Aliaa A Refaie, Ahmed H Wahba And Salwa M Awad,
ABSTRACT
Objective: The Purpose Of This Study Was To Investigate The Effect Of Dentists? Appearance And Decoration Of The Dental Clinic On Child Anxiety Using Frankl Scale For Behaviors And Facial Image Scale.
Methods: The Study Was Conducted On 280 Children Their Age Ranged Between 3-6 Years. They Had Been Selected From Pediatric Dentistry Clinic, Faculty Of Dentistry, Mansoura University. The Children Were Randomly Divided Into Two Main Groups According To The Sample Design. In The First Group, Anxiety Of 240 Children Were Evaluated In Relation To Different Variables Of Dentists? Appearance ( Age ,sex ,attire, Protective Wear). In The Second Group, Anxiety Of Other 40 Children Were Evaluated In Relation To Different Clinic Decoration (general Design Or Pediatric Design) Researcher Had Standard Dentists? Appearance (white Coat With Standard Protective Wear). All Participated Children Were Subjected To Examination; Polishing, Excavation (debris, Soft Caries) And Application Of Temporary Filling. Their Behaviors Were Recorded By Researcher According To Frankl Scale And They Asked To Select Their Anxiety Level Using FIS.
Results: In The First Group, Children?s Anxiety Decreased When They Were Treated By Female Operators Wearing Pediatric Coat And Decorated Protective Wear .However, Anxiety Increased With The Operators Wearing Surgical Scrub And Standard Protective Wear. In The Second Group, Children Were Very Happy To Be Treated In Pediatric Dental Clinic Design Over General Dental Clinic Design. There Was High Statistically Significant Difference (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Children Have Strong Preferences Regarding The Appearance Of Their Dentist And Dental Clinics .That Could Greatly Improve A Patient?s Perception Of The Care They Receive. Children?s Anxiety Decreased With Female Operators Wearing Pediatric Colored Coat And Decorated Protective Wear. Also, Children Were Very Happy To Be Treated By Operator Of The Same Gender And In Decorated Dental Clinic Design.
