Effectiveness of Robot-pets in Reducing Dental Anxiety in Children

In the researchers' words

Dental anxiety is a psychological condition marked by fear and worry about potential negative experiences during dental treatment, often accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. Dental anxiety is common in children and adolescents and is associated with a lower quality of life related to oral health. Furthermore, it correlates with an increased incidence of untreated caries. Using behavioral management techniques can help children cope with dental anxiety, making it easier for them to undergo treatment in a positive and healthy way. Primarily aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of using a robot-pet to reduce dental anxiety in children. Additionally, the research aims to compare the efficacy of this technique with the audiovisual distraction technique and to evaluate children's perceptions regarding the use of a robot-pet.