Researchers of the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals will investigate whether Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) could help children with dental anxiety.
At least one in three children are scared of going to dentists, which leads to dental avoidance and eventually poor oral health, toothaches, dental infections, and tooth decay.
The researchers are set to conduct a study that will involve 600 children from 30 dental practices and clinics across England and Wales.
Prof. Zoe Marshman, Lead Investigator, said, “Dental anxiety is very common in children, and can lead to poor oral health, more tooth decay and extractions.”
“Traditionally, children with dental anxiety have been referred by high street dentists to specialist services for sedation or general anesthetic,” she added. “This approach does nothing to stop their fear, and they may go on to spend a lifetime avoiding the dentist. A simple and cost-effective way of helping dentally anxious children is desperately needed.”
Prof. Marshman and her colleagues will be investigating a new approach based on CBT that involves dental professionals, children, and parents working together using specially designed resources. They will try to understand why children are anxious and give them information and choices about the dental procedures they may need.
There is strong evidence to support that CBT is effective for other forms of anxiety and mental health conditions. However, there is currently very limited research into CBT offered specifically by dental professionals, rather than by mental health specialists for children with dental anxiety.
The CBT resources were developed online and a hard copy will be provided to children aged nine to 16 years. The therapy aims to help children provide dental information, suggest strategies for reducing anxiety, encourage reflection, and support better communication, according to News Medical Life Sciences.
”If our study finds CBT resources delivered by dental professionals are effective, then children can be helped directly in high street dental practices without the need to travel for dental treatment in hospitals,” Prof. Marshman said.
“This has the potential to help children who may otherwise spend a lifetime avoiding the dentist and ignoring potentially serious oral problems,” she added. “It may also result in cost savings for the NHS.” The article was originally published today in News Medical Life Sciences.
