Abstract
AIM: Behavior management approaches in treating children are generally viewed as techniques to enhance communication with patients to promote positive attitudes. Patients, particularly children, consider visiting a dental clinic to be a difficult and painful experience, so a dentist who treats children should have a variety of behavior management techniques. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Tell Show Do (TSD) and a mobile app in reducing dental anxiety among children patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A clinical trial study with 66 children aged 6-8 years was divided into three groups by the randomization method, which was performed in two steps: the first step used a random group generator template for excel to distribute the 66 children into three groups (each group 22), and the second step by excel function (RAND) to make the sequence for children. The sample was divided into three groups; each group has 22 children: Group I (TSD), Group II mobile app (Little Lovely Dentist), and Group III control. ClI fillings of the primary molars were provided to all participants. Anxiety levels were measured using physiological methods (heart rate and oxygen saturation by pulse oximeter) and psychological methods (Venham picture test) before treatment, during the education stage, and after treatment. The statistical tests were the paired t test for intragroup comparison and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for intercomparison. RESULTS: One-way ANOVA showed a significantly lower pulse rate in the mobile app group after treatment, significantly higher SPO(2) saturation in the mobile app group than in the TSD and control groups, and significantly lower Venham scores in the mobile app group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: The use of the Little Lovely Dentist mobile app decreased dental anxiety levels in children's first dental visit more than both the TSD technique and control groups when compared.