Comparative evaluation of three different behavior management techniques among children aged 6-12 years in dental practice: A single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial

Background. Dental anxiety is characterized by distress in anticipation of dental visits, which may result in a child's refusal to undergo treatment and, ultimately, lead to parents'reluctance towards dental care. Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the tell-show-do technique, modeling technique and yogic relaxation technique in the reduction of dental anxiety among children aged 6-12 years. Material and methods. The study was an interventional, parallel-group, single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial conducted on 120 children who required restorative treatment without the use of local anesthesia. The participants were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly divided into 3 groups: group 1 - tell-show-do technique; group 2 - modeling technique; group 3 - yogic relaxation technique. The dental anxiety levels were evaluated 4 times using both physiological (oxygen saturation and pulse rate) and behavioral parameters (facial image scale (FIS) and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability scale (FLACC)). The data was assessed by 2 blinded and calibrated specialists. Results. Statistically significant differences were observed in all 4 parameters among the 3 groups. During both the intraoperative and postoperative periods, the oxygen saturation levels were significantly higher in the yogic relaxation technique group. Moreover, the yogic relaxation technique group exhibited lower pulse rates, FIS and FLACC scores compared to the tell-show-do and modeling technique groups. Conclusions. The practice of yoga has a positive influence on the general health of the individual. Consequently, it can be considered one of the alternative behavioral modification techniques for the reduction of dental anxiety in children.