A Comparative Study to evaluate Parent's Ability to assess Dental Fear in their 6- to 10-year-old Children using Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale

Global prevalence of early childhood dental fear and anxiety: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this review is to determine the global prevalence of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) in early childhood and identify its related factors.

METHODS

The systematic review utilized three common English-language databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science). Two independent researchers performed a systematic search to include observational studies on young children published from 2000 to 2023. They extracted information on prevalence of DFA, assessment tools used, study sites, respondents, and children's dental visit experiences.

RESULTS

A total of 2,895 studies were identified, and 25 studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The pooled prevalence of DFA among 2- to 6- year-old children was estimated to be 30 % (95 % CI=25, 36). Children without dental visit experience (OR=1.37, 95 % CI=1.18, 1.59) and children with caries experiences (OR=1.18, 95 % CI=1.09, 1.27) had higher odds of experiencing DFA compared to those with dental visit experience or caries-free status. The most commonly used assessment tools in the included studies were the Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale (32 %, 8/25), Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (20 %, 5/25), and Dental Anxiety Question (20 %, 5/25).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review reveals that approximately one-third of young children globally experience DFA. Children who lack dental visit experience or have caries experiences are at increased risk of DFA. Clinicians can use this information to make informed decisions regarding dental care provision for young children.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study provides comprehensive information on the global prevalence of dental fear and anxiety and its associated factors in early childhood. The findings can assist clinicians in understanding and addressing DFA in their dental care approach for young children.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO (CRD42023446464).

Child dental fear and past dental experience: comparison of parents' and children's ratings

PURPOSE

To compare the parental and child versions of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) and the parental and child evaluations of the Child's Past Dental Experience (CPDE) in 4- to 12-year-old children in a sample from Greece.

METHODS

537 families (652 children) with 4- to 12-year-old children seeking dental care either at a University paediatric dental clinic (UC) (50.8%) or a paediatric private practice (PP) participated. Parents completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the parental Greek version of the CFSS-DS, and children independently completed the child's Greek version. All family members answered questions about CPDE. Statistical analyses were based on multilevel models (p < 0.05).

RESULTS

Mothers' and fathers' mean CFSS-DS total scores were not significantly different from each other (p = 0.655), but were significantly higher than the scores of their sons and daughters (p < 0.001), regardless of the child's age. There was a negative association between mother's age and CFSS-DS agreement, but not for fathers. There was poor agreement for CPDE ratings between children and both parents, regardless of gender. Parents' ratings of CPDE were not related to their assessment of their children's dental fear, whilst the children's ratings of their CPDE were significantly related to their current dental fear. Location (UC or PP) had no significant influence on CFSS-DS or CPDE parental-child differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Both parents overestimated their sons' and daughters' dental fear. There was poor agreement on CPDE evaluation between parents and children. Parental CFSS-DS and CPDE evaluations are poor indicators of children's dental fear and prior dental experience.