The Effect of Teledentistry on Dental Anxiety in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul, Turkey. The study included 200 children aged 7-11 years with no previous dental visits, dental treatment experience, or dental complaints. Participants were randomly allocated to either a teledentistry group (n=100) or a conventional clinical examination group (n=100). In the teledentistry group, children participated in a standardized synchronous 3-5-minute pre-appointment consultation via WhatsApp. During the consultation, children were introduced to the dentist, dental instruments, oral health concepts, and the examination process. The conventional group underwent direct face-to-face examination without prior virtual interaction. Dental anxiety was assessed using the Facial Image Scale (FIS), heart rate, and oxygen saturation measured before and after clinical examination. The primary outcome was the difference in post-examination FIS scores between groups. Secondary outcomes included changes in heart rate and oxygen saturation.

Inclusion criteria

• Children aged 7 to 11 years.
• Children attending their first dental examination appointment.
• Children requiring a non-emergency dental examination.
• Children and their parents/legal guardians who provided written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Children with previous dental treatment experience.
• Children with systemic diseases, neurological disorders, or developmental disabilities that could affect anxiety assessment.
• Children requiring emergency dental treatment.
• Children whose parents/legal guardians did not provide consent.