Impact of Dental Desensitization Facilitated by a Child Life Specialist Distress and Cooperation

NCT06620289 | Enrolling By Invitation

• 1 other identifier: 24-0196
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 59
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The aim of this study is to evaluate whether dental desensitization visits facilitated by a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) significantly impact pediatric patients' distress and cooperation levels from the start of desensitization visit(s) to end of the desensitization visit(s), end of desensitization visit to start of subsequent hygiene appointment, and end of hygiene appointment.

Conditions

Desensitization; Dental Anxiety; Dental Care; Distress, Emotional; Cooperation, Patient

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Frankl Behavioral Rating Scale (FBRS)

  The FBRS is widely used in pediatric dentistry to evaluate patient behavior. FBRS consists of four behavior categories ranging from "definitely positive" to "definitely negative," with higher scores indicating more cooperation. The rating is assigned by the treating pediatric provider and recorded in the patient's medical record at the end of the visit. Participants achieve a scored on a scale ranging from 1 (definitely negative) to 4 (definitely positive).

  From enrollment to the end of study at approximately 3 months.

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Pre-Visit Parent Survey

  Before desensitization visit.

• Repeated Desensitization Visit - Pre-Desensitization Parent Survey

  Before repeated (if applicable) desensitization visits.

• Sensory Tolerance Checklist

  From enrollment to the end of study at approximately 3 months.

• The Children's Fear Scale (CFS)

  From enrollment to the end of study at approximately 3 months.

• Psychosocial Risk Assessment in Pediatrics (PRAP)

  From enrollment to the end of study at approximately 3 months.

Interventions

Dental Desensitization Clinic BEHAVIORAL

The goal of offering desensitization visits is to reduce the dental anxiety and distress of patients and enhance their cooperation during future appointments. The specifics of the desensitization are individualized to meet the unique needs of each patient based on information provided by the parent/caregiver. A standard desensitization visit involves providing the patient the opportunity to sit in the exam chair; touch the toothbrush and rubber prophy cup, mouth mirror, fluoride applicator brush, air-water syringe tip and saliva ejector tip; gain exposure to the dental lights and sounds commonly experienced in the dental visit; practice opening their mouth; and tolerate toothbrush and rubber prophy cup, mirror, explorer, fluoride applicator brush, air-water syringe, and salvia ejector in the mouth. If the child is unable or unwilling to participate, these activities are modeled on the parent or by the CCLS.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 2 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: all
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Pediatric patients and their parents scheduled in the dental center at Children's Hospital Colorado Health Pavillion referred to a child life specialist-facilitated desensitization clinic will be recruited to the study.

You may qualify if:

• Patients and parents of patients aged 2-25 years who have been referred to the desensitization clinic.
• Patients who meet with a CCLS for dental desensitization.

You may not qualify if:

• Patients younger than 2 years old and older than 25 years old.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Children's Hospital Colorado: lead

Study Sites (1)

Children's Hospital Colorado

Aurora, Colorado, 80045, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Patient Compliance

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Patient Acceptance of Health Care; Treatment Adherence and Compliance; Health Behavior; Behavior

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Senior Certified Child Life Specialist

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 25, 2024
• First Posted: October 1, 2024
• Study Start: August 26, 2024
• Primary Completion: May 1, 2026
• Study Completion: May 1, 2026
• Last Updated: April 15, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

US (1)