Technique

Behavioral

The standard Tell-Show-Do technique applied specifically to the instrument assigned to each group. The clinician verbally described the instrument's name, appearance, and function using age-appropriate language (Tell); demonstrated it on the child's hand before approaching the mouth (Show); and applied it intra-orally (Do). Each TSD session lasted approximately 4 minutes, matching the viewing time of the single animated episode in the intervention condition.

Primary outcomes

Venham's Picture Test (VPT)

Time frame: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)

An eight-item pictorial anxiety measure requiring children to select the image (anxious or non-anxious figure) that best represents their feelings (score range 0-8).
Facial Image Scale (FIS)

Time frame: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)

A five-item pictorial self-report scale depicting faces ranging from very happy (1) to very unhappy (5), validated for use in children aged ≥ 4 years with limited literacy.

Secondary outcomes

Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale - Faces Version (MCDASf)

Time frame: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)

A six-item self-report scale using facial images (score range 6-30), validated for the paediatric dental setting.
Heart Rate (HR)

Time frame: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)

Measured using a paediatric pulse oximeter positioned on the index finger of the non-dominant hand. The mean of two consecutive readings was used for analysis.
Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)

Time frame: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)

Measured using a paediatric pulse oximeter positioned on the index finger of the non-dominant hand. The mean of two consecutive readings was used for analysis.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Instrument-Specific Effects of an AI-Generated Animated Video Series on Dental Anxiety in Paediatric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: AIVDAC

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: May 19, 2026
Registry last updated: Jun 16, 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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