Dental anxiety prediction using Venham Picture test: A preliminary cross-sectional study

• Main Authors: M Agarwal, U M Das
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2013-01-01
• Series: Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry
• Subjects: Behavior management; clinical trials; first dental visit; Venham Picture test
• Online Access: http://www.jisppd.com/article.asp?issn=0970-4388;year=2013;volume=31;issue=1;spage=22;epage=24;aulast=Agarwal

Anxiety or fearfulness affects a child′s behavior, and to a large extent, determines the success of a dental treatment. It is essential to identify anxious children at the earliest age possible rather than simply deal with them later. It is crucial that every effort be made to ensure a positive experience for each child patient. Appropriate acknowledgment of patient′s anxiety can solidify their confidence and allows the pediatric dentist an informed review of potential management options specific to every individual. In the present cross-sectional study, Venham Picture, a psychometric test, was used to estimate the prevalence of dental anxiety among children in the age group 6-10 years, with and without previous dental experience.