Comparative Evaluation of Behavioral Management Techniques in Reducing Dental Anxiety Among Children Aged 4–8 Years: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Dental anxiety is a prevalent concern in pediatric patients, often leading to compromised oral healthcare outcomes. Effective behavioral management techniques are essential in reducing anxiety and facilitating successful dental treatments. Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 90 children aged between 4 and 8 years attending a pediatric dental clinic. The participants were randomly divided into three groups (n = 30 each): Group A (Tell-Show-Do), Group B (audiovisual distraction), and Group C (modeling). Anxiety levels were assessed before and after the intervention using the Facial Image Scale (FIS) and Pulse Rate Monitoring with a pulse oximeter. Results: All three techniques led to a significant reduction in anxiety levels post-intervention. The mean FIS score decreased from 4.2 ± 0.6 to 2.1 ± 0.5 in Group A, 4.3 ± 0.5 to 1.9 ± 0.4 in Group B, and 4.1 ± 0.7 to 2.3 ± 0.6 in Group C (P < 0.001). The pulse rate also showed a reduction: Group A (from 105.4 ± 8.2 bpm to 92.1 ± 7.4 bpm), Group B (from 106.8 ± 7.9 bpm to 89.3 ± 6.5 bpm), and Group C (from 104.6 ± 8.6 bpm to 95.8 ± 7.8 bpm). Audiovisual distraction showed the greatest reduction in both subjective and physiological parameters of anxiety compared to the other groups. Conclusion: All three behavioral management techniques were effective in reducing dental anxiety among children aged 4–8 years. However, audiovisual distraction proved to be the most effective, followed by Tell-Show-Do and modeling.