Evaluation of Children’s Drawings as a Measure of Dental Anxiety Before and After Oral Health Education

Bulut G. F., Kılınç G., Güney S. E.

NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE, vol.27, no.8, pp.983-989, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 27 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_241_24
  • Journal Name: NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.983-989
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

 Drawing is an effective tool for evaluating dental anxiety and communicating with children. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate children’s drawings as a measure of dental anxiety with two different assessment methods and their possible relationship with age, gender, and previous dental visits before and after education. Methods: A total of 129 children aged 4-6 years old were requested to draw a picture of the dentist and dental office perception before and after a 20-minute dental education at selected Kindergartens. Drawings were evaluated according to Child Drawing: Hospital (CD: H) and Massoni methodologies. Results: The difference in drawing groups between before and after oral health education was found to be statistically significant which meant children had less anxiety after education (P = 0.001). A statistical difference was observed in the scores before and after the education in the group of children who had previous dental visits and those who did not (P = 0.001). Statistically significant differences were observed in both groups of children who had previous dental visits and those who did not (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Oral health education at younger ages is effective in overcoming dental anxiety and improving the positivity of dental perception. Drawing is a suitable assessment tool for learning about the child’s notions and feelings.